Files and folders that are to be used or read by both MAC and PC users need to be SAVED with an appropriate name.

A file extension is the 3 or more letters following the dot (.) in a file name. MAC users typically are not accustomed to saving files with these extensions. When you SAVE a file that will be read by both platforms use the .TXT extension.

If you are a PC user trying to open a file having an extension not recognized by a PC, you will get a screen asking you to choose the program to open files of this type. If you are unfamiliar with the file extension, choose one that you feel will be appropriate.

MAC file and folder saving conventions are usually long names using many characters that are illegal in a PC file/folder name. Such characters are /, _, *, (, ). Files that are used cross-platform must not use these characters. This includes files that are kept on the HYDRA server. If I would have to restore one of these files from a backup tape, the server would not be able to determine the file/folder name. The server is running Windows NT so think of it as a PC.

MAC users should type in the file extension to make sure that the MAC operating system has not put the extension on automatically. For example, a .JPEG file is recognized by the MAC, but it must be .JPG for the PC.

Keep your files and folders within the legal file naming convention of a PC and life will be better.