e-Ttachment Opener is an application that is used to view and print virtually any file, even if you do not have the program in which it was generated. I demonstrated it at the June meeting, but due to time constraints, was only able to touch on a few of the many functions it contains.

One of the prime purposes of the program is to open files with extensions that we’ve not heard of or seen. We all have tried to open such a file and gotten the dialog box drop down to ask what application we choose to open it, then after choosing one and trying to open the file, get a screen full of random letters and numbers and symbols. The reason for this is that we do not have the program in which the file was written, and though some word processors can read files from several other programs, there are many more that cannot be read unless the program is in the computer.

e-Ttachment supports all of the major word processors such as Word Perfect, Word, Works, Claris Works and AmiPro, spreadsheets QuattroPro, Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 and more, databases such as dBase, Claris Works and MS Works, and most of the graphics files such as BMP, GIF, TIFF, WMF and JPEG. Occasionally, a message will appear that the file is not known and cannot be opened, but this is rare.

Most files downloaded from the Internet or attached to e-mail are compressed. These are easily opened, whether they are a Zip, Gzip, Z or TAR format, simply by double-clicking or right clicking on the file. eTTACHMENT will allow you to extract, view and print them, no matter where they come from. You also can get a quick preview of a file to see what it contains, again by just double-clicking.

The program is quickly installed from the CD, (disks can be ordered) utilizing just 8MB of disk space, and an icon is placed on the desktop. It can be activated from the icon or Programs on the START menu, but is best accessed by right clicking on the file to be opened. The sub-menu drops down with eTtachment listed, and a click brings up the operating window with a menu bar with File, Options and Help, and a bar with buttons for Info, View, Launch and Help. The window is similar to the Win95 Windows Explorer and any file on any drive can be accessed. Information about the file can be obtained, contents viewed or the file can be launched with eTTACHMENT opening the appropriate program.

eTtachment Opener is a handy tool to have, reducing the frustration and wasted time usually experienced in getting information from e-mail and downloaded files. It makes life easier.