21 Things - Basics

Gold Quest-Files and Domains

1. Basics

Direct link to this video

Introduction

Different groups and companies around the world have adopted their own schemes for naming files. They also use special shortcut terms (e.g., omg, lol, .jpg, .mp4, etc.). Knowing about filenames and domains can be very helpful.

I Can Statement

  • define and give examples of different types of filenames
  • know what a domain is and common education and government ones are

Key Vocabulary

  • Filename: a name you give your fiile when you create and save it.
  • Filename components: example 1 "myfile.docx"  the first part is the fiilename, then the period, and a file ending indicating the type of file which it is a Microsoft Word document; example 2 "myfile.pdf" the file ending indicates it is a PDF (Portable Document File).
  • Domain name: It is the part of a network address that identifies it belongs to a particular domain, such as .com, .edu, .org.

Investigation Scenario

Sam Lurk wrote up a CSI science project report on a laptop at home and saved the report as Lurkinvestigation and turned off the computer.

Sam's teacher emailed that the assignment was late, but no points would be subtracted if the file was emailed immediately.

Sam turned on the computer and noticed that there were four files named Lurkinvestigation on the desktop.

  • Lurkinvestigation.doc

  • Lurkinvestigation.jpg

  • Lurkinvestigation.xls

  • Lurkinvestigation.mp3.

What to do? Which one was the correct file?

Lurk thought about his class, CSI Science Investigation, where he took a photo of the crime scene that he inserted into his report, the notes taken as he interviewed a witness, the list of possible suspects he made, and the final written report in his word processing program on his computer. That was a lot of work. Which filename would be his report?

Action

Sam clicked on the Lurkinvestigation.mp3 file and the computer prompt asked what program Sam wanted to use to open the file. Sam didn't know, so he selected Microsoft Word from the list. Error! It wouldn't open the file!

Help! What should Sam Lurk have known and done?

Which file should he have sent?

Why would Microsoft Word not open the mp3 file?

STEPS

1. Explore Filenames Research below to learn more.

2. Learn about Filenames

A file on the computer (or digital device) needs to have a unique name, or filename to identify it and the program used to create it.

Carefully examine these filenames. What similarities and differences do you see?

  • aboutme.doc
  • aboutme.pdf
  • aboutme.mp4
  • aboutme.jpg
  • aboutme.docx

Did you notice differences with how many letters and/or numbers come after the period?

What types of files can you open with your Smartphone or tablet?

*Fact 1: Fiile name

The first part of the filename before the period is called the filename, and the part after the period is called the file extension.

*Fact 2: File Extension

Companies that create software programs use a unique extension (usually 3 or 4 letters after a period) to indicate what type of content it is. Examples include .doc, .pdf, .jpg, .mp3. 

What happened to Sam?

When he clicked on a filename on his computer (or device), it automatically tried to open the program it associated with that file extension. Sometimes the computer will not know which one to pick and will ask you to decide. 

Caution, Warning, Bad Characters:

Avoid using the following characters in a filename as it may cause an error or not let you save it: / ? \ % * : | " < > 

File Endings for Images and Photos

When you take photos with your digital camera, use/create artwork, or images (such as avatars, maps, secret images), you are most likely to have files that end with one of these .jpg, jpeg, .png, .tif, .bmp, .gif.

Popular File Endings

MailBigFiles has compiled a ranking of the most common file extensions that pass through their site for sending large file attachments. Notice the top ten most popular extensions used - have you used any of these file types?

When you are trying to locate files on your computer, this may help you locate the right kind of file and open it in the correct application.

Here are some other ones you might want to be aware of, especially in creating multimedia projects.

.mp3 and mp4

.jpg or .jpeg

.wmv

.doc

.pptx

.flv

.mov

.xlsx

.txt

.bmp

 

3. Learn about Domains. It is very helpful to notice which domains are being used when researching informational websites. 

This is best explained in this short video explaining the difference between a Domain and a Website.

 

Read the information from the resource library of the godaddy website What is a domain name? to learn more about domains, why they were created, and identify some different ones (.com, .us, .biz, .gov). As you read through the information, identify which ones might be the most reliable for specific kinds of information.

Visit GoDaddy.com and make up a possible domain name for yourself to see if it would be available for you to purchase if you wanted to start your own business. Explore other options besides .com.

4. Class Discussion or Reflections about Domains:

Tell which domain you think would have the most reliable information and why: .com, .jobs, .me, or .gov. 

If you decided to get your own domain name today, what is available?

Completing this Quest

Using a Word Processing Program

  1. Make a list of five domain name extensions and tell what they mean (e.g., .com = commercial).
  2. Make a list of five filename extensions and tell what they mean (e.g., .ppt = PowerPoint).
  3. Take the seven-question ProProfs seven-point quiz. Take a screenshot of your score. 
  4. Submit your domain, filename lists, and quiz screenshot to your teacher.

Add this Quest to your 21t4s roadmap as a bonus Quest.

 Return to Basics

 

Check mark 1.Gold Files and Domains Student Checklist
 

1.Gold Files and Domains Teacher Guide

 

MITECS Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students, and

ISTE Standards for Students

3. Knowledge Constructor
a. plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits

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