File types and associations in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a file extension?

A file extension is the part of a file name after the last dot (.) that tells the computer what type of file it is, like .txt for text files or .jpg for images.

beginner

Why do computers use file associations?

File associations help the computer know which program to use to open a file based on its extension, so when you double-click a file, it opens in the right app automatically.

beginner

Give an example of a common file type and its associated program.

A .docx file is usually associated with Microsoft Word or other word processors, so opening it launches that program to edit the document.

intermediate

What happens if a file has no extension or an unknown extension?

The computer may not know which program to use and might ask you to choose one, or it may not open the file at all.

intermediate

How can you change a file association on your computer?

You can change file associations in your computer's settings by choosing which program should open a certain file type by default.

What does the file extension .mp3 usually indicate?

A A video file

B A text document

C An image file

D An audio file

The .mp3 extension is commonly used for audio files like music or sound recordings.

If you double-click a file and it opens in the wrong program, what is likely the issue?

A The file association is incorrect

B The file is corrupted

C The file has no extension

D The computer is turned off

Incorrect file associations cause files to open in the wrong program.

Which of these is NOT a file extension?

A .pdf

B .exe

C document

D .jpg

File extensions always start with a dot; 'document' is not an extension.

What program would most likely open a file with the extension .xlsx?

A A spreadsheet program

B A photo editor

C A web browser

D A video player

.xlsx files are spreadsheet files usually opened by programs like Microsoft Excel.

What is the main purpose of file associations?

A To organize files in folders

B To link file types to programs that open them

C To compress files

D To delete files safely

File associations link file types to the programs that open them.

Explain what a file extension is and why it is important for computers.

Think about how your computer knows which program to use when you open a file.

Describe what file associations are and how they affect your experience when opening files.

Consider what happens when you double-click a file on your computer.