16 June 2003

Ridding your computer of unused files and programs to create more hard disk space can spell computer disaster if you are not careful. A good rule to remember is: WHEN IN DOUBT, DO NOT DELETE!

If you are bent on getting more hard disk space on your computer without buying another hard drive or even a new computer, take some time to learn which files do what. When your computer is turned on, it uses files which you don't even realize it uses.

Know what file extensions are and what they do. File extensions are the letters after the "dot" that follows the file name; e.g. Notepad.txt, msimn.exe, word.doc. File extensions tell tell the computer and you why and how that file is used. There are hundreds of file extensions. Go to http://www.ace.net.nz/tech/TechFileFormat.html#Top and check some of them out

---- .txt = This is a text file. Double click on any of these and read the information

---- .exe = This is an executable file. If you double click on an .exe, it will launch "open" a program. If you were to delete an .exe file, your program will not work.

---- .doc = This is a document file created when using Microsoft Word.

---- .wks = This is a document file created when using Microsoft Works.

---- .wdp = This is a document file created when using WordPerfect

---- .dll = This is a dynamic link library file. These files manage the computer's "behind the scenes" work. DO NOT DELETE THESE FILES.