NetCDF data files

I have downloaded some data files in NetCDF format.
Does anyone know how I can access and use these files?
Do I need special software?
I get the impression that this format is designed to make access to data easier,
but actually it seems to make it more difficult for those who are not "in the know".
*ANY* feedback would be appreciated.

Anything here ?

http://badc.nerc.ac.uk/help/formats/netcdf/

Thanks beteljuice,

I have read something similar elsewhere, but it doesn't really help.

It looks as if the format is designed to be used in specially written software, but all I want to do is use in in excel.

I actually found this site which explains how to extract plain text data from NetCDF files, but it still looks too complicated.

http://www.narccap.ucar.edu/data/ascii-howto.html

I don't want to go though all of this palava, I just want the numbers!

I am probably wrong, but it looks to me like a conspiracy to prevent people without a degree in computing from using the figures.

This may help in pulling the data format in to Excel NetCDF Excel.Hope it helps.
Len E

Thanks for your help.
This looks useful, but unfortunately it seems to work with a different/later version of Excel to that which I am using, so I don't think I can use it.
I am told that the files I am trying to use are available in other formats, but if so, I haven't been able to find them yet.

My thanks to those who responded to this.
Thankfully, I have now been able to download the data I need in plain text format.