Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need any special software on my computer to view or download files?

PDF Reader

PDF Reader software is required to view, and print PDF files while on the site. Google Chrome, Apple Safari (Mac Only), or Mozilla Firefox have built in PDF Readers. Each reader is proprietary and unique to each browser.

If you want Adobe Reader to be used as the default reader in the browser you use, please use one of the following outside resources. Adobe Reader Help for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.

Other software for different file types

Occasionally we will host other file types such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Archive Zip. To view those files you will need the associated software with those file types.

Web Browser

A modern internet browser with javascript enabled is required. Review Browser Support for more information.

Downloads

Adobe Reader (Free), Google ChromeMozilla FirefoxApple Safari

Note: Downloads are offered as a convenience, not as an endorsement for any products or services. Omnipress and our customers are not responsible for software loaded onto your system. If you have any questions or concerns about your hardware (computer, mobile device, etc) or installed software please see an IT professional familiar with those specific products.


Q. How do I print a file?

PDF Files

Every browser and reader handles printing differently, but all use a printer icon in the tool bar of the PDF reader as a visual indicator on what to click to print. Look for, and click, that icon when viewing a PDF on this site.

PDF Reader has the print icon located at the top center of the PDF. You may have to hold your mouse over the PDF for it to show up.

Chrome has the print icon on bottom right of the PDF. You will need to hold your mouse over PDF for it to show up.

Firefox has the print icon on the right side of the visible toolbar.

Safari Preview does not have an option to print the PDF from the browser window. You will need to open the PDF in the Preview Application to print.

Not all sites allow for printing of the entire PDF document. If you do not see any way to download the PDF there may be an alternative way to accomplish printing listed above.

HTML Pages

Click Control+P (Command+P for Mac) on your keyboard on any page you want to print.


Q. How do I save a file to my computer?

  1. Right Click “Download this PDF”
  2. Select “Save file as…”
  3. Pick where you want the file to be saved.
  4. Click Save

Q. How do I download PDFs to iBooks on my iPad?

  1. Tap “Download this PDF”
  2. After the PDF opens in a new window, tap the screen
  3. “Open in” options should appear on your screen.
  4. Tap “Open in..” to choose the application you want to open the PDF in.
  5. Tap “Open in iBooks” to open it immediately in iBooks.

Q. How to Search the Online Site

Enter a search term or terms into the search box and click the "Search" button (may be a magnifying glass).

The search results will include the following information: Title of file matching search result; Snippet of text that includes highlighted text that matches your search terms

On the search results page some sites will have the option to narrow your search results.

The search engine will ignore parentheses in the search term. To search for a term such as 401(k), you can search for "401 K" to find every instance of 401(k) in the site. You can also search for 401 k, but you will get every instance of 401 and k on a page which may cause you to get more results.


Q. I am having difficulty viewing or downloading a file. What do I do?

If the above information does not help resolve any issues you are having, contact technical support.

Browser Support

Microsoft Edge

Supported

Note: Microsoft Edge replaces Internet Explorer as the default browser that ships with Microsoft Windows. It ships with Windows 10 and is the only Microsoft browser that is supported in Windows 10. 

Internet Explorer Users

Supported: Internet Explorer 10 (IE10), 11 (IE11)

Not Supported: Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) & 9 (IE9)


Google Chrome Users

Supported: 3 most current versions

Chrome uses a built in PDF Reader that is not Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader. Follow the steps below to turn off the built in Reader and switch to Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.

  1. Install Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat if it is not already installed
  2. Open Google Chrome
  3. In the address bar, type …
  4. about:plugins
  5. that's the word about a colon (:), then plugins
  6. The Plug-ins Tab will open
  7. Scroll down until you see either Adobe Acrobat or Reader.
  8. Click the Enable link
  9. Close the Plug-ins tab and restart Chrome.

Safari Users (Mac Only)

Supported: 3 most current versions

Mac's come with a PDF viewer called Preview. If you wish to use Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat you may have to adjust settings to get the PDF to view correctly in your browser.

Run and Fix Adobe Reader for Safari

  1. Download Adobe Reader.
    • Tested with Adobe Reader 10.1
    • Get it free here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
    • If you already have it, you should be able to move on to step 3
  2. After installing Adobe, Run it
  3. Make sure Safari is closed
  4. Go to "Mac HD" > Library > Internet Plug-Ins
  5. Move AdobePDFViewer.plugin to trash
    • You will need to have admin access to do this
  6. Open the site again in Safari.

If you would like a different experience, or do not want to change the reader you can use Firefox or Chrome as a good alternative.


Mozilla Firefox

Supported: 3 most current versions

Most current versions and where to download them

http://browsehappy.com/ does a good job of listing the latest versions available for each web browser.


Why should I update my browser?

Security

Newer browsers protect you better against scams, viruses, trojans, phishing and other threats. They also fix security holes in your current browser!

Speed

Every new browser generation improves speed

Compatibility

Websites using new technology will be displayed more correctly

Comfort & better experience

With new features, extensions and better customisability, you will have a more comfortable web-experience

Technical Support

If you have any technical questions about the site, please use the contact form below.

Support is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central, excluding major US holidays. All support requests are handled within 1 business day, during standard business hours.

Contact technical support by going to our online Technical Support form. An internet connection is required.

Content Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about the content on this site, please contact Rebecca Lunetta at rlunetta@aceee.org.