I have identified two main sorts of trouble.
For people who can't make the .pdf files download:
1. Be sure that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. This software, available as a free download from Adobe's web site, must be installed on your computer or you won't be able to view .pdf files. I use Adobe 5.0 to make these files; if you are using a version older than Adobe 4.0, that might be part of the problem. To download the reader, click on the Adobe box:
2. I may be making updates on the web page. If you think this is the problem, you can either try again a little later--the process of updating my web sites seldom takes more than five minutes. Feel free to call my office day or night (the phone number is on the syllabus)--I can confirm for you that this is the source of the problem.
3. AOL users have suggested that Adobe needs to be open on your desktop before you try to download a .pdf file.
4. You might need to use a computer lab on campus to access material until you figure out why your computer cannot access .pdf files.
For people who can download the .pdf file but cannot make it print:
1. Some people are finding that only the first few pages print out. There are two possible sources for this problem:
1a. It may be that you are trying to print the file before it has completely downloaded. A very large .pdf file may take a very long time to download on a very slow modem connection.
1b. It may be that your printer or your print buffer doesn't have enough memory to handle the entire file at once. If this is your problem, try printing the file in pieces--after you click the printer icon, change the "Print Range" from "All" to "Pages from". Use the next two boxes to select a few pages at a time.
2. If your page has streaks through it where nothing prints, this might be from a memory problem as well--refer to 1b.
3. Some people are finding that their inkjet printers do a fine job printing these files; others complain that the resolution is too low--the letters all look fuzzy. If you can't read the printout, try a different printer. On the laser printer in my office, .pdf files look better than a xerox copy--the Adobe software actually seems to improve the clarity of the text.
If you're still having trouble printing .pdf files, Adobe has a web site devoted to trouble-shooting printing problems. At the bottom of that page, you'll find links to other trouble-shooting pages as well. Don't stay in the dark about technical difficulties--let me know as soon as possible if you are having trouble downloading course materials.--Craig