File extension .TAP
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Commodore 64 Cassette Tape Image | N/A | Disk Image Files |
The TAP file extension is a Commodore 64 Cassette Tape Image file format developed by Commodore International. It was developed for the Commodore 64 home computer system, and can be created by many tape management software utilities. A TAP file contains a virtual representation of the data stored on a cassette tape, including the original organization information and data contents.
Throughout its life cycle, Commodore International maintained dozens of software titles that supported the TAP format, allowing users to save and backup data stored on tapes. Many of them also could convert TAP files to other formats for use with other systems, such as emulator files like CRT, PRG, P00, or other disk images like D64, D71, or D81.
Features
The main purpose of this file extension is to create an exact replica of a cassette tape, recording its physical characteristics as well as its contents. To ensure files retain most if not all their original quality, the format typically uses a header containing an identifier for the type of drive used to write the original tape, as well as details related to speed control. Moreover, it stores data through pulse-code modulation (PCM) technique.
Similar File Extensions
TAP files have similar variants that use slightly different headers and identifiers such as
.File extensions such as these contain much larger analogue datafiles compared to modern digital tapes such as those of the audio cassette kind. The reason for this is because they are designed to be compatible with hardware that only had limited memory capabilities at the time.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .TAP) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .TAP extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .TAP file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .TAP extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .TAP extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .TAP file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .TAP file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .TAP file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .TAP file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .TAP file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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