File Extensions Help and Tips

Explains DOS/Windows file extensions, how to view files of various extensions, and why unexpected file extensions can cause security risks.


#1: PNG File Format
A beginner's guide to the PNG image file format, often used as an alternative to lossy-compressed .JPG images

#2: JPG File Format
A beginners guide to JPG images, images compressed in a lossy-compression format.

#3: SCR File Format
Screensavers defined. Also contains links to websites where you can download screensavers.

#4: TMP File Format
TMP files are temporary files that can sometimes be safely removed.

#5: PPT File Format
PPT files are presentations (slideshows) created by Microsoft PowerPoint. This tip has links to free software that can view PPT files.

#6: TTF File Format
TTF files are TrueType fonts. This tip also includes websites where you can download TrueType (TTF) fonts.

#7: PSD File Format
PSD files are graphic files created by Adobe PhotoShop and other tools.

#8: REG File Format
Provides details of the .REG file format in Windows used by the Registry Editor.

#9: AIF / AIFF File Format
Explains .AIF / .AIFF files - audio files most often used on the Macintosh platform.

#10: CFG File Format
Information on the .CFG file format, normally a configuration file.

#11: CPL File Format
Some details about .CPL files, Windows Control Panel applets.

#12: RAR File Format
RAR archives defined. How they are packed and unpacked.

#13: What Are File Extensions?
File extensions defined. This tip explains what the usually three characters are for.

#14: PL and PM File Formats
A brief explanation of Perl scripts found in .PL and .PM files.

#15: BAK or BK File Format
BAK and BK files usually are backups of other documents or files.

#16: MID File Format
MID files represent MIDI music. Learn how to play and create these songs.

#17: TXT File Format
The TXT plain-text file format defined.

#18: ARC File Format
Explains what ARC files are. Although rarely-used nowadays, some may run across these archives.

#19: DOC File Format
This defines the DOC file format, usually word processing files created from WordPerfect or Microsoft Word.

#20: EXE File Format
The EXE executable (program) file format defined.

#21: LOG File Fomat
LOG files are usually text file logs of processes running on your machine.

#22: FNT and FON File Formats
Explains .FNT and .FON fonts and why they differ from TrueType fonts.

#23: 1ST File Format
The 1ST file format defined. These are usually text files with instructions to read before running software.

#24: ANI File Format
Defines .ANI files - Windows animated cursors.

#25: ASC File Format
Defines the ASC file format that normally represents text files.

#26: PDF File Format
Explains what PDF files are and how they can be created or read.

#27: Be Careful with Files Containing Multiple Extensions
Files with multiple extensions may be Trojan Horses waiting for you to open them and release their nefarious content. Be careful with these files.

#28: DAT File Format
Just what are .DAT files, and are they readable?

#29: AU File Format
AU files are audio files popular on the Solaris and Unix platforms.

#30: DIZ and NFO File Formats
Description files .DIZ and .NFO defined.

#31: BAT File Format
The BAT file format defined. These are batch files for MS-DOS or MS-Windows systems.

#32: Viewing File Extensions on Windows
Help protect yourself from accidentally opening rogue files by forcing Explorer to show all files' extensions.

#33: BMP File Format
BMP files are uncompressed images, Windows bitmaps.

#34: ZIP File Format
Zip archives defined, including how they are created and unpacked.

#35: WAV File Format
WAV files are audio files popular on the Windows platform.

#36: MOV File Format
A brief explanation of .MOV files - QuickTime multimedia.