kate, an exe file is an executable file.

That means that if you open it, something happens.

Usually most software programs are opened via an .exe file.

If you receive one via email, I would be very suspicious unless you trust the sender and have requested the software, otherwise delete it.



exe files sent via emails can contain viruses or trojans which can damage your computer or get info such as banking details.



DO NOT open .exe files unless you are absolutely sure of the origin.

Right, fwed,

Also you can right click on the message header, left click , select Properties, a message box opens, left click Message Source and ALL the information is there. If you don't recognize the sender then delete the message. None of these actions will open the message or cause problems. If you recognize the sender, then open the message as normal. If anyone wants to receive safe mail, then a programme, MailWasher is available for download. Open this prior to checking your email. It shows all the messages on the server prior to download, all messages are colour coded as Good, Doubtful or Sp*am, as the programme has a sp*am recognition device. It is virus free, and a highly recommended weapon against destructive emails. It can "Bounce" emails back to the sender of unwanted emails and indicates to them that your email address is closed.

I have posted a link to enable assessment of this excellent programme, which I, and many friends use.



http://www.firetrust.com/products/mailwasher-pro <

Thanks to both of you for helping me understand the importance of .exe files.

I have visited Gizmo's link to mailwasher ... it sounds too good to be true!

I am going to download the trial version first.



KateW

An .exe file is one that will install on your computer



So if you have a program to install on your computer it will have the .exe format

If you have music it will have MP3 or similar format

A movie will be Avi .. if you ever get a movie download that ends in .exe.. it will be a harmful file so delete it straight away

an image will end in . jpeg . etc

A documant is often . doc

its good to know what file formats are for



most exe files cant be sent via email as a precaution but there are work around if you need to use an exe.. but you are best to avoid them if they arrive via email



Here is a site worth bookmarking to check files for the times that you are unsure

[code]http://www.ace.net.nz/tech/TechFileFormat.html[/code]

Thanks aprilmay for your description of an .exe file (and related extensions), that was a nice simple explanation.





I went to the URL you posted me - it was really great. I actually found an A - Z of file extensions!

I never knew there were so many!



I also found some other useful links that might be helpful to me in my computer studies. I have undertaken to do a Bachelor of IT (part-time) and at 55 "I feel like I have bitten off a bit more than I can chew" especially after looking at the wealth of knowledge displayed in the "Tech Topics" Q&A;'s by other members.



Kind regards,

kateW