Open unknown filetypes in text editor?

Question

Is there a way to open files with unknown extensions, or no extension, in a text editor by default?

I'm mostly interested in doing this on Windows 7, but it would be nice to know how in Mac/Linux too.

Answer 1

Microsoft has a knowledge base article for just this situation:

KB236014 - "INFO: Shell Extensions for File Names with No File Extension"

Blurb:

For example, to associate a program (for example, Notepad.exe) to open all files with no extension, use the following registry keys:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.\shell]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.\shell\open]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.\shell\open\command]
@="<path to notepad.exe> %1"

Answer 2

Linux doesn't consider file extensions as important as Windows does. Nevertheless it's usually a guide to the type of contents.

When I wish to open a file (I'm using Linux Mint 11) I right-click on the name and choose Open With, then select a text editor (like gedit) from the list of Applications.

I tend to use this approach in Windows (XP) too, but I choose Send to ...

That means I have to put a shortcut to my favourite text editor in the appropriate place. I've no idea how Windows 7 handles this.