Adobe Acrobat Reader (.pdf)
If you do not already have Adobe Acrobat, you can download Acrobat Reader for free (Windows and Macintosh). PDF files can also be viewed on smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. Instructions for doing this are device specific so check the documentation for your device.
Microsoft Word and
Corel WordPerfect (.doc, .wpd)
If you do not already have Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect, these files may be viewed for free with the Word app or Google Docs.
Microsoft Excel (.xls)
If you do not already have Microsoft Excel, these files may be viewed for free with the Excel app or Google Sheets.
Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt)
If you do not already have Microsoft PowerPoint, these files may be viewed for free with the Powerpoint app or Google Slides.
E-Book (.epub and .mobi)
If you are viewing an e-book from a browser on an e-book device, the document will open automatically. Kindle users should select the "Download to Kindle" option. For all other e-book reader devices, users should select "Download to other E-readers. E-book files can also be downloaded to a desktop computer and then loaded onto e-book reader devices with a USB cable. If you are on a smartphone or tablet, you will need a mobile e-reader app to view e-book files. If you are on a desktop computer using a standard browser such as Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Firefox and would like to view the e-book on the computer, one option is the free software, Adobe Digital Editions (Windows and Macintosh). For desktops using a standard browser, users should select "Download to other E-readers."
Zip Compressed Files
Windows has a zip compression utility built into the operating system. If you are using a Macintosh or running an older Windows operating system and do not already have a compression program such as WinZip, you can download a free trial version of WinZip.