Changes

The file extension is always placed at the end of every file's name.  However, this can be confusing and inconvenient to some, so for quite some time, the [[Windows]] and [[Mac OS|Mac]] [[operating system]]s have been hiding these extensions when the name is displayed for quite some time.  Only when an unknown extension is read will the extension usually be shown.

The file extension is always placed at the end of every file's name.  However, this can be confusing and inconvenient to some, so for quite some time, the [[Windows]] and [[Mac OS|Mac]] [[operating system]]s have been hiding these extensions when the name is displayed for quite some time.  Only when an unknown extension is read will the extension usually be shown.

===How Can it be Seen?==

===How Can it be Seen?===

To see the file extension, a user can do a number of things.  For example, the [[Windows]] [[Command Prompt]] can be used to browse through files, and will automatically show the extensions.  However, a much easer way is to simply set the system's file explorer to show them.

To see the file extension, a user can do a number of things.  For example, the [[Windows]] [[Command Prompt]] can be used to browse through files, and will automatically show the extensions.  However, a much easer way is to simply set the system's file explorer to show them.

====Windows====

====Windows====

In most [[Windows]] systems, a user can open Windows Explorer and find the "Tools" menu.  If it is not visible automatically, then pressing the Alt key will usually reveal it.  Select "Folder Options" and go to the "View" tab within the window which will open.  In the list which will be displayed should be the option "Hide extensions for known file types."  Uncheck that option and click "Ok."

In most [[Windows]] systems, a user can open Windows Explorer and find the "Tools" menu.  If it is not visible automatically, then pressing the Alt key will usually reveal it.  ''This window can also be accessed in [[Windows 7]] and later by clicking the Start button, then clicking Control Panel, then Appearance and Personalization, and then Folder Options.<ref>http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/show-hide-file-name-extensions#show-hide-file-name-extensions=windows-7</ref>''

Select "Folder Options" and go to the "View" tab within the window which will open.  In the list which will be displayed should be the option "Hide extensions for known file types."  Uncheck that option and click "Ok."

====Mac OS====

====Mac OS====

In some versions of the [[Mac OS]], including [[Mac OS X]], users can select Finder (by opening it, or clinking on the desktop), and in the Finder menu in the upper left of the screen, select "Preferences..." Select the "Advanced" tab and check the "Show all file extensions" option.<ref>http://fileinfo.com/help/mac_show_extensions</ref>

In some versions of the [[Mac OS]], including [[Mac OS X]], users can select Finder (by opening it, or clinking on the desktop), and in the Finder menu in the upper left of the screen, select "Preferences..." Select the "Advanced" tab and check the "Show all file extensions" option.<ref>http://fileinfo.com/help/mac_show_extensions</ref>