NationMaster - Encyclopedia: DOC (computing)

In computing, DOC or doc (an abbreviation of 'document') is a file extension for word processing documents; most commonly for Microsoft Word. Historically, the extension was used for documentation in plain-text format, particularly of programs or computer hardware, on a wide range of operating systems. During the 1980s, WordPerfect used DOC as the extension of their proprietary format. Later, in the 1990s, Microsoft chose to use the DOC extension for their Microsoft Word word processing formats. The original uses for the extension have largely disappeared from the PC world. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... A filename extension is a suffix to the name of a computer file applied to show its format. ... Look up mime in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Microsoft Corporation, (NASDAQ: MSFT, HKSE: 4338) is a multinational computer technology corporation with global annual revenue of US$44. ... RAM (Random Access Memory) Look up computing in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For the similarly-named Surrealist journal, see Documents (journal). ... A filename extension or filename suffix is an extra set of (usually) alphanumeric characters that is appended to the end of a filename to allow computer users (as well as various pieces of software on the computer system) to quickly determine the type of data stored in the file. ... Word processing, in its now-usual meaning, is the use of a word processor to create documents using computers. ... Microsoft Word is Microsofts flagship word processing software. ... Computer files can be divided into two broad categories: binary and text. ... A file format is a particular way to encode information for storage in a computer file. ... // An operating system (OS) is the software that manages the sharing of the resources of a computer. ... The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ... WordPerfect is a proprietary word processing application. ... For the band, see 1990s (band). ... Microsoft Corporation, (NASDAQ: MSFT, HKSE: 4338) is a multinational computer technology corporation with global annual revenue of US$44. ... Microsoft Word is Microsofts flagship word processing software. ... A personal computer (PC) is a computer whose price, size, and capabilities make it useful for individuals. ...

Proprietary DOC files often contain more text formatting information (as well as scripts and undo information) than files using other document file formats like Rich Text Format and HyperText Markup Language, but are usually less widely compatible. File has several meanings: Computer file File (tool) file (Unix), a program used to determine file types. ... A word processor (also more formally known as a document preparation system) is a computer application used for the production (including composition, editing, formatting, and possibly printing) of any sort of viewable or printed material. ... This article or section should be merged with script programming language In computer applications, a script, roughly speaking, is a computer program that automates the sort of task that a user might otherwise do interactively at the keyboard. ... A document file format is a text or binary file format for storing documents on a storage media, especially for use by computers. ... The Rich Text Format (often abbreviated to RTF) is a proprietary document file format developed by Microsoft in 1987 for cross-platform document interchange. ... In computing, HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is a markup language designed for the creation of web pages and other information viewable in a browser. ... The term compatibility has the following meanings: In telecommunication, the capability of two or more items or components of equipment or material to exist or function in the same system or environment without mutual interference. ...

To further complicate matters, MS Word 95 or 98 creates a .doc format that is readable by both. MS Word 2000 & 2003 create a .doc format that cannot be read by Word 95 or 98. Now MS Word 2007 produces a .docx format which cannot be opened in any other software, including Microsoft's own previous versions of Word.

The MS Office Word software costs hundreds of dollars to create & read a .doc file. OpenOffice, despite being free, can create and read .doc files, but due to the closed nature of the .doc file format, high-level formatting (including headers and footers) is often lost when written in one program and opened in the other. OpenOffice. ...

On the Palm OS, DOC is shorthand for PalmDoc, a completely unrelated format used to encode text files such as ebooks. Palm OS is an embedded operating system initially developed by U.S. Robotics owned Palm Computing, Inc. ... The PalmDoc format is commonly called the DOC format. ... An eBook (also: e-book, ebook) is an electronic (or digital) version of a book. ...

Alternative file formats

It has been suggested that WordprocessingML be merged into this article or section. ... Office Open XML (commonly abbreviated as OOXML) is a file format specification for the storage of electronic documents such as memos, reports, books, spreadsheets, charts, presentations and word processing documents. ... Semi-official ODF logo The OpenDocument format (ODF, ISO/IEC 26300, full name: OASIS Open Document Format for Office Applications) is a file format for electronic office documents, such as spreadsheets, charts, presentations, databases and word processing documents (e. ... Semi-official ODF logo The OpenDocument format (ODF, ISO/IEC 26300, full name: OASIS Open Document Format for Office Applications) is a file format for electronic office documents, such as spreadsheets, charts, presentations, databases and word processing documents (e. ... â€œPDFâ€ redirects here. ... The Rich Text Format (often abbreviated to RTF) is a proprietary document file format developed by Microsoft in 1987 for cross-platform document interchange. ... The XML Paper Specification (XPS), formerly codenamed Metro, is a document storage and viewing specification developed by Microsoft. ...