A VCM file is a computer file
with a file extension of VCM. File extensions are not unique to a file
type and the VCM file extension is attached to three types of files,
each used by a different application. The common usage of the same file
extension for three different file types is coincidental. A file
produced in one application that uses the VCM file extension will not
open in another application that uses the same file extension.
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Visual Components
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The choice of file extension is usually a three or four letter abbreviation of the file's contents or the application that uses it. This is the case with Visual Component files. The company, Visual Components Oy, produces software that renders factory simulations. This does not just represent the process flow of production, but actually visualizes the appearance of the shop floor, in a photo-realistic rendering. The company is based in Finland and has a worldwide distribution network.
WebCast Files
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Interwise, Inc. created an application to record contributions in a WebCast, or video conference. These recordings were held in files with the VCM file extension. This is a video file format file, like those with a MOV, or WMV file extension. Interwise, Inc was founded in 1994, but is now known as AT&T Unified Communications and the Interwise Participant software is now called AT&T Connect Web Conferencing.
Grand Theft Auto
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The Vice City episode of the Grand Theft Auto series of computer games includes a file with the VCM file extension. Although Grand Theft Auto is a product of Rockstar Games, the application that creates a VCM file is produced by LithJoe and is called Vice City Mod Manager. The VCM file is a “mod” file and it creates new scenarios and characters that are then imported into the Vice City game.
Default Programs
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The fact that three different file types carry the same file extension creates a problem for the Windows operating system. Windows assigns applications to file types so that when a user double clicks on a file in the directory listing, Windows knows which application to use to open the file. However, Windows lists programs against the file extensions they can handle, assuming that the file extension explains the file type. There can only be one default program per file extension, although many file extensions can be assigned to each program. The result of this is that all files with the same extension will be opened by the same program. As the default program database is populated when applications are installed, the default program registered for all three file types using the VCM file extension will be whichever was last installed. This only presents a problem if a computer has more than one of these three applications installed.
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