what type of program can be used to translate files created in one operating system, so they can be used by a different operating system.

Question

rsmith6559 · Answer

For data files, the difference caused by the OS is mostly in how lines end.  Unix uses a linefeed, Microsoft uses a carriage return and line feed and OSX uses linefeeds except in many of the GUI programs then they use a carriage return.

Binary executable files would need to be recompiled to run on a different OS.

e.mccormick · Answer

There are other things that may need to be involved.  For example, if you format a thumb drive in a native file format for LINUX, you may not be able to read it in Windows.  FAT32 is probably the most portable file format for use on that type of device.

If you write a file with OpenOffice on Windows, Mac, or whetever, well, then it will open with the same program on any other one.  The use of a common application is what helps.