PDF files have a special format that allows them to be opened and printed on most computers (IBM-type, Mac-type, and UNIX-type) if you have installed the (free) program Adobe(R) Acrobat(R) Reader.  To obtain (by download) and install a free copy, follow the appropriate links from the Adobe Corp. home page. 

Saving a PDF file:  You can save a PDF file to your disk and read/work with it off-line (after signing off from the Web).  To save the file, use the right button on your mouse to right-click on the link to the PDF file.  A pop-up screen should then appear asking if you want to:

-- save the file to disk 
-- open the file on-line 

Click on the option to save the file to disk and note the filename and the directory into which it is saved so that you can find it later on and read/work with it or move it to a more convenient location.  Saving the file allows you to use it many times without having to signon to the Web.  It also allows you more time to work with the file without distractions from the Web browser. 

Working off-line:  Find the data in your directory listings and double-click on it.  The file will be opened using Adobe Reader and will be displayed on your screen.  Reader allows you to read the file, to fill-in active form fields (if present), and to print it. 

Working on-line:  If you do the normal left-click on the link to a PDF file (and you have Reader installed in your computer), that file will be opened on-line using Reader and displayed on your screen.  Reader allows you to read the file, to fill-in active form fields (if present), and to print it.

Printing PDF files:  The PDF format was designed specifically to allow accurate printing of forms to all kinds of computer/printer combinations.  While this works quite well, the system has some complications.  In particular, forms with print that comes close to the edge of the page may be shrunk and offset on the page so that they do not look like the original.  If this happens you may be able to correct it as follows:  When you click on the print button (or menu option) a pop-up screen should appear showing several options.  Make sure that the "fit to page" option box is NOT checked before you click on the OK button.  To "uncheck" the box (if it is checked) simply click on the box.  Also try printing the pages one at a time rather than using the "two-sided printing" mode (HP DeskJet 970Cse). 

Active form fields:  The description of the PDF file should say whether or not it contains "active" form fields (ones that you can fill in using Reader).  You can find where the form fields are (if it isn't obvious from looking at the form) by moving the cursor across the screen.  The hand-shape will change to an I-shape when the cursor passses over a form field.  If you leave the cursor over a form field for a short while, an explanatory note often appears - perhaps displaying the form in which a date should be entered. 

Note:  You can't save the filled-in form unless you buy a separate program from Adobe, so if you discover later that you have made a mistake you will have to open the file with Reader and type in the data all over again.

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