Internet Tip - It is an ASCII or Binary file?

by Maria Marsala

Summary: When you upload files to the Internet, how do you know what format to use?

Many computer programs automatically "do something". What can you do when the automatic feature won't work? LEARN! That's what!

The program I use to upload* my web pages to the Internet is an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program. It automatically uploads the files by deciding which files contain characters that are either ASCII* or binary*. When the program malfunctions, it uploads a file using the wrong type, and files, such as graphics, Pdf's, etc. will not appear properly on the web site. This situation happened to me a few weeks ago and because I didn't understand the difference between ASCII and binary, I asked for assistance.

Basically, the litmus test to determine file type is to view the file in a text editor, such as Word pad or Note pad. If it has funny characters, then almost definitely it is a binary file. Since most files uploaded to the web are created in Note pad and Word pad, most files contain ASCII characters with graphics, images, PDF's, and Power Point presentations being binary.

For a list of ASCII and binary file extensions, go to: http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/fileextensions.asp.

* For a description of Internet related words, go to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary at www.m-w.com/dictionary.htm

Special thanks to the members of the web-design group at yahoogroups.com and the HWG-techniques group at the HTML Writers Guild for their assistance with this tip!

©2007 Maria Marsala, former Wall Street Fortune 200 executive, business strategist, author and speaker. As founder of Elevating Your Business, Maria helps business owners and independent service professionals work smarter and earn more. Learn more and receive free business tools at ElevatingYourBusiness.com

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