Learning the Basics

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Saving your work

File names

The Windows operating system supports long file names that can contain up to 255 characters and can include spaces. Some applications do not support long file names and require file names limited to no more than eight characters.

You may use all the letters and numbers on the keyboard plus these characters: _ ^ $ ~ ! # % & { } ( ) @ and '. File names are not case-sensitive.

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 a strange extension and may refuse to handle your file correctly.

TECHNICAL NOTE: By default, the Windows® operating system does not show file extensions. For information on showing or hiding file extensions, see your Windows® online Help.