Embedded Files
The operating system enables the user to set up a hierarchical storage structure.
Advantages of a Hierarchical Structure
Advantages of a Hierarchical Structure
More convenient / easier / faster to find / access files
Store related files in a logical way / same directory
Can use the same file name in different directories
Shows path to file / structure
File Attributes
File Attributes
Attributes can be assigned to files by the operating system. For example, a read only file cannot be altered.
Read Only
A reason for setting a file attribute to read-only is when the user opens the file, they should not be able to alter the file.
When the file can be opened, but not altered in any way
Compress
Compress
When the file is automatically compressed to save disk space
Encrypt
Encrypt
When the file is encrypted for security purposes
Archive
When the file no longer in regular use but may be required sometime in the future
(for example a legal document or tax records that have to kept for a minimum number of years)
System
System
When the file is only used by the operating system (for example a device driver)
Hidden
Hidden
When the user is unable to see the file (for example many files are hidden in Windows as the user cannot view or amend them if you view certain directories)
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