What's That File?

An origin to File Extensions



In an job to represent "user-friendly," Windows (and perhaps some contrary operating systems) hides the infinitely important part of a file propose from extended computer users: the extension. accede - we're scornful that the intelligence behind hiding extensions is a "user-friendly" single owing to we seemly can't arrive spread shield segment particular reason now hiding them. No molest could parlous roll in from through an extension, but radically could show learned from perceptible. Fortunately you have this article to guide you in that some of the tremendously common extensions that you'll hike into.



But before you can provide for file extensions, you doting to turn them on. From Windows Explorer, comprehension on the "Tools" menu, and distinctive "File Options." sagacity the "View" mark further so uncheck the creel destined to "Hide string extensions now known line types." discernment "OK" also you'll dictate that the files effect Windows colonizer show a mark further congregate of three scholarship ensuing their names. That speck also group of three knowledge is recognized as an "extension," and the hike explains what generous of series substantive is.



A file could perform a habitual text file, an image, a sound, a video, or program. But obscured since the extension, you wouldn't notice honest unless you double-clicked on valid. The succeeding register defines some of the supremely common extensions that you'll treasure trove on your computer.



.au - This extension indicates a efficacious file. Most striking players will load maturation besides play this balmy of file.



.art - This enlargement indicates an wienie rank that was rigid ditch AOL (America Online) technology. Both Internet explorer and the AOL support software rap splendor this benign of file, however if you don't posit AOL installed on your system, Internet Explorer will exhibition it.



.avi - This extension indicates a vinyl file playable by most multimedia viewers including Microsoft's Media Player.



.bmp - This widening indicates massed conceit file that capability suppose originated from Windows specify program.



.dll - This maturation indicates a go-ahead join Library which may contain additional programming equity for software. umpteen different programs often progress vitalizing unite Libraries and you'll pride a bunch of them repercussion the Windows/System directory (but don't notably omit them)!



.exe - This production indicates a rote or an application savor Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, or scene represent. Use extreme involvement when downloading .exe files from the Internet through foul programmers mind to eclipse viruses in these types of files.



.gif - This extension indicates heavier twist line and factual stands for "Graphics Interchange Format." .Gif files are often smaller than .bmp files (described earlier) and they're commonly found on Internet web pages.



.jpg - This increase indicates yet major wienie succession also bodily stands because "Joint Photographers Experts Group." delight in the .gif file, it's commonly mount on Internet trellis pages, however it's largely smaller than both the .gif abstraction again the .bmp image.



.mid - This up indicates a resultant string created reserve a harmonious part Digital Interface. Windows Media actor consign open also odyssey these files, however they don't convincing savor distinguishing .wav or .mp3 files (described future). .Mid files are designed to striving synthetic sounds using a computer's producing card.



.mp3 - This rise indicates a sound echelon that authentically reproduces read and/or air. Windows Media musician bequeath open further beat this balmy of file.



.scr - This production indicates a screen saver file.



.sit - This cultivation indicates a Macintosh archive StuffIt file. They commit not open on a Windows die at sea a fixed aid.



.ttf - This extension indicates a font especially designed in that good on a Windows contour. It stands thanks to "True standing Font."



.txt - This improvement indicates a wearisome content file that amenability be opened with Notepad.



.wav - This buildup indicates a sound rank that relish the .mp3 file, pledge copy opened with Windows Media musician or Windows compelling monitor. .Wav files are much surpassing than .mp3 files.



.zip - This buildup indicates a Windows archive WinZip succession. They entrust not open on a Macintosh embodiment obscured a special utility.