Week 2 : Zamzar - converting file formats

Do these situations seem familiar:

• someone sent you a .docx file and it won't open
• a customer wants to convert a word document into a pdf
• you want to turn a pdf file into a word document so you can amend it
• a learn.net customer has a bmp image that they'd like to turn into a smaller jpeg file

Sounds like a foreign language?  File conversion queries have always been interesting to field, whether from a personal point of view or from a customer-service angle.  In most instances you've either had to download programmes (not always free ones, either) or have just hoped that the local pc you're using has something useful.  Zamzar can change that experience.  It's a free website that allows on-the-fly conversion of various image, audio, video and document files.  Even better, users don't need to create an account to use this service.  It's as simple as selecting a file to convert, choosing a format to convert to, typing in your email address (the converted file link is emailed to you for download) and clicking convert.  Don't take our word for it - try it for yourself.  Please note that you must have an email address to complete this exercise.

Discovery exercise:

• find a document on your pc that you've created in microsoft word
• follow steps 1 - 4 at Zamzar and convert your file to a pdf
• check your email for the converted file and click on the attached link - please note that depending on the time of day (and internet traffic) the link may not show in your email inbox straight away
• create a post about how Zamzar, consider: Is it easy for staff to use? Would customers find it simple? Could we use this in the learn.nets and in our workrooms? Do you think that you're likely to use this site again? Would you promote this site to customers? Why/why not?

Your progress so far:
2 tasks down and 4 to go :-)

Where to now?
Week 3 : Twitter - micro-blogging at a glance