Application File Types & Licences - Application File Types

Application File Types & Licences - Application File Types

1. The applications are stored in different file types because it makes it easier for the computer to recognise what file is associated with what application making it easier and quicker for the computer to open up the right application

2. Word Processors

   • DOCX, this is the default file type from 2007 onwards for Microsoft Word,
     • DOCX can deliver smaller and also suffers less from data corruption.
       • This is because the file format is based on XML
     • DOCX replaces the old file type DOC
   • DOCX, also provides greater security against macro viruses.
   • A downside to the newer file type is that it can not be opened in older versions of a word, however you can make it work by installing a compatibility pack.
   • RTF is a much older file type and because of this it does not have many features however because of this the file types are a lot smaller. RTF also is highly compatible with many other word processors.

3. Spreadsheets

   • XLSX, this is the default file type from 2007 onwards for Microsoft Excel
     • The benefits of XLSX are the same as Word Processors
     • An alternative to XLSX is XLSM which allows your store macros
     • XLSX is a replacement for XLS
   • Another file type that is used is CSV (comma separated value), this file type stores no formatting options or formula, all it stores is the raw data you input. CVS can only store one single worksheet.
   • The file will be very small as it will only store the data. An advantage is that the file will work with any other spreadsheet software making it highly compatible
     • It is good for moving data into a database.

4. Presentations

   • PPTX, this is the default file type from 2007 onwards for Microsoft PowerPoint
     • PPTX is a replacement for PPT
     • The benefits of PPTX are the same as Word Processors
   • An alternative to PPTX is PPTM, PPTM is a file type that allows you to store macros.
   • PDF is another file type that is used with many other programs, it is used with most types of documentations, more so word processing.
   • PDF is used because of its high compatibility, this can be through a website or a PDF viewer, this makes it so you will not need any expensive software to view the work
   • PDF is used because of its high compatibility, this can be through a website or a PDF viewer, this makes it so you will not need any expensive software to view the work although if you save the work you will no longer be able to edit it.
     • Because you can’t edit the work after it is saved it is great for distributing complete pieces of work/presentation online, however it will not work if it is still during the development phases.

5. Database

   • ACCDB, this is the default file type from 2007 onwards for Microsoft Excel,
     • ACCDB is a replacement for MDB.
     • New features
       • These features include multi value fields (storing more than one value inside a single field) , the attachment data type (attach external files, such as images or presentations to the database) and better encryption (increasing security by encrypting the data being stored).
   • ACCDB files will not work on Microsoft Access prior to 2007, however MDB works on the newer and older versions of Microsoft Access. The file size of the two file types are not significantly different.