In many instances, users of this web site will not need to do anything or install any software at all to access our multimedia files -- many web-browsers and operating systems should allow you to view PDFs automatically, or listen to MP3s with software already installed on your computer. But, if you are reading this, it is more likely that something has gone awry.

:: Disclaimer: The information provided on this page comes to you without warranty of any kind. The owner of this web site assumes no liability resulting from the use of the information provided here. This help page exists for the benefit of those unused to browsing the Internet, or accessing multimedia files. This information is provided in the hopes of helping those having trouble accessing the multimedia features of this web site, but the advice given should not be considered definitive. If you are a novice computer user, consult other sources before beginning any procedures you may be uncomfortable with. In most cases, the advice given here will be all you will need -- but if you are unsure of what you are doing, you will have only yourself to blame should something go wrong. =) ::

The most common problem visitors to this web site will experience is the need to install the latest version of the plug-in or software needed! Sometimes, a plug-in will stop working because you have recently loaded some other Internet software to your system and what is needed in this case is simply to reload the plug-in software (AOL is somewhat notorious for creating these problems when you load their software in this user's experience -- thankfully, the solution is a simple one).

Getting a plug-in or program for viewing PDFs, or listening to RealAudio or MP3s is easy -- usually all you have to do is download the software, install it, and you are done. Warning: Be sure to examine the System Requirements list of any software carefully to be sure it will run correctly on your computer system. Most plug-in or program download sites on the Internet will ask you for some personal information (such as your e-mail address, etc.), and run you through a series of questions (such as language desired, the computer operating system you are using, etc.) to help you locate the download you are seeking, and then a pop-up window will allow you to select a location (you should select a directory you can easily find again) to which you wish to download the needed software. In most cases, all you have to do is click on the software installation program you downloaded and the software will install itself to a default location. If it is a plug-in, it will likely search for the browser to which it will install itself (most of the time plug-ins will immediately recognize the presence of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator on your computer system). So really, it's just a series of points and clicks.

Don't be intimidated by these procedures. If there is any advice to give to a novice it might simply be that you shouldn't arbitrarily cancel an installation process until it is truly finished, nor should you shut off your system until the installation procedure is finished. Be patient, sometimes a process is running even when it looks like nothing is happening. If you are bored by the process of installing your software, go get a drink and come back -- it will likely take a minute or so anyway, and a glass of your favorite beverage and the short walk will relieve you of minor stress. =)

If you are having more specific problems, read on...

Help with PDF files:

In the last few years the PDF file type has become a de facto Internet standard used by numerous sites. PDF stands for Portable Document Format, a file type created by Adobe Systems to more easily exchange complex image and text files. The place to go if you need to obtain the free Adobe Acrobat Reader for Windows and Macintosh is here: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html. If you are having trouble accessing our PDF files, first try installing or reinstalling the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Unfortunately, more complex troubleshooting of PDF problems cannot be discussed here. You are advised to seek professional service or to try searching for users with a similar problem on the Internet -- sometimes the easiest solution is also the most economical.

Help with RealAudio files:

Streaming audio is becoming more common as Internet bandwidth increases, and it is available even on low-speed Internet connections through the use of standard Internet technologies like RealPlayer. RealPlayer 8 Basic is the free RealAudio player for Windows and Macintosh. If you need to download the latest version of the RealPlayer go here (the download is halfway down the page on the left where the words "RealPlayer 8 Basic - is our free player" appear, click on that link to download the RealPlayer installation software): http://www.real.com/player/index.html?src=010709realhome_1. If you are having trouble accessing our RealAudio files, first try installing or reinstalling the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. The most common problem you may experience is the need to install a plug-in feature to play our lowest bandwidth files for a dial-up connection at 28.8. Other more complex troubleshooting of PDF problems cannot be discussed here. You are advised to seek professional service or to try searching for users with a similar problem on the Internet -- sometimes the easiest solution is also the most economical.

Help with MP3 files:

No doubt you have heard of this new file type for storing highly compressed digital sound. MP3 is an abbreviation for MPEG Layer 3. To listen to MP3 sound files all you need is a player and the source file you wish to hear on your computer speakers. Below you will find a series of links to help you locate the player that is right for you and your computer system...

MP3 players for Windows:
http://www.winamp.com/download/
http://www.freeamp.org/

MP3 players for Mac:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
http://www.soundjam.com/ov/player.html

MP3 players for Linux:
http://www.freeamp.org/

If you are having trouble accessing our MP3 files, remember that they are not intended to be played as streaming audio -- you need to right click on them, or otherwise download them to your system first, and then click on the downloaded file to play it. If you are having other problems, first try installing or reinstalling the latest version of the MP3 player you have chosen. The most common problem you may experience is the need to install or reinstall your software because other audio programs (like RealPlayer, for example) will try to associate all audio files to themselves. This annoying "hijacking" of your preferred program file associations is fairly common as plug-ins vie for a place on your computer desktop. Other more complex troubleshooting of MP3 problems cannot be discussed here. You are advised to seek professional service or to try searching for users with a similar problem on the Internet -- sometimes the easiest solution is also the most economical.

Good luck in resolving your multimedia troubles, and please come back soon to see what else Harpguy may have uploaded to the web site for your viewing and listening pleasure!