Windows 8.1 Exercise #5 –Apps,programs, files and file extensions

To understand how apps and programs deal with files you need to set your computer to show file extensions as described in Exercise #1. An extension follows the dot at the end of the file name. It is added when the file is created and it tells Windows what kind of file it is. For example, Myletter.docx is a Word document, Mypicture.jpg is a picture or graphic, Jamessong.mp3 is a music file.

A Windows compatible program or a Windows 8 app will open a file if the extension of the file has been associated with that app. The associations are generally set up when the app or program is installed, but you can change those settings yourself later, if you prefer that another app orprogramhandle that type of file. For example,on Computer K,picturesin .JPGformat will be opened byWindows Photo Viewerby default, unless you specifically change it. You can set an option to open.JPG filesby thePhotosapp or Microsoft Office Picture Managerprogram instead.

In this lesson, we'll show you how toopen the file Fam_Tree.jpgwith different appsand also how tochange the default appso a file will always open in your preferred app.

Turn Computer K on and log in

  • Trip the switch on the surge protector.
  • Press the On button on top of the computer tower. Wait for the computer to boot.

Since this computer is a dual boot you need to choose an Operating System.

  • If it appears, click on Windows 8.1.

Note 1: Most commonly a dark screen with “Choose an operating system start…” will appear.

  • Windows 8.1 should be highlighted, so just press the Enter key.
  • If it is not highlighted, use the Up arrow key to select it; then press the Enter key.
  • Click anywhere on the colorful Lock screen to continue.

Note 2: Two accounts have been set up on the computer. If the last account open was Lab User, then the computer will open directly into its Desktop, because that account does not require a password. For these lessons you need to log into the Computer Group account.

If you were not asked for a password and the Desktop appears, to change the log in to Computer Group:

  • RIGHT click on Start.
  • Point to Shut down or sign out.
  • Go straight across and click on Sign out.
  • Click anywhere to get past the Lock screen.
  • Wait for the Accounts screen to appear and click on Computer Group.

On the Computer Group log in screen, when asked for the password:

  • Type in the password provided by your instructor and press Enter.

Open a file in the default app or program:

  • In Desktop view,DOUBLE click on theResourcefolder and then DOUBLE click on Fam_Tree2.jpg.

The app or program assigned to open the file by default will open it. In this example, it isWindows Photo Viewer.

  • Close theWindows Photo Viewerwindow.

Open the file with another app without changing default setting:

You may want to open a file with a different app or programwithout changing the default. For example, you may want to open Fam_Tree2.jpg with the Photo app.

  • Ifthe Resource folderis not already open, DOUBLE click on it.
  • RIGHT clickon Fam_Tree2.jpg.
  • In the drop down menu (see screenshot below) point to Open with.

  • Move straight across and click on the desired app or program. Here, click on Photos.
  • Close the Photos window.
  • DOUBLE click onFam_Tree2.jpg again. It will appear in Windows Photo Viewer.
  • Close all windows

Open the file with another app and change the default setting:

You may want to open a file with a different appor program and change the default so that software will continue to open files with that file extension. For example, you may want to open all .jpg files with Paint.

  • DOUBLE click on Resource on the Desktop.
  • RIGHT click on Fam_Tree2.jpg.

In the drop down menu point to Open with.

  • Move straight across and click on Choose default program and click on it.

  • In the How do you want to open this file?box, make sure there is a check mark next toUse this appfor all.jpg files.
  • If not, click there to place the check mark there.
  • Select (click on) the program you wish to use to open this type of file. In this case select Paint.

The file will open with the app or program you selected. In this case, it appears on the screen opened with Paint.

  • Close all windows.

Find the default setting for a particular file extension registered on the computer and change the default

  • Move the pointer to top right to open the Charms bar.
  • Click on Settings.
  • At top, click on Control Panel.

At upper right, next to View by:shouldbe Small icons. If not, click there and click on Small Icons.

  • Click on Default Programs(see screenshot below).

  • Click on Associate a file type of protocol with a program.

This can take a while. Wait for the scan of registrations to complete.

DOUBLE clicking on any of the listed extensions will produce the same Open with screen where you can set the default, as shown above.

  • Scroll down and find the entry .jpg. DOUBLE click on it.
  • Click on Windows Photo Viewer.
  • You may see a green progress bar. Wait for the default to be reassigned.
  • Close the window.
  • If the Resource folderis not already open, DOUBLE click on it.
  • DOUBLE clickon Fam_Tree2.jpg.

The program should open with Windows Photo Viewer.

  • Close all windows and turn the computer off as previously instructed.

Do not change the default for apps in the CG Lab.

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