Question

what is a file and directory in the context of a computer what are the activities involved in the file management explain how file management in different than the memory management

Answer 1

A file is a container in a computer system for storing information. Files used in computers are similar in features to that of paper documents used in library and office files. There are different types of files such as text files, data files, directory files, binary and graphic files, and these different types of files store different types of information. In a computer operating system, files can be stored on optical drives, hard drives or other types of storage devices.
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A directory (folder) is a location for storing files on your computer. Directories are found in a hierarchical file system, such as Linux, MS-DOS, OS/2, and Unix.
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Navigation
People working with files have to be able to go to the folder where the system has stored the file. File management programs have a navigation system that lets users proceed through the file hierarchy to the level where they can find their work. Navigation functions include commands such as "Up" and "Down" to climb through the folder structure and "Go To" if the user knows the location of the data. The program often includes a bookmarking function to create direct links to frequently accessed locations and "Expand/Collapse" functions to view or hide folder details.

Operations
Operation functions let the users interact with the files. These functions typically include "Open," "Save," "Close," "Copy," "Move," "Delete," "Rename," "New" and "Share." A "Print" function is sometimes included if an associated printer is compatible with the file management program, and a "Manage" or "Properties" function lets users configure the program and how it stores the files.


Security
The security aspects of a file management program include access and data integrity. The program can restrict access to itself or to particular files with log-in procedures. It can specify a user name and a password for program or folder access, or it can encrypt files and require a password to access the data. With regard to data integrity, it can keep track of modifications and deletions to make sure users can reverse unauthorized changes.

Storage
While managing file storage generally, file management programs also handle related tasks such as maintaining backups and reducing duplication. They can perform these functions automatically or can alert and remind users to carry out the functions manually.

Communications
File management programs usually include links to email or other applications that allow the fast transfer of files into the communication program. Typically the program carries out the transfer when the user gives a command such as "Email" a file. The program sends a copy of the file to the email program where the user can send it out.

Search
File management programs typically include a "Search" function. Such a function will at least search the file names to find a particular file, but some programs will also search the data or search for key words attached to files. Users have to be able to configure the function to carry out the kind of search they want because a file search may be quick, but a search of all the data can take up to several hours.
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Memory management
- Operating System manages Main Memory. Main memory provides a fast storage that can be access directly by the CPU. A programs to be executed, must in the main memory.
- Keeps track of Main memory: Which part is used and not in used is tracked by Operating System.
- Allocation and De-allocation of memory : Allocation of memory to process when process requests it and De-allocation of memory when the process no needs it.
- OS (operating system) decides which process will get memory when and how much.

File Management
- Keep track of who gets the resources.
- Operating System keeps track of Status, location and uses of Resources.
- Allocation of resources when requested and De-allocation of resources.

Answer 2

• A computer file is a computer resource for recording data discretely in a computer storage device. ... A file may be designed to store a picture, a written message, a video, a computer program, or a wide variety of other kinds of data.

• In computing, a directory is a file system cataloging structure which contains references to other computer files, and possibly other directories. On many computers, directories are known as folders, or drawers to provide some relevancy to a workbench or the traditional office file cabinet.

• Storage. While managing file storage generally, file management programs also handle related tasks such as maintaining backups and reducing duplication. They can perform these functions automatically or can alert and remind users to carry out the functions manually.

• Memory management
• - Operating System manages Main Memory. Main memory provides a fast storage that can be access directly by the CPU. A programs to be executed, must in the main memory.
• - Keeps track of Main memory: Which part is used and not in used is tracked by Operating System.
• Allocation and De-allocation of memory : Allocation of memory to process when process requests it and De-allocation of memory when the process no needs it.

• - OS (operating system) decides which process will get memory when and how much.

• File Management
• - Keep track of who gets the resources.
• - Operating System keeps track of Status, location and uses of Resources.
• - Allocation of resources when requested and De-allocation of resources.