how can i convert these documents so i can read them?
Answers: http://zamzar.com/ is a great online conversion site that can minister to.
You can also use OpenOffice from openoffice.org to open XLS (which are Excel Spreadsheet files).
XLS files are Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files. If you only want to read them, Download Microsoft's free Excel Viewer program:
http://office.microsoft.com/downloads/20...
If you want to stifle them you will entail any Microsoft Office (any version) or you could try the freeware program openoffice.org