Chapter 4 File Basics File Basics FAQs What
Chapter 4 File Basics
File Basics • FAQs − What is a file? − What do I need to know about file names? − How do I create and save files? − How do I open files? − What if Windows opens the wrong application? Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 2
What is a file? • A file is a collection of data that has a name and is stored on a hard disk or portable media – Two types of files: executable files and data files – Every file has file properties that describe its name, type, location, and size – Some files are designated as read-only (cannot be modified or deleted) or hidden (does not appear in file lists) – Files created in Windows 7 can have descriptive file tags Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 3
What is a file? Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 4
What do I need to know about file names? • Every computer file has a file name – Effective file names describe their contents • File names in Windows are not case sensitive • A file extension is a set of characters added to a file name to indicate the file’s contents and origin – Windows does not display file extensions by default – Windows displays a file type (or file format) based on the extension Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 5
What do I need to know about file names? Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 6
How do I create and save files? • The most common way to create files is by using applications software • The first time you save a file, you are required to give the file a name and specify a storage location – Each storage device on your PC has a unique device letter – Storage devices can hold thousands of files, and the use of folders and libraries Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 7
How do I create and save files? Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 8
How do I open files? • To view or modify a file, you have to first open it – Open command in application software – Double-click icon on Windows desktop – Type all or part of a file name in the Start menu’s Search box – Click a file located on the application’s jump list on the Start menu Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 9
How do I open files? Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 10
What if Windows opens the wrong application? • Windows keeps a list of file types and their corresponding default programs – A default program is the one that Windows uses when you open a particular file type – The link is sometimes called an association • You can open files using an application other than the default by: – Right-clicking the file name and selecting the Open with option – Changing the default program Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 11
What if Windows opens the wrong application? Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 12
Hardware: Hard disk drives • A hard disk is a circular, rigid storage medium that typically is made of aluminum or glass and coated with metallic particles – The hard disks inside the drive are also called platters • Hard disks use magnetic storage technology – Read-write head Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 13
Hardware: Hard disk drives • Access time is the average time it takes the read-write heads to locate and collect data from the disk – Most of today’s drives operate at 7, 200 rpm • Data on magnetic media can be unintentionally altered by magnetic fields, dust, mold, smoke particles, heat, and drive malfunctions Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 14
Hardware: Hard disk drives • If you run out of space on your original hard disk, you can: – Add a second hard disk – Purchase an external hard disk drive Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 15
Hardware: Hard disk drives • As you add, modify, and delete files, the hard disk drive efficiency can decrease • A hard disk is divided into tracks – Tracks are divided into sectors • A file that is stored in nonadjacent sectors is referred to a fragmented file – Defragmentation utilities put sections of files in adjacent sectors Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 16
Hardware: Hard disk drives Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 17
How permanent are electronic files? • What do you think? – Do you have any electronic files that you would want to access thirty or forty years from now? – Can you think of any business or government agency that might have a problem accessing archival data in the future? – Do you think most people are aware of the potential problem relating to accessing archival data? Practical PC 6 th Edition Chapter 4 18
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