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Vol. 7, No. 11
3-15-07
1 The wonderful world of file names, Part Deux
2 Be careful tossing the FAT
3 Apple iWMD, breach apologies, VoIP spam, AMD woes
4 Global view
5 Heat is the enemy
As I mentioned last week in the 8.3/FAT article, the three letters after the “.” filename identify the structure of the file and indicate what program to open it with. File extensions are assigned to specific programs in Windows using associations. You can view a list of file extensions and associated programs by opening My Computer or My Documents and clicking on Tools and Folder Options. Click the File Types tab and you’ll see a list of file extensions on the left with type listed on the right. Click on one of the extensions and below the list you’ll see the program currently associated with that file type.
Some file types, like .qbw, can only be opened by a specific program. You’ll need QuickBooks for that one. Other files, like .avi, can be opened by many different programs. Windows Media Player, Apple Quicktime and RealPlayer are all capable of opening those particular video files.
Trouble lies right around the corner however. What if someone sends you a file attachment via email or you visit a website that requires a program you don’t have to view their content?
In the case of websites you’ll usually be told to download a program and presented with a link for it, like the Adobe Acrobat Reader for .pdf files. You might also be prompted to download a browser plugin like Adobe Flash Player, which will open flash media files.
Email attachments are a different matter. If you attempt to open an unknown file type Windows will ask you what program you would like to use to open it. If you see this message box, close it immediately. Do not pick a program!
If Windows doesn’t know how to open it that means you don’t have an appropriate viewer. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen files like .ppt associated with Acrobat Reader simply because it was the first program on the list Windows offers.
Unknown files require a little research to find out what they are and what you need to access them. I always start at http://filext.com/, where you can simply type in the three letter extension and search for the information you need.
As an example let’s use the .ppt file from above. A quick search will identify it as a Power Point file. Now you know the program and, since you don’t have it you’ll need to find a compatible program, preferably free.
www.google.com is the obvious choice for searches. A quick Google of “free open powerpoint” (without the quotes) turns up the Free PowerPoint Viewer from Microsoft. Download and install that and you’re viewing the six year old slideshow your online buddy sent you in a snap.
Next week we’ll wrap up with streamlining file searches on your PC…
Kevin Mefford, Editor
Terry Wise
Tech News of the Week
The iTunes EULA specifically forbids using it to develop nuclear or biological weapons:
http://smallprint.netzoo.net/annotated-itunes-7-eula/
Had your personal data exposed lately? Here’s what you can expect in your inbox:
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2007/031407-wider-net-apologies-letters.html
Users of Vonage and other VoIP phone systems brace for voicemail spam:
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9584_22-5302988.html
AMD suffering from serious growing pains:
Copy us on the good stuff; just don’t leave it on voicemail.
Matthew Dattilo
thepcgurus@gmail.com
http://mattstodayinhistory.podshow.com
Download of the Week
Whether you want the world or just a tiny
corner of it, Google Earth gives it all to you. You can twirl the planet like a
globe and turn it every which way. Once you're done tossing the planet like a
Hacky Sack, zoom in for a better look at what interests you. The images--none
more than three years old--show every landmark and every urban center in
detail. You even can find your own house.
It's free here:
Art Maley
Email Question of the Week
Q: I've got an MSI Mobo (PM8M3-V H 4.1) with an Intel Pentium 4, 3.06 GHz (Retail Box Version) which came with a CPU cooling fan. System Temp is reported as 30 deg C, 86 deg F. The CPU Temp is reported as 73 deg C, 161-163 deg F, and sometimes spikes to 170 deg F. System sometimes locks up. Do you think the temp is too high? Could I have installed the fan improperly? I didn't use any lithium grease on installation, do you think that would help?
A: That CPU is definitely running too hot. You really need to apply the thermal grease to the heatsink/cpu fan.
In addition, while you're inside the case, I recommend adding a fan to the front of the case if you have the room. This simple $15 add-on is a great investment. Be sure to mount it so it's drawing in air.
Good Luck,
Art Maley
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