Many students who use a home computer or non-CWRL lab computer end up using a different operating system to compose and edit documents. For example, you may have a Windows-based computer at home but may meet in a classroom with Macs. Generally, most documents (such as Word and HTML documents) will be readable on both provided you have used Webspace or have a USB flash drive compatible with both computers.

The following document types are usually compatible across platforms:

• Microsoft Word (.doc)
• HTML (.html, .htm)
• Document Template (.dot)
• Rich Text Format (.rtf)
• Text files (.txt)

The following documents are NOT compatible across platforms:

• Microsoft Works (.wps)
• WordPerfect (.wpd)
• AppleWorks
• Microsoft Access (.mdb)
• Filemaker and Filemaker Pro