Topic:

Operating System Files

Assignment Submitted by Farah Zaman BBA-ITM (Batch 21) Submission Date: 13-05-2012

Bat
DOS batch file used to execute commands with the Windows Command Prompt (cmd.exe); contains a series of line commands that typically might be entered at the DOS command prompt; most commonly used to start programs and run maintenance utilities within Windows. BAT files can be manually created and edited to automate tasks and perform repetitive operations. They can write with a basic text editor, such as Notepad, and saved with a ".bat" extension.

DLL
Compiled library file containing a set of procedures and/or drivers that are referenced and executed by a program; allows multiple programs to access shared system functions through common libraries; may be dynamically linked into a program at runtime. Many DLL files are provided with the Windows operating system, and others are included by Windows programs. They allow various program functions, such as communication with external devices and hard disk input and output. They may also be referenced by Mac cross-platform applications.

EXE
Executable program file created for Windows or DOS operating systems; runs when opened and should execute when double-clicked; can also be a self-extracting archive that extracts files to a specified location. The files Setup.exe and Install.exe are common installer files included with Windows and DOS software. Double-clicking these files should begin the installation process. EXE files will not run in Mac OS X, but can be run using emulation software, such as Parallels Desktop for Intel-based Macs. Darwine and Crossover can also open some Windows programs.

Sys
File used by Microsoft DOS and Windows operating systems; contains system settings and variables, as well as functions that are used to run the operating system; commonly used to store device drivers and other core Windows functions. Some examples of SYS files include the following: IO.SYS: stores the default DOS device drivers and the DOS initialization program; MSDOS.SYS: contains the core operating system code for DOS, known as the DOS kernel. CONFIG.SYS: contains the primary configuration information used by DOS. System files are most commonly found within the Windows directory of a Windows installation. In particular, many SYS files are stored in the Windows directory in later versions of Windows.

INF
Plain text configuration file that defines what files are installed with a certain software program or update; may also list the location of the files and the directories where the files are to be installed; used by the Windows operating system, or by the program or installer that includes the INF file.

SCR
Screensaver file for Windows typically stored in the main Windows directory; may be run automatically when the computer is inactive for several minutes (custom settings can be configured using the Screen Saver control panel). Screen savers are executable files that run when opened. They can display vector graphic or text animations, play slide shows, animation, or videos, and may include sound effects.

CHM
Help documentation compiled and saved in a compressed HTML format; may include text, images, and hyperlinks; viewable in a Web browser; used by Windows and other programs as an online help solution. NOTE: Some CHM files may be opened using a Web browser, while others can only be opened with a CHM editor or CHM viewing program.

NSI
Text file written using NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) script, a language used for declaring the logic and tasks for software installers; often references files and folders to install as well as Windows registry actions.