008 - C11.2.2 File Extension Facts
File types - Script files
.ps1 .vbs .py .js
File types - Document files
.rtf .txt .doc .wpd .ppt .pdf
File types - Compressed files
.zip
File types - Audio files
.mp3 .wma .occ. wav
File types - Windows installer files
.msi
File types - Batch files
.bat .sh
File types - System files
.dll (dynamic link library) .drv (device driver) .vxd (virtual device driver)
File types - Program files
.exe .com
File types - Image files
.gif .jpg .png .bmp
Be aware of following:
• Executable files (.exe, .com) are program files that can be run. Batch files (.bat as well as other extensions) also run and execute a series of commands, but typically launch another program to interpret commands in batch or script file. • File extension association identifies program that is used to create a file. When you open file that has an associated program, program is launched and file is opened within program. • When you install application, file extension associations are created automatically for file types application uses. • If you try to open file type that is not associated with program, you will be prompted to identify program to use to open the file. • By default, Windows hides extension for files with associations. • Use settings in Folder Options to show file extensions for known file types. • To change program associated with a file extension, use Default Programs in Control Panel, or edit the properties of the file.
Main types of filename systems are:
• Long file names supported with FAT32 allows 255 characters including spaces • Unicode supported with NTFS allows 225 characters including all characters except for /
Complete filename is made up of file path combined with name of file itself. Extensions can be included in filename to indicate a file type. Extensions identifies:
• What the file is. • What it contains. • Which program was used to create and modify file.