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.