What's a Word File? What's a DOC File?

The wordprocessor program named Microsoft Word automatically saves its files in Win95 with names ending in .doc; for example, report.doc or assignment3.doc.

So generally when we see a filename ending in .doc, we assume this is a wordprocessor document or file in the format used by the wordprocessor program MS Word.

A DOC file can be transferred to your computer and loaded into the MS-Word program.

So how do I 'get' a DOC file?

Usually there will be a link, some coloured (usually blue) words or a picture (button), indicating the nature of the file. When you click on the words or the button, the file will be sent to your computer.

You may choose to save the file; you'll have a chance to tell the computer where on the hard disk or a floppy disk you want the file to go.

What will happen when I click on one of the blue links?

You may see gibberish on the screen, or the wordprocessor may start running, or the file may be saved on your hard disk. What happens will depend on whether the Web browser you are using (Navigator?) has been set up to deal automatically with DOC files...

If the browser has been set up?

The file will be transferred to your computer and automatically loaded into the wordprocessor set previously. You can then save the file where you choose, edit it or print all or part of the spreadsheet.

If the browser is set wrongly (e.g. it loads the wrong application), you can:

• alter the setting (Nav3, use Options, General Preferences, Helpers; Nav4, use Edit, Preferences, Navigator, Applications)

or

• force the browser to save the file on your computer by clicking on the blue link with the right mouse button (Windows) or click and hold on the link (Macintosh). From the pop-up menu that appears, choose Save this link as..., and then show the computer where to save the document.

If it has not been set up?

You will be shown a small window with 4 buttons, something like this...

Which button will you click?

If you wish to set the browser to automatically start a word processor:

Click the Pick app button and show Navigator (ie, the Web browser) the location of the wordprocessor that you want to use. That wordprocessor will be started, the wordprocessor file will be loaded into it, and Navigator will remember next time.

If you just want to save the file so you can, for example, take it away with you:

Click the Save file button and show Navigator where you want the file saved (e.g. on a floppy disk). Then you can open it later (here or elsewhere) using many popular wordprocessors.

If you want to save the file, but it automatically gets loaded into a word processor when you click on the blue link:

Use the File menu in the wordprocessor to Save the document wherever you want it to go.

If you see gibberish on the screen:

You'll have to set your browser so it does NOT view the file. From the Edit menu, select Preferences - Navigator - Applications, then edit the entry for Microsoft Word document, choosing the option Save to disk.