Some people think that documents are not compatible on a Mac or a Windows computer if they were created on a machine that uses the other platform. Nearly every feature in a basic Microsoft Office document (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) has been compatible since Office 1997 for Windows and Office 1998 for Mac came out--a decade ago! Sometimes, though, these documents can use a little extra help being read. One thing that always helps a document open correctly on any system is the extension, the period and letters that follow the document's title that you have created. Different types of files each have their own unique extension. Some familiar extensions include: .pdf and .jpg.

Each of the three major Microsoft Office programs has its own unique extension, too. These have always been:
- .doc - Word
- .ppt - PowerPoint
- .xls - Excel

In Microsoft Office 2007 (Windows) and Office 2008 (Mac), the default file format has changed to what is known as XML. The new extensions are:
- .docx - Word
- .pptx - PowerPoint
- .xlsx - Excel
The addition of the "x" DOES make a big difference. Files with this extension will not open on Office 2003 or Office 2004 machines, the standard version of Office used in District 21.

Of course, when you are creating and saving your work, you can use the "Save As" command, and choose to save the file as a ".doc" file rather than a ".docx" file. (See the picture below for an example of where you would make this choice in the pull-down menu in the Save As dialog box.)

There are converters for both Windows and Mac computers that allow one to convert a file from the XML format (i.e., .docx) to a standard Office file (.doc). Of course, using such files can be simplified if the original creator of the files simply saves them using the standard format. So, if you are working at home on a computer with a newer version of Office or if your students are doing so, learn and teach everyone to use the standard file to make collaborating and sharing such files easier!

For more information on using word processing, spreadsheet, or presentation software, visit AtomicLearning.com or call the Help Desk (847.934.8100--press 2).