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How Windows Manages Files- Extensions II
On the previous page, we were introduced to file extensions and their function. Here is a table of some of the common extensions that you will encounter. Also listed is a brief description of what type of file each extension is for.

Some Examples of Extensions

This table lists a few of the most common file extensions and a little information about them.
Extension Description Comments
jpg Graphics, pictures Opened by default browser or by graphics program
gif Graphics, pictures Opened by default browser or by graphics program
bmp (Bulky) graphics Opened by Paint or by graphics program
doc Word processing file Opened by WordPad or Word (several formats)
txt Text file Opened by Notepad or text editor or Word, etc .
pdf Portable document file Opened by Adobe software
htm, html Web pages, etc. Viewed in browser, code edited in text editor
wav Sound clip Opened by Windows Media Player
avi Video clip Opened by Windows Media Player
rm Video clip Opened by RealPlayer
dll Dynamic link library Used by software in a variety of functions, leave alone
exe Executable file File that actually runs software (also type of ZIP)
zip Compressed file Opened by WinZip, PKZip, etc. or native XP function

There are thousands of extensions, however. Among the sites with large lists and descriptions of the different file types are:

Doing a search in Google or other search engine will turn up many others.

Next: What happens when Windows does not recognize an extension