Coding: XHTML: Documents
From Microsoft documents (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Spreadsheets) to PDF files, there are endless documents and other files that can be added to your website and downloaded by end users.
Be sure to indicate the type of document next to the link. You may even want to create a standard logo to indicate the type of file. If possible, also include the size of the file. If it's a large file, some end users may not be able to download it. Consider cutting a very large file into smaller pieces. Offer both the entire file and also the file in segments.
Sharing Documents
The key to using documents at your website it providing enough information so that the end user can make use of the resource. Keep in mind that if you provide an Excel spreadsheet, the end user will need this software to make use of the resource. This is fine if you intend the user to adapt or expand the spreadsheet. However if you intend them to simply view the document, then convert it to a PDF file.
Another common example is newsletters, fliers, and other communications. if you want to share the newsletter you created in Microsoft Publisher, don't just upload the Publisher document. Instead, convert the document to a PDF file for sharing.
Although there are many file formats, the PDF format has become the standard. Adobe Acrobat lets you take existing documents created with a word processor or any other application and save them as PDF (Portable Document Format) file. There are also some online services that will help with this procedure.
When sharing a PDF file, be sure to indicate that the file is in the PDF format. Also, provide a link to Adobe where people can download Adobe Reader.
Learn more about how to distribute the Adobe Reader software.
Example
Macromedia Fireworks for the Mac - <a href="http://tipt3.utoledo.edu/fireworksmac.pdf">PDF</a> document
Result
Macromedia Fireworks for the Mac - PDF document
PowerPoint
There are a few ways to share Microsoft PowerPoint projects.
First, you can simply upload the PowerPoint document. Downloaders will need PowerPoint to use the file. If people want to use the file and not just view it, they'll need to RIGHT-CLICK and SAVE TARGET AS. Then they'll be able to open the file in PowerPoint. This is the approach you want if you provide a template, student starter, or other document that end users might need to modify.
Second, you can save your PowerPoint as a self-running document. When end-users download the file, they'll be able to run it even if they don't have PowerPoint.
Third, export the PowerPoint document into a series of web pages.
Example
If you want to adapt the PowerPoint (PPT) files, you need to download them to your computer. DO NOT just click on them. Instead, right-click and choose Save as Target (or Save Link As). Then, choose Save. Open the files within PowerPoint. Try this will the following PowerPoint presention: <a href="http://eduscapes.com/sessions/superhero/eggs.ppt">Eggs. </a>
Result
If you want to adapt the PowerPoint (PPT) files, you need to download them to your computer. DO NOT just click on them. Instead, right-click and choose Save as Target (or Save Link As). Then, choose Save. Open the files within PowerPoint. Try this will the following PowerPoint presention: Eggs.