1. The downloadable files have been saved in a self-extracting zipped format ("filename".exe, where "filename" is whatever I've chosen to call the file). These files are relatively small (150 - 200k when compressed) and they will only take a few seconds to download (even if you have a relatively slow modem).

To save the file from the Web to your computer, simply click on the file you want to download and follow the prompts you will be given. If you've never tried this before, don't worry because it's very simple - it's basically the same as saving any file onto your hard / floppy drive.

Once you have saved the file to your computer, "Run" the file as you would any normal ".exe" file (for example, double-click the file to run it) and the material will automatically recompress in whatever directory you choose (just follow the program prompts you are given).

If you have done this successfully you will see, in the directory to which you saved the uncompressed file, a file with the format "filename".doc (where "filename" is whatever I've chosen to call the file). This file can now be loaded into any Word-compatible word processor.

2. Although this process is a bit long-winded (and possibly confusing if you're not used to using zipped files), it is unfortunately necessary thanks to those very helpful people at Microsoft.

Originally, I put some of the very small files on my Web site in Word .doc format. This meant they could be downloaded and used straight from the Web without having to mess around with zipped files. Although the zip format only adds 50+ Kb to each file size (too small for you to notice much difference in download time, even with a relatively slow modem / connection), this space mounts-up on my server when a large number of files are kept there.

Unfortunately, if you're using the Web and have Office '97 on your computer, whenever you try to download a .doc file Word kicks-in and loads the file as a Web Page (instead of downloading it to your computer). This is, of course, potentially very useful (since it means you can post and read files that are Word formatted), but not everyone has Word '97 (Microsoft are, however, working to rectify this even as I write...).

The file format for decompressed Units is Microsoft Word 7 (originally distributed with Office 95).

This means the materials are in .doc format and you will need this program (or one that understands this file format) to view and print the materials you download. It is possible to view the materials in Word 6 format (this is used by Write, the wordprocessor that comes with Windows 95), although as you might expect some of the formatting is not understood.

If you encounter problems, have a look in the FAQ section on this site, since there may be a solution there.

In addition, the materials use two TrueType fonts you will also need to have on your system to display the materials properly:

a. Arial (regular and bold). This is a common variation of Helvetica and it's likely that you will have this font - or something very close to it - on your machine.

b. Technical (bold). This font may be more problematic and if it's not on your system Windows may substitute a font that messes-up the layout of the materials. If this happens you can either edit them by substituting an appropriate font or you can try to find this font (on the Web, for example).

For copyright reasons it is not possible to make these fonts available for download on this site.