File Extensions and Associations in the Windows Environment
File extensions are normally a three character extension on the finish of a file, began having a dot. As an example, a typical executable file in Windows is .exe.
Occasionally you could never know this due to the fact file extensions are hidden in Windows. I commonly choose to leave the extensions on so I know what form of file I'm coping with. To produce file extensions show, go to Windows Explorer or My Laptop or computer. At the prime of the screen to go Tools, Folder Choices, then click on the View tab, and uncheck exactly where it says hide extensions for known file kinds.
In just a moment we'll see why obtaining file extensions displaying is important. Lets initially appear at what a file association is. A file associate tells the operating program what plan to utilize to open a specific file extension. By way of example, a common file extension for photos is .JPG. A JPG or JPEG can be a compressed file format for image files. There are many programs that could open these files. As an example, I could use the Windows Image Viewer, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Fireworks, and a wide array of other programs. Usually any time you install a system, it's going to ask you (and in some cases not ask you) if you'd like to associate certain files with their program. Thus, at times it is necessary to change what plan you wish opening a specific extension. To transform the file association for any extension go to Windows Explorer or My Pc, visit Tools, Folder Selections, then click around the File Types tab. In the list under you will see almost each and every kind of file extension you'll encounter. Soon after highlighting the preferred extension, you may click the alter button beneath, and browse to the program you need those files to be opened with. Aside from graphics files, a popular extension people choose to alter is actually a .MP3 file. By way of example, you may want your MP3 files to become opened with iTunes instead of Windows Media Player, or probably Winamp. It really is up to you!
Now that we know what file extensions and associates are, let me inform you why that is critical to possess file extensions showing. Commonly when men and women make viruses, they hide them with identified file forms such as .MP3, however the file is genuinely an executable like .exe or perhaps a .bat file. Here is what they'll do. They will name the file: myweddingpics.jpg.exe. You see, they make it appear like a JPEG, but it's really not. For those who had your file formats configured to not show, all you would see is myweddingpics.jpg. As a result, you might click on it since you think it really is a picture, but truly you simply installed a virus hidden within a clever disguise. To most computer experts, that is effortless to recognize, but it's a typical tactic to fool the typical laptop user.
I hope this short article has shed some light on how you can handle your file properties within a higher capacity, and by using this empowerment, make you far more safe.
Greg Ashbaugh could be the owner of AshbaughOnline.com, a technologies web-site consisting of tech connected news, reviews, and tutorials. When Greg just isn't working around the web site, he functions complete time as an IT Systems Administrator for one of the biggest organizations inside the Usa.
