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While you’re in college, professors may require you to open specific files to read, do homework, and to study. If you are unable to open these files, you’ll be in big trouble.

1. PDF – FoxIt Reader

A “PDF” is marked by the file extension “.pdf”. These files are all over the Internet and are very common in college. FoxIt Reader will open them for you. You might also try Adobe Reader, though FoxIt is a bit faster.

2. DOC/DOCX – Open Office

The file extensions “.doc” and “.docx” are Microsoft Word files. Although Microsoft Word will open these files, Microsoft Word is not free and so many may not have it. Open Office is free and will open these files. Only Microsoft Office 2007 and newer can open “.docx” files, so if you are unable to open one, try using this online converter to convert it back to “.doc”.

Alternatively, you could download the free Word Viewer program from Microsoft, which will open .doc and .docx (you just won’t be able to edit it). You may also need to download the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack.

3. DJVU – WinDjView

DJVU, pronounced “deja-vu”, are an open-source alternative to PDF files, but are much more rare. To open a “.djvu” file, use WinDjView (or MacDjView, offered on the same page).

4. PPT – Open Office

PowerPoint Files! “.ppt” designates a PowerPoint file. As with .doc and .docx, you could use Microsoft Office, but Open Office works just as well for free.

5. JPG/GIF/BMP – IrfanView

These are just common image files, and your computer should be able to open all of these without trouble: “.jpg”, “.jpeg”, “.gif”, “.bmp”. However, if you’re having trouble, IrfanView can open pretty much anything.

What are some common file formats you come across every day?