If you've encountered a CSV file and you're unsure what they're for, the good news is they're pretty straightforward and easy-to-use with apps you already know.

To import data from a text file into Microsoft Excel, follow this step-by-step guide: First, create a blank spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel and ensure you have the .txt file on your PC.

Also known as a Comma Separated Value file, a comma delimited file is a standard file type that a number of different data-manipulation programs can read and understand, including Microsoft Excel.

Go to the File Types tab, scroll down to Microsoft Excel Worksheet (.xls not .csv) and click Advanced. Uncheck 'Browse in same window' (or 'Open Web documents' in place) and OK.