You're going to be stuck later on if you can't load the encrypted files.
However, for now, start a new pilot, land immediately on Thallos (the planet where you start) and go straight to the bar. That, and the intro text (which you should read again, another reason for starting a new pilot) should tell you all you need to know.
It was a pity about the web-site, wasn't it. The worst thing was that Tripod never actually had a human check it. Some kind of spider found software on it and 'puff', gone. However, it wouldn't have answered your questions anyway.
I will be interested to know how you get on playing it on a PC - especially how the Quick Time movies work out.
If you discover that it crashes a lot, take out all the QT stuff from the plugins folder.
PS, one final word of advice, keep your legal status as high as you can with the Democrats - you can't progress if you don't.
Oh, and don't trust the Rigellians more than you have to (which really isn't very much at all).
Regards
Martin
------------------
M A R T I N T U R N E R