PDF downloads

Guys,

I have set up downloadable pdfs by attaching them to a product as an attribute.
This works fine except the download cannot take place until after the order has been confirmed.

What I want to do:
1, Have a list of FREE PDFs for downloading
2, When the customer purchases an item, make the PDF a requirement of the purchase, basically we are talking about safety sheets that are required by law, and therefore make the download available anytime during or after the order has been placed.

What is the best way to approach this?
1, Enter the files as a normal category/ product and link directly to the pdf?

2, Is there something that I missed that allows automatic downloading?

Finally, is there a way to link the 2 - Modified cross sell?

ZC 1.3.8a
Payment is via paypal

Thanks in advance.

After reading even more posts about downloading I saw a post that gave a hint of an answer:

In answer to '2, Is there something that I missed that allows automatic downloading?'

Set 'Processing [2]' under admin > payment modules > Set Order Status

This will then allow the download from the 'Checkout success' page.