1. Computer Terminology: Software and File Formats
Understanding the lingo

2. Computer Software
These are instructions that enable a computer to perform its functions
In the workplace, common computer software includes:
word processing packages,
databases,
spreadsheets, and
graphical packages.

3. Two main types of computer software
 System Software – makes the computer run
 Operating Systems
WIN XP, WIN Vista, MS-DOS,
Linux, Mac OS-X (Apple)
Device Drivers - Printer driver, mouse driver, etc.
Application Software – make the task possible
Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations
Software suites(collections of task-base software) - MS Office, Corel, Open Office
Internet Browsers (make using the internet possible) - Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera

4. What is a Computer File?
Files are the storage blocks in which data is stored on a computer. When a document is saved, it becomes a file.

5. Files can be grouped into folders
Using Windows Explorer, you can see the files (and the folders holding those files) on your computer

6. What are those file name endings?
Examples:
.docx = MS Word document (2007)
.xls = MS Excel Spreadsheet
.pdf = Adobe pdf file
.ppt = MS PowerPoint File
.html = html file
.exe = executable file (starts a program in Windows)
.jpg = graphics format
.gif = graphic format
.mp3 = MP3 sound file
They’re called “extensions.” They identify the kind of file you’ve got. For example, the extension “jpg” is used for a type of image files.

7. Online File Conversion
Sometimes it’s helpful to change one kind of file into another kind.
For example, your resume may be in Word format (doc) but your potential employer wants (pdf) files.
You might be able to do that on your own; Word, for example, allows a (doc) file to be saved as a (pdf) file. Alternatively, websites, such as Zamzar.com, can do file conversions online.

8. Special file formats exist for sound and images
You can use these to save family photos and listen to music. As with all of these file formats, your librarian can help you use them.

9. Specific file formats exist for different kinds of documents
PDF = Portable Document Format
Looks like original documents
Searchable
Security features
DOC = document format
Used when writing a basic text document like a resume or letter
Searchable

10. ZIP Files
These are used for large files – like hundreds of images It compresses the files to make moving them much quicker – nothing is lost, it’s just compressed
Decompression software required to get the files open again – some of that software is free