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About Downloading Files

We offer a number of file formats on the AAFP Web site. This page will help you understand software needed to view these file formats.

Microsoft PowerPoint

  • PowerPoint files are used for presentations or slide shows.
  • To view these files you will need Microsoft PowerPoint which is a part of Microsoft Office. If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint, you may view these files using Microsoft's free PowerPoint Viewer.
  • If you have trouble opening PowerPoint files in your Web browser, right-click the link (control-click on a Mac), and save the file to your hard drive. Open the PowerPoint file by double-clicking it.

Microsoft Word

  • Word files are used for formatted text.
  • To view these files you will need Microsoft Word, which is a part of Microsoft Office. If you do not have Microsoft Word, you may view these files using Microsoft's free Word Viewer.
  • If you have trouble opening Word files in your Web browser, right-click the link (control-click on a Mac), and save the file to your hard drive. Open the Word file by double-clicking it.

Microsoft Excel

  • Excel files are used for tables.
  • To view these files you will need Microsoft Excel, which is a part of Microsoft Office. If you do not have Microsoft Excel you can view these files using Microsoft's free Excel Viewer.
  • If you have trouble opening Excel files in your Web browser, right-click the link (control-click on a Mac), and save the file to your hard drive. Open the Excel file by double-clicking it.

Zip Files

  • Zip files are used to store a group of files and make transporting and copying these files faster. A Zip file may contain several files that must be extracted to be used.
  • The ability to open/extract Zip files is built-in to the latest versions of Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. Another commonly used utility to extract Zip files is WinZip.

MP3 and MP4 Files

  • MP3 files (audio) and MP4 files (video) are file types in which the data have been compressed to reduce the file size while maintaining the original quality of the content.
  • You can listen to MP3 files with a computer using software such as iTunes for Mac or Windows or an MP3 Player.
  • You can watch an MP4 file using QuickTime for Mac or Windows or an MP3 player with video capabilities.

Other Files

  • Palm files - After downloading Palm files, they must be loaded on your Palm using the Palm Desktop software which comes with your Palm.
  • PDF files - See the About PDF page for more information about PDF files.
Microsoft, Powerpoint, Word, and Office are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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