File Compare Program - 2007 Market Review

What is File Comparison and what is File Compare Program?

File comparison is the method used to compare two files so that the differences between them can be evaluated. The process of comparison is essential when the programmer is considering which of the two files is better. One file may be better with respect to the other in matters regarding the amount of storage space required, time taken for the concerned files to get executed, security offered by the file with respect to resistance to viruses, tampering and such other things that may be of importance in the context in which the programmer is working. File comparison programmes are those programmes that automatically compare the files in question and provide the result automatically.

Tools for File Comparison

There are many tools available for the process in which files are compared. Some of the tools are GUI based, and will display the differences side by side in a window, or perhaps even highlight the difference while others are command line based (like diff). Some tools support only text files while others may have the ability to compare binary files. Some of the tools employed are:

P4WinMerge - Perforce Visual Merge for Windows

This compares two versions of a file to the original file and produces a merged file. The GUI shows the process of merger and allows the construction of a different merge file using a point and click interface. This includes synchronized scrolling which makes comparing three different files, colour coded text, re selection and re editing of merged changes etc. The program runs on Windows XP, 2000 NT and 95 / 98 and is a part of Perforce SCM package.

ExamDiff

This shows the difference between two ASCII text files by displaying the two files side by side. However Unicode is not supported by this tool. The changes are shown in different colours and configured by the user.

xDelta

xDelta allows the user to make binary diffs of two binary files. According to the web page of xDelta, the tool is much more than that - it is "a complete system for managing delta compressed storage and network transport".

Java xdelta

This is the binary version of xdelta, a program that can make binary diffs of two files.

GNU Diff Utilities

These compare two text files and present a report as to which lines have changed. These utilities show not only the changes, but also the context surrounding the change. While the diff utilities are a standard part of the Unix system, they are useful for operating systems that do not come with a useful file or text comparison utility. The utilities are command line based and come with full source code.

WinMerge

WinMerge is a Windows tool that can perform the twin functions of differencing and merging. It has a Windows frontend over the GNU diff and merge utilities. It includes Visual SourceSafe integration, visual differencing of text files, the ability to diff entire directories, multiple level undos, an integrated editor etc.

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How to Associate a File Extension With the Correct Program

Associating file extensions with the correct program is rather easy if you know how to go about it. File extensions give you clues as to the type of file they are and the kind of program that you need to use in order to open or execute the files. You will know that a .jpeg file is an image file and that you need to use image viewer software to open such files. .Avi files are video files that need software such as Media Player to open the files. This appears easy but when your system displays the message "unknown file type" you are bound to take notice. This is because the file that you accessed is not opening for some reason. The operating system fails to identify the file type and it is therefore not able to associate it with the correct program.
When You Need To Associate File Extensions With The Correct Program
a. Let's say you are surfing online and come across a game/song/video that you decide to download. However, before you download any file, make sure that you have scanned the file with an updated anti-virus before you proceed to open it. After it has been found to be safe, you will probably try opening the file. It is then that you may come across the message that the file type is unknown and get a list of programs that you can try opening the file with.
b. You just got an e-mail and it came attached with a file. You now have to determine if the mail was sent to you from a contact you trust and if not, do not hesitate in deleting it without opening it. Once you are sure the mail and the attachment is safe, you download it and when you are trying to open it, your system displays the message "unknown file type."
You can try and determine the kind of extension it has. You can open windows explorer, open tool, folder options and then open tab. You can remove the check against the "Hide extensions for known file types" box.
Action To Take
Clean The Registry - This is recommended as registry errors and corruption may cause the operating system not to recognize the file extension. When a registry cleaning software is used, it can fix errors and set the registry. This may sometimes help the system to associate file extensions with the correct program.
Look Up Information About The File Extension Online - Windows XP users may be prompted to search for the program needed to open the file online. You can let Windows search for an appropriate program or can take on the task of doing it yourself.
You can also try researching the file extension online via Google or Yahoo. This can give you access to the information about the kind of program needed to open the file. You can look up information about file extension on websites such as www.filext.com which can make the process easier. There are software programs available to get details of various file extensions within minutes.
Once you are certain about the authenticity of the program and its vendor, you can go ahead and purchase it or get a copy of it for free. You have to remember to scan the file/program for viruses before you open it. After you have installed the software, you will find that the operating system automatically associates the file extension with the correct program. It is now possible to open the file when you double click on its icon as the system has associated the file extension with the correct program. In the future, whenever you open a file with that particular extension the operating system will use that particular program to open such files.







Jeff Wilson writes extensively about computer related issues like how to protect your personal privacy on the Internet, fixing those annoying Windows errors, and speeding up your PC. To learn more and download FREE tools visit [http://www.fastpcfixes.com].