FILE
TYPES in
Application View Windows 98
(Windows 95 similar) |
Lesson 9
| Directory
| Disclaimer | |
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| Whenever
you are working in an application and you want to either
"Open" or "Save" a file, the file type is a
consideration. The application will tell you what files it is
capable of opening or saving in the "Files of type" box at the
bottom. By designating the type it reduces your choices for selection in
any given directory. This is a "Word" app and the default file
is ".doc"file. The "Look in:" box says we are in the
"Office" directory and it lists only 1 ".doc" file.
By changing the "Files of type:" will restrict your selection
to the type you want or expand to include "All Files" that
includes files that may or may not be opened by this application. By
reading the extension and comparing it with the "Files of
type" displayed will tell you if this app will open that file. Note
the file name that is grayed out is the default file that will open
without selecting it. When you select it, it will turn blue. If white
than no files are selected. |
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| This
example is common for programs that are written for windows and similar
to Windows 95. The more powerful the application, the more ability
to open files written and saved in another app. Note: even
though you may be able to read the file, the formatting may not be
supported to edit the file. However, what you read can normally be
formatted and saved as as that application file with file type that is
now compatible for editing. |
| The
"Files of type" selection when opening a file limits your
selection to the type that is selected in this box. "MS
Word"
default file type selection is normally a ".doc" type therefore the
program will only sort out and show ".doc" files to select. If you
want this program to open file with a different Type designation
you will have to select another category in this box. Doing so,
will automatically show only those files from the selection
box. Note
that the box when open, tells you what type |
of files this program will open.
If it is not on the list, it is likely it won't open the file.
"All Files" selection here will present you with all the files
in the folder displayed in the "Look in" box at the top of
the form. Let's talk about the "Look in" box at the top.
It selects only folders or directories that you expect to find your file
in and is
part of the directory or Tree file system. You have to go to the
right folder to find your file. Don't know which folder your file
is in? The next two lessons will tell you how you can find it
through a quick search with the "Find" utility.. |
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| Notes
on File Types and their importance |
File
extensions are designations of file type. An identity
that matches the appropriate program that the file needs to
operate correctly. As a result the filing system can store
the files any where the operator feels it is beneficial. A novice
can open a file from the Windows Explorer without knowing the
program it runs in and the file extension will tell the CPU to
open the default program that actually executes the file.
Once you
become oriented with the Formatting and file construction of the
type of file you are involved with, you will have an understanding
how you may convert and transfer the file data to a file that is
normally non-compatible and eliminate the need for manual entry.
Note: not all files have a default program. There are some
files that are hidden from the Windows Explorer normally to avoid accidentally
changing settings that will affect the operation of your computer.
These settings are for technicians and the knowledgeable. Best
advice in not to open if found. |
An
additional benefit of knowing the file type and the associated
extension will help you find a file you are looking
for. This all comes with experience.
Here are some examples of file types.
| gif |
Rasterized
picture |
cdr |
CorelDraw |
| bmp |
Rasterized
picture |
mdb |
MS
Access |
| jpg |
Rasterized
picture |
xls |
MS
Excel |
| pds |
Adobe
Photoshop |
txt |
Data
file only |
| doc |
Word/WordPerfect |
exe |
Executable
File |
| zip |
Compression
file |
html |
Web
File |
Let's continue with techniques to find
files and the use of the "Find" utility in Windows.
Next
Lesson |
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