89
Learning the Basics
Saving your work
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
3Type a file name, then click Save.
HINT: To make another copy of the file you are currently
working with, choose Save As from the File menu and give the
new file a different name.
The Windows® XP operating system supports file names of
up to 255 characters; the names can include spaces. Some
applications still require MS-DOS® file names.
File names
If you plan to share your files with a computer using a pre-
Windows®95 version of the Windows® operating system, the
file name must be no more than eight characters long.
Typically the file name also has an extension, consisting of a
period and up to three additional characters.
You may use all the letters and numbers on the keyboard plus
these characters: _ ^ $ ~ ! # % & { } ( ) @ and ‘. MS-DOS®
file names are not case-sensitive and must not contain spaces.
Using a file extension
Most programs assign an extension to the file name that
identifies the file as being created in the program with a
particular format. For example, Microsoft® Word saves files
with a .doc extension. Any file name with an extension of
“.doc” is assumed to be a Microsoft® Word file. Creating your
own extension is usually unwise, since the program is
unlikely to recognize an unusual extension and may refuse to
handle your file correctly.
Many programs offer a feature that saves documents at
regular intervals. Check your programs’ documentation to see
whether they have an automatic save feature.