File Extensions: The Adult View
Windows hides File Extensions by default. File Extensions are the three letters after the dot at the end of any file name and are used to let your computer know what type of file it is. For example, if it is a .jpg file, your computer knows it is an image file. If it is an .exe file, your computer knows it is a program.
If YOU can't see those file extensions, how are you supposed to know what kind of file you are looking at? Well, you could learn to identify the icons, but some files have generic icons and it is hard to tell. Set your computer up so you can see your file extensions. In Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, click the Start button. Move the mouse pointer up to Computer or My Computer (Computer in Vista and Windows 7), right click and choose Explore (choose Open - Windows 7). At the top of the next window, click the word Tools, then Folder Options. Click the View tab and scroll until you see Hide extensions for known file types. Uncheck the box to the left. Click OK and you will be able to see your extensions from now on...The Adult View.
It is very important to not change file extensions unless you have a very good reason. Changing the extension can (and usually does) make the file unusable.
Common File Extensions:
.txt - text files
.doc - Word Document
.rtf - Rich Text format (a little fancier than plain text)
.jpg - image file (could be a photo)
.azw (native Kindle file)
.txt
.mobi
.prc
.pdb
.pdf (not as pretty as it would be on your computer screen, but viewable)
