As a Mac user you'd better start to use extensions. You won't like OS X without them.

I've always hated the way the Mac OS handled datatypes. Or rather, I've always had a problem with how the Mac failed to handle datatypes.

Many dedicated MP3 players will also require the file extension. Windows doesn't need the extension for anything but choosing what application to launch. It's up to individual applications to deal with the file it is passed. For instance, ACDSee image viewer properly scans headers and doesn't need extensions. Photoshop on the contrary, can't operate on a file without an extension through the regular Open dialog.

I came to the Windows platform from the Amiga (primary) and the Mac (secondary) - neither had a need for extensions for most files (though renaming things with dependancies could cause problems - esp. on the Amiga). Using extensions is simple and that's the beauty. Easy to configure and administer as well as repair.

Bruno