| Unit 4 In this unit, you will learn about file extensions, which will allow you to move files between proprietary software and open source software. By now, you should realize that you have to pay big buck for proprietary software (like the Microsoft programs) and Open Source programs are free. You can download open source programs to your home computer for free. You can use the proprietary programs at school or elsewhere as well. In order to use both effectively, you should know how to save files so that you can work on them using either proprietary or open source software. When you save files, you usually have some power over the file extension you choose. The file extenision is typically added automatically by the software you save with. For example, if you save a file with Microsoft Word, 2007, the program will automatically add a .docx file extension. Next time you use Microsoft Word, 2007, and try to open a file, the program will search for files with the .docx file extension. File extensions are important because they determine which programs can and cannot open a file. When saving, files that you know you'll be moving around, try to save them with file extensions that can be used by both programs. For example, if you are typing a paper, you can save the file as a RICH TEXT FORMAT (.rtf). You can open .rtf files with MS Word, 2000 or MS Word, 2007 or Open Office or hundreds of other word processing programs. The table below shows some file formats that are common:
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