The Computer File System

Before computers, documents containing data were stored using a manual file system. Documents were placed inside manila folders, which were labeled and organized using file cabinets. Today, manual paper filing systems have been replaced by computer filing systems that organize and store files electronically using folders and directories.

Folders

Provide a method for organizing files files, similar to a manila file folder containing paper documents in a file cabinet. When multiple folders, subfolders, and files are stored in the directory, a directory tree is formed.

Directory Tree

A directory tree is a hierarchy of directories that consists of a single directory called the parent directory, or top level directory, and all levels of its subdirectories.

Operating Systems

​Operating Systems

An operating system is the collection of software that directs a computer's operations, controls and schedules the execution of other programs, and manages storage, input/output, and communication resources.

Operating Systems

Every general purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs and applications. In addition to organizing file directories, operating systems perform basic tasks, such a recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.