Computer Science SS2 Second Term
Week 3
Topic: Computer Files
Computer Files
A computer file is a resource for storing information which is available to a computer program and is usually based on some kind of durable storage. Computer file can be considered as the modern counter part of paper documents which are traditionally kept in offices and libraries. A file is “durable” in the sense that it remains available for other programs to use after the program that created it has finished executing.
A record is a valve that contains other values typically in fixed numbers and typically indexed by names. The elements of records are usually called Fields or Members.
A data item is an atomic state of a particular object concerning a specific property at a certain time. Data item is identified by object (O), property (P) is a function of O, P and T. (O,P,T) values are represented by symbols like numbers, text, images, sounds, video and others.
Data item refer to a single unit of value e.g. Roll number, Name, Date of Birth, Age e.t.c
There are two types of data items
They are
- Group items
- Elementary items
Types of Files Organization
- Serial
- Sequential
- Indexed
- Random
- Relative
File organization refers to the way records are physically arranged on a storage device.Information in a computer file can consist of smaller packets of information (often called “records” or “lines”) that are individually different but share some trait in common. The way information is grouped into file is entirely up to the person designing the file. Most computer files are used by computer programs. These programs create, modify and delete files for their own use on an as – needed basis.
Method of Accessing files
- Serial access
- Sequential access
- Random access
Types of Computer Files
Using my computer as an example, computer file types can be characterized in a few major groups:
- System File – These usually exist in the “Windows” folder. In most litigation cases, these files are not necessary, but in some cases, they may be critically important. This needs to be documented in the Litigation Response Plan.
- Program Files – These usually exist in the “Program Files” folder (e. g. Microsoft and Adobe products). In most litigation cases, these files are not necessary, but in some cases, they may be critically important. This needs to be documented in the Litigation Response Plan.
- Document Files – For example, Microsoft Word or Excel files. These are often important in litigation.
- Multimedia Files – For example, video, audio, and graphic files. These are often important in intellectual property cases.
- Emails – A common and important data type in litigation.
ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERIZED FILES
(i) Computer can perform calculations quickly and efficiently.
(ii) Data can be retrieved quickly and easily.
(iii) Lost documents can be retrieved.
(iv) Security is tight and hard to break into.
(v) Makes work easier.
(vi) Quicker to find things and sort things.
(vii) Transactions, accounts can be handled more properly by computers than manually.
LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTERIZED FILES
(i) Computerized filing system is expensive to set up.
(ii) Not effective where there is irregular electric supply.
(iii) Skilled labor with proficiency in computers is required
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