Chapter 4 File Basics
Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4 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 6th Edition Chapter 4
Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4 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 6th Edition Chapter 4
Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4 What is a file? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 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 6th Edition Chapter 4
What do I need to know about file names? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4
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 6th Edition Chapter 4
How do I create and save files? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4
Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4 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 6th Edition Chapter 4
Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4 How do I open files? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4
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 6th Edition Chapter 4
What if Windows opens the wrong application? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4
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 6th Edition Chapter 4
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 6th Edition Chapter 4
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 6th Edition Chapter 4
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 6th Edition Chapter 4
Hardware: Hard disk drives Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 4
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 6th Edition Chapter 4