Read & Watch: Computer Files
OVERVIEW
On this page, you will learn about using computer files.
- First, read the text about computer files.
- Then, watch the video to learn more about downloading, opening, saving, and deleting computer files.
READ & WATCH
Read:
Files are documents or other items that you save on your computer and open to read or write on. Files usually have names followed by a period (.) then three or four (3 - 4) letters.
Example:
assignment3.doc
presentation.pptx
Different computer applications or programs make different kinds of files. The letters after the period tell you what type of file it is. This is called the file extension. Study the chart to learn about the different file types.
| Type of File | File Extension | Example |
| picture |
.gif .jpg |
Image Links to an external site. by keipekk_pl, Public Domain Links to an external site. |
| text document |
.doc .docx |
Image Links to an external site. by OpenClipartVectors, Public Domain Links to an external site. |
| presentation |
.ppt .pptx |
Image Links to an external site. by OpenIcons, Public Domain Links to an external site. |
| spreadsheet |
.xls .xlsx |
Image Links to an external site. by OpenIcons, Public Domain Links to an external site. |
| audio | .mp3 |
Image Links to an external site. by PeteLinforth, Public Domain Links to an external site. |
| video | .mp4 |
Image Links to an external site. by jarmoluk, Public Domain Links to an external site. |
When you create a file, you will save it so that you can open the file in the future. When you save a file, you will choose where to save it. You can save it on your desktop, in your documents folder, or on a USB drive.
- Saving it on the desktop makes it easy to find.
- Saving it in the documents folder can help you stay organized.
- Saving it on a USB drive allows you to open it on a different computer.
Ask your teacher the best place to save your files.
Watch:
COMPUTER FILES
Links to an external site.