| Collaborating between individuals who operate on different
computers, platforms and software becomes interesting to say the least.
Although Microsoft products have become a a world-wide standard, there are
still things you must know and understand to make sure you can share files
with others on the world wide web.
These recommendation will help make sure that all members of the team can
gain access to ongoing projects and files.
Macintosh Platform:
If you are working on the Macintosh platform, make sure to add file extensions
when you save your files. If you don't save word processor documents
with a .doc extension or web files with a .html extension, then these files
may not "open" correctly when shared with others on a PC
platform. By default, Macs save programs without the extensions included
in the file names. To save these files for sharing and collaborating use
SAVE FILE AS and manually add the correct extension to the end of the file
name.
Word Processor Documents:
In all platforms, if you plan on sharing word processor documents, the most
universal "file type" that still retains much of the original
formatting (indents, bolding, etc.) is RTF or rich text format. To save
a document as an rtf file, use SAVE FILE AS and in the "Save As
Type" window choose rtf or rich text format. If you email (or
share) word processor files with large numbers of people, you should probably
use the rtf file type. Mac folks, don't forget to manually add the .rtf
extension to the end of the file name.
Web Pages:
In a world of collaboration, think web pages. Converting all types of
documents to web pages (or to html) is one way to make sure more people have
quick and easy access to your files and projects. By saving documents
out as web pages, there is a better chance that a receiver of the document can
open and view the file and, importantly, you can also more easily place the
document on the world wide web itself, making access to it and archiving of it
much, much easier.
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