Resources are categorized into Media Types and File Types.  Media Types represent the type of media used to display the resource, such as audio or video. File Types are determined based on the resource’s file extension. When a file extension is unrecognized, it is labeled "unknown."

For information about which file types are preferred for each media type in order to be most accessible to the majority of users, refer to the Preferred File Formats section of the Help Collection.  

Here are a few links where you can download free software to help you access materials on Curriki:

• Adobe Flash Player: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
• Adobe Reader: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
• OpenOffice programs: http://download.openoffice.org/index.html
• QuickTime: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/

You may see several file types that you are unfamiliar with on Curriki, or run across problems trying to access certain types of files.  Here are some common file format problems that users have experienced:

• Microsoft Office programs changed the file extension between the 2003 and 2007 versions. If you are trying to view a “.docx”, “.xlsx”, or “.pptx” file with an Office program prior to 2007, you may need to download the document converter first.  Download instructions and links to more information are available here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en For ideas on how to collaborate on resources with users who have a different version of the software, see the Office Document Version Compatibility section of the Help Collection.
• “.notebook” files designate files from Smart Technology’s Notebook software. For more information, visit the Smart website: http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Board+software/default.htm
• “.pub” files are for Microsoft Publisher. If you do not have this software, you can convert the files to PDF for free in order to view them by using this website: https://www.pdfonline.com/convert_pdf.asp
• Apple iLife or iWork products (such as "Pages") often look like a single file when editing them on your computer, but are saved as multiple files. To upload these files to Curriki, make sure to compress them into a zip folder, or save it as a ".doc" or ".pdf" (these options should be available in the "save as" menu), before uploading to Curriki's repository. You may also want to enter the original application as a keyword in the information settings.

Also, please note that there is a maximum file size of 20 MB for any file added into the repository. If you are uploading a large file, you may want to consider using a wired connection (rather than a wireless connection), in order to accelerate the file upload process.