85
Learning the Basics
Saving your work
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
2 Choose the drive and folder where you want your file to
be stored.
3 Type 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.
File names
The Windows XP operating system supports long file names
which 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
®
XP operating
system does not show file extensions. For information on
showing or hiding file extensions, see your Windows
®
XP
online help.