File Types - Content Flashcards
What is a file type?
It is used to denote the form or structure of the data stored within the file. The file extension tells the user what type of data the file should contain.
It also tells the operating system which software to use to open the file
Examples:
- Image file types
-Application software file types
-video file types
What are some image file types?
– GIF (Small file size but low quality, limited number of colours)
– JPG (Good compression however compression is lossy)
– PNG (uses loss less compression, high quality images and low file size)
What are some application software file types?
– BMP (uncompressed file format, high image quality but large file size)
– DOC(commonly used for documents created using word processing software)
– PDF (represents the data independently of the originating software)
– PPT (common format for slideshows created using presentation software)
What are some video file types?
– MP4 (High quality video whilst compressing a file size)
– AVI (Uncompressed, high quality, large file size)
– MOV (High quality, can be compressed, good for streaming)
– MKV (High quality video playback, not supported on all devices)
What are some implications of file types?
– Compatibility
– quality
– file size
How does compatibility affect file types?
Some file types only work with certain software
- may need to purchase new software
- difficult to share files with others who do not have the required software
How does quality affect file types?
Different image, video and audio file types provide varying levels of quality
– the choice of file type would be dependent on the intended use of the files
How does file size affect file types?
Some types of file a very efficient in the way they store data whereas others use lots of storage space.
– This has implications for storing, transmitting or displaying files
