The truth about file name extensions
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008A file name extension is the abbreviation that follows at the end of a file which tells Windows which program to open the file in.
For example, a file ending in .txt would be opened in Notepad and a file ending in .JPEG would be opened with a picture viewer.
It is important to be knowledgeable about file extensions as creators of malicious software often disguise viruses as file extensions. If you are not paying attention to a file you have just received via email, or are busy downloading from the Internet, it could very well be Malware in disguise.
The first tip is to look at the abbreviation at the end of the file name. Do not open a file if the extension looks suspicious or overly long. Executable files can only be activated if double-clicked. If you are not sure about something, rather delete it.
For example, if someone sends you an e-mail with an image entitled mycutepuppy.jpg then it is safe to open, but if the image was entitled mycutepuppy.jpg.exe or mycutepuppy.jpg.vps then the image contains executable code that will run on your computer and is therefore suspect.
Having anti-spyware software installed is a good defense against all forms of Malware. XoftSpySE in particular regularly updates their definition lists to ensure that your computer is protected from as many threats as possible.
Always remember to clean out your Windows Registry as file extensions form a big part of the clutter that accumulates over time. Using a product like RegCure takes the stress out of Registry Cleaning and only takes a few minutes to complete.
Most importantly, always double check before you click on a file from an unknown source. It is a lot quicker to read a file name than to repair a virus infested computer.
