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Working with publication file types.

Texas state agencies publish in a variety of file types. While html files are the most common, there are many others. This information will help you in using those files.

File readers

Some files require software in addition to your web browser. This may be software that you will have to purchase. In some cases, however, there are free viewers. The links below will assist you in these viewers. Note these links are to resources outside of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission web site.

File type

Software to download

Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

Acrobat Reader

Microsoft Office viewers

Microsoft Office Updates

Realaudio (ram)

RealPlayer

Macromedia Flash (.swf)

Macromedia

Corel WordPerfect

Corel plugin

GIS data

TNRIS has a helpful page on working with GIS and data compression.

Compressed and zipped files

Files may also be compressed. The two main filetypes you will encounter for this are called "executables" (.exe) and "zipped" (.zip) although there are others.

To work with executables:

1. Save the file locally.

  • Right click with your mouse, and select Save as (or Save link as)
  • Select the directory you want to save into. I usually save them to /Temp

2. Run the executable

  • On a PC (Windows 95 or higher), click on the 'Start button', then 'Run'
  • Select the directory, then the filename for the file you just downloaded

3. Use the file

  • Often the file with display after you run the executable. In some cases, you may need to use a software such as a viewer

Zip files

Zip files (.zip) will require you to use a program developed to unzip (or unpack) the file. There are many freeware and shareware programs developed for this. One of the free software packages that is available for many different computers is Un-Zip. Use the program of your choice to open the file. Some of these programs will also do all of the installation work as well. Otherwise, you may need to run an executable (see above) after unzipping the program.

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