File Structure Organization - SS2 ICT Lesson Note

The organization of files within a computer system involves several concepts, such as file systems, directories, and metadata:

File Systems: A file system is a method used by the operating system to manage and organize files on storage devices. Popular file systems include NTFS, FAT32, HFS+, and ext4. They dictate how data is stored, accessed, and managed.

Directories (Folders): Directories are organizational units that group related files together. They form a hierarchical structure, with a root directory at the top and subdirectories within it. This structure helps users navigate and manage files more efficiently.

Metadata: Each file contains metadata, which is descriptive information about the file itself. This can include attributes like the file name, file size, creation date, modification date, file type, and permissions. Metadata aids in file management and retrieval.

Path: The path is the location of a file or directory within the file system's hierarchy. It defines the route to access a particular file or directory starting from the root directory.

File Attributes and Permissions: Files are associated with attributes (such as read-only, hidden, system file) and permissions (permissions to read, write, execute) that determine who can access or modify the file.

In conclusion, computer files are essential components of modern computing, serving as containers for various types of data. They are organized within file systems, directories, and subdirectories, and are managed through metadata, attributes, and permissions, allowing users to efficiently store, access, and manipulate digital information.