File Directory Structure:
• Directory structure is a hierarchical tree structure used to display files in an
operating system.
• The root directory is the top-level folder.
• Subdirectories are directories contained within other directories.
• Parent and child relationships describe directory and subdirectory connections.
• Root directory typically represented as C:\ on the main partition of a computer.
• Folders or directories are virtual locations for organizing files.
• Sub-folders or subdirectories hold files or other folders.
• File organization is achieved by storing related files in the same directory.
Directory Path or File Path:
A path specifies how to navigate through the directory tree to find a file or folder.
Pathnames can be absolute (starting from the root) or relative (relative to the
current directory).
Types of Directory Paths:
a. Absolute Pathname:
• Represents the complete path from the root directory downward.
• Uses a slash (/) to delimit names in the sequence.
• Allows locating files from anywhere in the system.
b. Relative Pathname:
• References files relative to the current directory.
• Specifies files or directories above or below the current level.
• Facilitates easier access when working within a specific directory.
File Conversion:
• File conversion changes a file from one format to another.
• Useful when working with incompatible programs.
• Example: Converting a .doc file to PDF format.
File Converter:
• Software that converts documents from one file type to another.
• Offers a simple, user-friendly conversion process.
• Examples of file converter software: Foxit PDF Editor, PDF to Word Converter,
PDF Convert Free, Elite Cloud Convert, Shift PDF, Candy Select Pdf.
File Importing and Exporting:
File Import:
• Moves files or data from one program to another.
• Example: Importing a CSV file into an Excel spreadsheet.
File Export:
• Moves information from a program into a file.
• Example: Exporting an Excel spreadsheet to a CSV file.
• Data can be exported in various formats (e.g., txt, BMP, jpg, gif).
Saving and Opening Files:
• Saving a file in a different format may result in some feature loss.
• Opening a file in Windows usually uses the default application for that file type.
• Specify a file format when opening in Microsoft Word to narrow down the
search.
File Backup and Recovery:
Backup:
• Creating copies of data to protect against data loss.
• Backups are stored separately from primary data.
• Used to recover from data loss due to hardware or software failure.
File Recovery:
• Restoring data from a backup to its original or a new location.
• Helps recover from data failures or accidental deletion.
File Compression:
• Reduces the logical size of a file to save disk space and facilitate faster
transmission.
• Zipped files occupy less space and can be transferred more quickly.
• Common compression tools: WinRAR, WinZip, 7zip.
Deleting a File:
• File deletion removes a file from the computer's file system.
• Deleted files are typically moved to the Recycle Bin in Windows.
• Right-click or use the Delete key to delete files or folders.
Restoring Deleted File:
• Files deleted in Windows are moved to the Recycle Bin, not immediately
removed.
• Deleted files can be restored from the Recycle Bin.
• Restoration is copying data from secondary storage back to its original or a new
location.