On our computer we have a multitude of files with different extensions consisting of three or four characters. Thanks to them, Windows assigns a program to each one and, through it, we can open, read , modify or delete the contents of the file. We use files with extensions that are more common to us for our work or leisure, such as pdf, doc, xls or cvs. Today we are going to look at another type of file that, depending on the use we make of the computer, can also be frequent: NFO files.
What are NFO files?
Microsoft released the “System Information File” on February 6, 1990. This type of text file had the initial purpose of saving the information generated by the system. Currently it is associated with warez files and they are attached information related to a video file (dimensions, bitrate and / or sound quality) or indications for the execution of the program that we have downloaded.
In addition, they are usually accompanied by a drawing created with the ASCII character code and the information of the author of the upload.
Programs to open these files
Notepad, the Microsoft reader
Launched by Microsoft in 1983, and included in all versions of Windows since Windows 1.0, it is the simplest and most minimalist program on this list. This advantage may be a disadvantage if you are looking for a more complex program.
You can find this simple reader on your PC by simply typing “Notepad” in the search bar to the left of the start button. Among its latest improvements, we highlight the inclusion of zoom within the “view” tab and an improvement in the “search and replace” command that now stores your usage history.
Did you delete the program that came installed by default? Click the link to retrieve it.
NFOPad, a portable reader
This viewer is a version of the previous one but more adapted to the user and with several specific utilities that improve the user experience. However, it retains the simple look of Notepad.
Among the improvements, we highlight its portability , the use of ANSI -which will allow you to use up to 16 colors- and the inclusion of various commands that facilitate routine actions.
If you are interested in going a little beyond the Windows option but do not want to use more complex programs, click on the link .
Jane, the choice for ASCII
Almost exclusively focused on the artistic side of the NFO. This program will allow you to view your own and other people’s creations with ease. Among its specific utilities we review “drag and drop” -which speeds up the opening of files-, insert hyperlinks and use different sources.
Visit the link to download the program.
NFO Viewer, the current option of the Microsoft Store
Continuing with the simple programs, we bring you this reader by Bruno Giordano. Open both .nfo and .diz files and show creations made with ASCII code. Although it is programmed for Windows 8, it is still useful with Windows 10.
If you want a simple program, click on the link
DAMN NFO viewer, open easily
Created for Windows 98 by Ivanopoulos, this free program dedicated to reading NFO was last updated on February 12, 2019. We highlight its speed and simplicity. It also has other functions such as color customization, line justification or direct copying of the selection.
Are you looking for a simple option? Click on the link
Notepad ++, the most complete reader
Don Ho is the author and developer of one of the most popular readers and editors of the moment. It is a free and open source program ; it is written using the C ++ programming language and uses the Scintilla code editor. Updates are frequent and it has an active user community. You can interact with them through the forum or chat (for which Git Hub is needed)
In addition to its computer utility, this program goes further. On the one hand, its creator designed the program to automate routines, thus allowing energy savings and thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions. And on the other, it releases versions named in honor of groups whose freedom of expression is limited, such as 7.8.9 Stand with Hong Kong and 7.8.3 Free Uyghur.
Click here to download this free program.
Visual Studio Code, the professional reader
This free and open source program has versions for Windows, Linux and MacOs. It also has extensions for third parties like Chrome or Phyton.
Among its utilities, specific for editors and programmers , we highlight IntelliSense, which allows improving the programming syntax with autocompletes. It also allows you to eliminate bugs and work with Git and other software configuration managers.
Click on the link to the website of this program to download it.
iNFekt, open your files quickly
This free and open source program has versions for Windows and Linux and is written with the C ++ programming code. We highlight that it was created specifically to view and present NFO files and that it has a portable version. It also has zoom, export capabilities and supports ANSI.
Its main problem is the lack of updates since its most recent version dates from December 2017.
Were you interested in this program? Download it here .
Sublime Text, the reader of the programmers
If you are interested in programming and want to spend $ 80 to purchase the license, this option could be the most interesting for you. It is developed for Windows, MacOs and Linux so you can use it on any platform.
We highlight from this Australian software the number of commands that will make your work easier and faster. Furthermore, it can be adapted to the user’s needs and offers a wide variety of plugins created, for the most part, by the users themselves.
Click on the link to use the trial version.
NFOmation, access your NFOs from the web
This option is not a program but a web page. The operation is simple, select an NFO or TXT file of up to 300kb, upload it and the page returns a screen with the reading of the file. The main advantage of this tool is that it returns reading the file quickly. However, you have no option to edit it.
If you are interested in its speed, click here