File Extension Hub

File Extension is a suffix (usually consisting of just 3 letters) to the name of a file on a computer that describes its data format. In this hub, I thought to write about some of the most common file extensions.

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. Files with this extension are Adobe Acrobat documents, which are generally published and distributed as read-only. In order to open pdf files, need to use Open Office or Adobe Acrobat Reader.

DLL files are Dynamic Link Libraries. They are a library of routines loaded and linked into applications at run time. Dll files contain procedures, usually drivers such as for printers, scanners, etc. These files are usually shareable and can be accessed by a number of different applications.

PPS refers to Microsoft PowerPoint Slide show. It’s the file containing the a presentation created by Power Point, which can be opened and edited using same software of course, but also with quite a number of other applications, including Open Office and Star Office.

Torrent (File Extension Torrent) is a communications protocol used by BitTorrent. It identifies content by URL and is designed to integrate seamlessly with the web. Its advantage over plain HTTP is that when multiple downloads of the same file happen concurrently, the downloaders upload each other, making it possible for the file source to support very large numbers of downloads with only a modest increase in its load.

XLS (File Extension XLS) is a file format used by Microsoft its eXceL Spreadsheet. Such files usually contain numbers, formulas and graphs. Since later versions can also include macros, one must be careful and make sure they are not infected and contain malicious scripts.

RAR (File Extension RAR) extension refers to the WinRAR archive file. These files contain compressed data, usually for storage or to facilitate file transfer. Old versions used to label files as .R00 to .R99 whilst lately PART#.RAR.

BIN (File Extension BIN) file extension, BINary file can be associated with various software applications. Thus to open it, will need the appropriate program that created it. In most cases, it’s either a file in audio format, MacBinary archive format or simple machine language.