Tuesday 4 February 2014

.bin file?

If you are reading this you either have a .bin file you can't figure out how to open, or you don't know what a .bin file is and you are curious. If you ask someone who is moderately techno literate what a .bin file is, their answer will probably be "It's a binary file." So what's a binary file? Their answer will be, well... it's a bit more complicated. Let's try to make this simple and understandable.
What is a Binary File?
A binary file is an executable. I know, that doesn't tell you much. It basically is a computer file that could be anything from text, to image, to sound and more. This information is stored as a mathematical code, binary. This code is a base-2 number system consisting of usually 0s and 1s. These two symbols are put together in 8 bits or a number of 8 digits.
What is a .bin file?
A .bin file is basically a universal file consisting of binary data. It is most commonly found as a complete duplication of a CD or DVD. It is not a grouping of files or folders but rather a copy of the entire raw data. A .bin file typically comes with a .cue file, they work hand in hand together and you will need both files to access the data.
Where do you find a .bin file?
The easiest answer to this question is to do a search on your computer for .bin. You will be amazed at how many there are on your computer. It is a commonly used format.
How do you open a .bin file?
More than likely, you have a file you can't open. It was probably emailed to you or maybe you downloaded it and you don't know what to do with it. The simplest answer would be to burn a copy of it to a CD or DVD given you have the ability to do so. Then, when you remount the CD the files will open.
Programs that might be useful
Unlike .exe or .doc, .bin files are universal and there isn't one program they relate too. You might find Alcohol 120%, ISO Buster, or Nero to be useful and able to open a .bin file. The other option would be to use a program like Daemon-tools to act as a virtual CD ROM so that it could open the file without ever having to actually burn a CD ROM.
Maybe this analogy will help you to better understand.
Binary code or file = words or sound
.bin file = language made up of the words or sounds
opening the .bin file = ears that can hear and understand the words or sounds

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