chapter 4 file basics. 2practical pc 5 th edition chapter 4 getting started in this chapter, you...

Chapter 4File Basics

2 Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 4

Getting Started

• In this Chapter, you will learn:− What is a file− How to save a file− How to open a file within an application− How to open a file from Windows− About hardware storage technologies


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 – A file is stored in a specific file format– The main file format that an application works with is

its native file format– To keep track of formats, applications use file

extension (i.e. .jpg)– Windows sets up an association between software

and file extensions behind the scenes– You should not change a file extension unless you

have a reason to do so


How do I save a file?

• To transfer your data to disk storage, you can use the Save or Save As commands– Use a unique name

• Modern applications allow you to use long file names more than 255 letters and numerals

• Windows is not case sensitive

– Specify where to save the file• Storage devices have a device letter such as C:\• Folders allow you to group files for easy retrieval



Using the Save and Save As Commands



Choosing a name and location for a file


How do I open a file from within an application?

• Selecting the Open command produces a dialog box to help you select a file– Applications typically store their files in a

particular folder– If you try to open a file that is not in the

application’s native format the application may try to convert it

– Changing file formats can come in handy with graphics and music files


How do I open a file from Windows?

• To open a file in Windows, double-click any file name or file icon

• The quickest way to open files are the following:– Use the file’s icon on the Windows desktop– Open the Start menu and then use the Search box– Open the Start menu and select the Recent Items

list


How do I open a file from Windows?

Opening a file from Windows


Hardware: Storage technologies

• There are three major categories of storage technologies: magnetic, optical, and solid state

• Magnetic – Hard disk, floppy disk, and tape storage– Data stored by magnetizing microscopic particles on

the disk or tape surface– Data can be easily and quickly accessed, changed or

deleted– Can lose magnetic charge or be altered by dust or

magnetic fields



• Optical– CD and DVD– Records data as microscopic light and dark spots– Durable media that lasts up to 30 years

• Solid state storage– Flash memory such as memory sticks, UFD’s and SD

memory cards– Stores data in erasable, rewriteable circuitry– Durable and relatively fast with no moving parts– Offers less capacity than hard disks or DVD’s



Optical disc showing multiple layers and a close up view of the surface



Solid state storage uses circuitry to store data


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?


Chapter Summary

• You should now be able to: − Understand files− Save a file− Open a file within an application− Open a file from Windows− Use various hardware storage technologies

chapter 4 file basics. 2practical pc 5 th edition chapter 4 getting started in this chapter, you...

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