Binary files include executable programs, compressed files, graphic files, word processor documents, and many others. As you surf the web, exchange email with other users, participate in newsgroups, and use anonymous FTP, you will notice a variety of file formats. Zip files and archived files are compressed formats. Examples of various file types and extensions appear in the table below. A file's extension will usually indicate the format in which the file is saved.
Special software is required to view a graphic or listen to a sound.
Many files use a combination of formats. For example, a file might be a compressed archive of a collection of graphic images. Fortunately, standard file naming conventions reveal the format of files. Files that use a combination of formats have several extensions, each separated by a period. Z is a compressed archived collection of Bugs Bunny sounds.