What Is the File Extension WPS?
The file extension WPS is used for files created and viewable with Microsoft Works versions 6 through 9. It is one of the most common word processor extensions because Microsoft Works comes standard on most PCs. Additionally, with a free WPS converter available at Microsoft's website, users of Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Open Office Word, and other popular word processors are able to save their work as a WPS file.
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Vista Requirements
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To run Microsoft Works and view WPS files, a computer must meet minimum system requirements. According to Microsoft's Compatibility Center, you need a 16-bit sound card with speakers to use Microsoft Works, regardless of your operating system. Additionally, Microsoft also indicates that the latest version of Works for Vista, and WPS files respectively, require a Pentium or equivalent processor of at least 1.6 GHz, 1 GB of RAM for Windows Vista Home Basic, 1.5 GB of RAM for Windows Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate editions, 860 MB of available hard drive space, a CD-ROM or DVD drive capable of at least 4x speed and a monitor with at least 1024 by 768 resolution.
XP Requirements
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The latest version of Microsoft Works and WPS files are also back-compatible with Windows XP. For Windows XP, you need Service Pack 1 if you're running the 64-bit edition of XP, and you need Service Pack 2 for the 32-bit edition of Windows XP. These service packs can be downloaded using Windows XP's automatic update feature. Furthermore, you'll also need 256 MB of RAM, 470 MB of available hard drive space. The CD-ROM and screen resolution requirements are identical to those of Vista. For regular updates, it's also recommended you have a modem capable of at least a 14,400-Bps transfer rate, allowing you to update you program for WPS compatibility for years to come.
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Availability
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The WPS file extension is popular, in part, because Works comes free on many computers. However, older Windows PCs, Linux computers, Macs and certain newer Windows computers do not feature pre-installed Microsoft Works and WPS functionality.
Microsoft Works is available as a trial download from Microsoft. For the full version, the program costs $49.95 for instant download at CNet and $39.95 for order from approved retailers at Microsoft.com; this is much less costly the more expensive Microsoft Word program, making Works and WPS files an appealing alternative to Word's DOC and DOCX files.
Uses
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The WPS file extension is most commonly used for saving textual documents in Microsoft Works; however, there are a few other niche uses for these types of files. Within Microsoft Works, users are able to save images with some minor editing capabilities. Additionally, calendar features make the format popular for office management. Lastly, Microsoft Works WPS files can also be used for some basic web usage, including automatic hyperlinking and some basic HTML capabilities.
Limitations
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When converting from WPS to other popular file extensions, some formatting on WPS documents may be lost. Additionally, Microsoft Word's latest DOCX file extension is not well suited for usage with older programs--such as Microsoft Works--and formatting errors occur when converting to WPS as well. WPS does not have as many advanced graphical features as Microsoft Word or other popular programs. Additionally, it comes with fewer fonts and pre-installed clip art libraries.
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