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Browsers -- Netscape and Internet Explorer (IE)

When a web page does not display correctly, it is often because the web browser being used is out-dated.  The latest browsers can be downloaded from Mozilla Firefox, Netscape Browser Central or Microsoft Internet Explorer sites.

Plug-ins

If you receive a message similar to "Windows cannot open this file", it usually means that a different type of program needs to be installed.  The SORA archives are provided in two formats:  PDF and DjVu.  No recommendations are made as to the quality of either format.  However, DjVu files are around 1/4 the size of the pdf files; they will download much faster.

The latest plug-ins can be downloaded from the Adobe Acrobat Viewer or the LizardTech Plugins sites.

Errors Downloading or Viewing PDF Files

A common error message received when attempting to view Adobe Acrobat (pdf) files is, "File does not begins with '%PDF-'."  Another common problem is for a file to begin downloading, but lock up before completing the download.   Adobe offers a support page to help with several issues that may be involved.

The University Library web site is also set to deliver a MIMETYPE of x-pdf for these files.  This header causes a pop-up window to appear, asking if the item should be opened in another program (usually, Adobe Acrobat Reader) or saved to the hard drive.  This behavior cannot be changed.  However, there is a checkbox on the pop-up window that saves the decision made; check this box to automatically have the choice repeated each time a link to a pdf file is clicked.