Windows by default hides known file extensions such as doc., jpg. and others. This can make it difficult to figure out which file is which. Microsoft assumes you will recognize the icons for each file type.

File extensions show what type file the file is. For instance jpg files are pictures and doc is nor-mally a word document (Word 2007 uses docx).

To change your view so that you see all file extensions go to Computer or My Computer. Then, open the drive you want to see extensions about (usually this is the C drive).

In XP go to Tools, Folder options, View tab and then unclick file Extensions for Known file Types.

In Vista go to Organize, Folders, view Tab and then unclick file Extensions for Known file Types.

I think the default should be to see all file extensions, but Microsoft has chosen to hide them. This makes it look like you can have several files with the same name, but actually they have differ-ent extension (last) names.

Dwight Watt is a computer instructor at a technical college in northwest Georgia and also does computer work for businesses, individuals and organizations in the Swainsboro area. His webpage is www.dwightwatt.com.