Extensions+++exe+txt+etc++some+explanations+of

Extensions ( exe txt etc ) some explanations of

Extensions are a good indication to you as to their safety or risk factor and I recommend that you always keep them on

Once you have extension viewing turned on, you’ll be able to see what types of files that you receive as extensions before you actually execute extensions.

This can make a lot of difference, as certain extensions normally relate to safe files, others iffy, and others relate to files you shouldn’t open unless you’re absolutely sure the contents are safe.

This list of common file extensions, includes a few that are almost certainly safe, a couple that are iffy, and some that you should definitely avoid like the plague.

__**Note :‐**__

No one can say certainly safe. this is very dependent on changes in the host operating system, updates to file formats, and the programs that you actually use to open files with said extensions, things could potentially happen.

The answer is always keep your virus scanner up‐to‐date!!!

.JPG –

These are graphic files that will be opened up within Windows or your favourite graphics viewer program, such as PaintShop Pro, Microsoft Image Viewer, or the like. These are great for exchanging family photos, pictures of your dog, and snapshots from your latest trip. These files are generally safe to open.

.BMP –

These are also graphic files that can be opened within Windows or your favourite graphics viewer program. (Similar to .JPG files, these files are generally safe to open. )

.TXT –

These are no‐frills text files.

These files contain just text.

No bolding, italicizing, or font changing can be found here.

Normally Notepad is used to open these files, and they are almost certainly safe to open. These are ‘iffies’

.URL –

This is a link to a web address. Running this attachment will cause your web browser to open the specified webpage.

While these are mostly safe, problems can arise.

Perhaps the URL is to a pornographic site?

Perhaps the URL is to a site that contains a browser bug exploitation that can damage your machine?

While the above scenarios are unlikely, they have happened.

.DOC –

This is a word processing file and normally opens up Microsoft Word.

If you know the originator of the message containing this attachment, the files should be ok.

If you have macros turned off in your word processor, the files should be ok.

.XLS –

These are spreadsheet files normally opened up by Microsoft Excel. Again if you know the origin of the e‐mail message containing such attachments, the files hopefully are ok.

However, there have been recent macro viruses found in some files with the .XLS extension, so you should be wary.

Again the caveat is:‐ Always have a running and updated virus scanner.

These extensions you should DEFINITELY be wary of.

.EXE –

This is an executable file.

When you execute an attachment with this extension, you are running code, pure and simple.

Without a good virus scanner, these files can do pretty much whatever they want to your system.

While most executables run useful software (For example :‐ Windows, your word processor, your graphics programs, etc., are made of executables!), some of these files can cause loads of damages.

Rogue executable file attachments have been known to send your passwords over the Internet, corrupt your hard drive, or format your computer completely.

.VBS –

While it is theoretically possible that attachments containing this extension are safe,

I advise you to STEER CLEAR AWAY of attachments containing this extension, unless you know the sender, also ensure you know the sender was going to send the attachment, know what the contents of the attachment are, etc.

Even then, I’d try examining the .VBS file with Notepad first before running it in order to try seeing what the file does. .

VBS stands for ʺVisual Basic Scriptʺ, and these files have the power to do all kinds of things to your machine.

Files with these attachments have been known to cause all sorts of damage to computers – you must be comatosed not to have heard of the “Love Bug” virus? Or ʺResumeʺ?

.COM –

Another type of executable file.

The same warnings regarding .EXE files apply.

Hidden nasties

You have to take care and look to see if the E‐mail has a full stop ( Period/Spot) in the middle of the name If it has beware this is a nasty hidden in a seemingly innocent name I always delete and never open them.

I do not suggest stopping using file attachments altogether, but be safe on the Internet.

There are some peculiar people out there, and without the proper guides and protection, that safe looking attachment just may be a bear pit

Sorry if I have scarred anyone but you must be forewarned