typical software installation disc can contain hundreds of files, with each one having a vital role in the functionality of the program. Although you may click just one shortcut icon to start a program, many different files contribute to the result that you see on the screen.Applications and Archives
- An application is an executable program that launches when you double-click it. Applications typically have the .exe file extension. When you find an application on software distribution media, its job is to extract a program from an archive and copy it to the computer's hard drive. Archives often have the file extensions .zip and .rar and may contain many files. Archiving allows many files to be reduced in size and stored within a single file.
Resource Files
- Resource files contain the data needed for a program to function. For example, the resource files for a game may include level maps, environment textures and recordings of spoken lines. The resource files for an operating system may include fonts and device drivers. In many cases, it is not possible to open and modify the resource files for a program unless your computer has software development tools installed.
Documents and Media
- Documents and media files include content such as text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, videos, music and images. Unlike an application -- which is a standalone program -- a document or media file launches another program for viewing when you double-click it. Windows includes programs that handle many types of documents and media files, such as WordPad, Paint and Windows Media Player.
Types of Software Distribution Media
- The most common physical medium for software distribution is the optical disc; a dual-layer DVD disc holds nearly 9GB of data. Some companies also distribute software on flash drives; at the time of publication, Apple computers use USB flash drives rather than DVDs to store system recovery information. The Internet has also become a common means of distributing software; transferring software online reduces the costs associated with software distribution by eliminating the need to duplicate discs and print boxes and manuals.
