File Handlers
EVER WONDERED HOW DEFAULT PROGRAMS
ARE CHOSEN
ON YOUR COMPUTER?
Default Programs
Whenever you open a word document, it opens in Microsoft Word.
Whenever you open a picture, it opens in Windows Photo Viewer.
On your Android, every time you open a document it opens in Quick Office.
EVER WONDERED WHY THESE PROGRAMS ARE THE ONE CHOSEN?
The answer is that in each of the above cases
the program which opened the document or picture is set as the default program
to open that file extension.
What is a file extension?
A word document ends in “.doc” or .docx”, an image may end in “.jpg”.
How did they become the default program?
The first time you opened that particular file extension,
your computer or phone asked you which program you want to use to open it
and if you want to make this your default option.
Or when you installed the program
it asked you if you want it to become the default program
whenever you open certain file extensions.
(Generally, they will attempt to get you to select all the file extensions that particular program handles).
Can you change this?
In general, if you go into the settings, you can change which programs are the default programs for each file extension.
However, we heavily advise caution if and when you are making these
adjustments
,
since this can potentially alter settings which may not have a simple undo option!
For Windows Vista and 7 users:
Select: the START button
Type: Default programs
Select: DEFAULT PROGRAMS
Select: ASSOCIATE A FILE TYPE OR PROTOCOL WITH A PROGRAM
Make adjustments as necessary!
For Android Users:
Select: The MENU button from your home screen
Select: SETTINGS
Select: APPS or APPLICATIONS
Select: The currently selected default app
Select: CLEAR DEFAULTS
Want to hear some common questions
problems we hear regarding file handlers?
problems we hear regarding file handlers?
1. After we set up a new computer, the user finds that his default PDF or picture program did not come pre-installed on his new computer.
2. After a user installs a new video player, he finds that it “took over” the default music player
Have your own question regarding file handlers?
Call us at 718-676-6910
We look forward hearing from you!
