What files are potentially dangerous for your computer?

One of the clear signs that help distinguish the experienced user from a beginner, it is their attitude to the file extension. The first with a single glance can tell which file is a picture, a program, and which is generally better not to open without checking Antivirus. The latter usually do not understand what is at stake and how these same file extensions look. It is for them in this article we want to highlight the required minimum that they need to work safely on a computer running Windows.

What is an extension?

As the Wikipedia tells us, and we have absolutely no reason to argue with her on this issue, file extension - a sequence of characters added to the file name, and intended to identify the type (format) file. This is one of the most common ways in which a user or computer software can determine the type of data stored in the file.

How can I see them?

The default display in Windows files is disabled. I do not understand the logic of development, but to protect the immature minds of members of excess (from their perspective) knowledge. Instead we get the broadest security hole, and users who are guided only by the file name and click on everything.

To enable the display of file extensions, open Control Panel, Look for the icon Folders settings. In the window that appears on the tab View uncheck options Hide extensions for known file types.

Does not work? Ask your advanced computer companion.

What kind of file extensions to be feared?

Theoretically, serviceable antivirus program with fresh databases can greatly protect your work. But any, even the most advanced antivirus software can make a mistake or do not have time to bring the infection to their filters. Therefore, an additional factor of protection is best to include its head armed with the necessary knowledge.

If you receive a file from a suspicious source, such as the mail from a stranger, it is necessary to pay attention to its extension and, if it is included in our proposed list, then it is better not to open, and send to check in VirusTotal.

Programs

• .EXE - an executable program file. Most Windows programs are in just such an extension.
• .PIF - a special file containing information file for DOS-programs. Despite the fact that do not contain executable code, can be potentially dangerous.
• .APPLICATION - the installer application that uses ClickOnce technology from Microsoft.
  
• .GADGET - gadget for display on the desktop in Windows Vista and 7.
• .MSI - starts the installation program on your computer.
• .MSP - install updates to installed programs.
  
• .COM - programs for MS-DOS.
  
• .SCR - screensaver file.
• .HTA - Web-based application. Unlike html applications run in your browser, can be dangerous.
  
• .CPL - File Control Panel. All control panel elements have an extension.
• .MSC - Microsoft Management Console file. Applications such as Group Policy Editor and Disk Management tool has .MSC extension.
  
• .JAR - executable code for the Java environment.

scripts

• .BAT - a batch file containing a sequence of commands for your computer. It was originally used in MS-DOS.
  
• .CMD - a batch file such as .BAT, but this file extension was introduced in Windows NT
• .VB, .VBS, .VBE - file VBScript. Will you start to fulfill its VBScript code.
• .JS, .JSE- file JavaScript. When used on a Web page is relatively safe, if you work in a web browser. However, Windows can open these files outside of the browser and it is a threat.
• .WS, .WSF, .WSC, .WSH - Windows Script files.
• .PS1, .PS1XML, .PS2, .PS2XML, .PSC1, .PSC2 - the command script for Windows PowerShell.
  
• .MSH, .MSH1, .MSH2, .MSHXML, .MSH1XML, .MSH2XML - the command script for Monad. Monad was later renamed in PowerShell.
  

shortcuts

• .SCF - command the Windows Explorer file. May contain potentially dangerous commands.
  
• .LNK - link to start the program. May contain command-line attributes that do dangerous things like deleting files without permission.
  
• .INF - a text file that is used to automatically start with connected speakers. Often used to infect flash drives or a disk.
  

Rest

• .REG - file registry Windows. These files contain a list of registry entries that will be added or removed if you run them. The danger is that you can remove sensitive information from the registry, make unwanted or malicious data into it.
  

Office macros

• .DOC, .XLS, .PPT - Microsoft Word documents, Excel, PowerPoint. They may contain malicious macro code.
  
• .DOCM, .DOTM, .XLSM, .XLTM, .XLAM, .PPTM, .POTM, .PPAM, .PPSM, .SLDM - the new extension office files, introduced in Office 2007. «M» at the end of the extension indicates that the document contains macros. For example, .DOCX file contains no macros, while file .DOCM may contain macros.
  

And that's all I need to remember?

In general, it is desirable. But you can print out and hang in a prominent place. Or save the link and apply as needed. And do not forget to share this information with all of your grandparents, girls and other beginners who may not know it.

A photo: Shutterstock