The file extension CONF is defined as a UNIX configuration file or a generic configuration file. Configuration files are used for settings and processes for various operating systems and computer applications. The file extension often uses the CONFIG extension and can supply settings for entire devices or standalone computer programs.
If the CONF file extension is a UNIX configuration file, the file is categorized as a settings file type that stores configurations and settings for UNIX and Linux operating systems. The content in a CONF file can contribute to system logs, server configurations, system boot, and web server features. The filename typically describes the purpose followed by the CONF file extension. For example, if a CONF file supports system logs, the file will take on the name of syslog.CONF and is then stored in a plain text format.
CONF files are identified as a generic configuration file which can also use the CONFIG file extension. This type of CONF file stores user preferences and application settings for various PC software applications. The file is created using various software development applications.
How to Open CONF Files
The file extension CONF is typically stored in a plain text format, which means you can use a text editing program to open and edit the file. If you do not understand source codes and other development language, opening a CONF file using this method can cause you to inadvertently alter the contents, which can render a device or software application useless.
If you are a developer, you can open and edit CONF files using a development application such as Microsoft Visual Studio or other development program which provides tools for configuring devices or building software applications. You can also open and edit CONF files using any text editing program.
If the file extension CONF is a UNIX configuration file, the file can be opened using the UNIX or Linux operating system which references the file for specific operations. This type of CONF file can also be opened and edited in Linux, UNIX, or Mac OS X using a compatible text editing application. For Linux/UNIX you can use GNU Emacs 24.3, which is a customizable text editing program available as a free download on the GNU.org website. UNIX 101: pico Editor will also open CONF on the Linux and UNIX operating systems. UNIX 101: pico Editor is available as a free download on the UIC website.
For Mac OS X, you can open UNIX/Linux CONF files using MacroMates TextMate, which is a text editing application which is available as a free download on the MacroMates website. You can also opt to use MacVim which is open source and offered as a free download on the MacVim.org website.
If the file extension CONF is a generic configuration file, the file is typically used with Windows, Mac OS X, and the Linux operating system. This type of file is also in a plain text format, which means you can use any text editing application to open and edit the file.
If you are using the Windows operating system, you can open CONF files with WordPad, Notepad, PSPad, TextPad, or Geany. For Mac OS X, CONF files can be opened using Apple TextEdit, AbiSource AbiWord, MacroMates TextMate, BareBones Software BBEdit, Bean OS X, or MacVim. For the Linux operating system, you can use BSD Vi, AbiSource AbiWord, gEdit, GNU Emacs, Leafpad, Pico, Nano Editor, or Vim to open and view the contents of CONF files.
