What is a file System? Role of a File System

By | October 13, 2023

What is a file System: Files are used to store information on computers. If you save files randomly, then you will waste your time and energy searching for them when needed. The operating system organizes the data in an organized manner so that it becomes easy to store and find it. This is done by using the File System.

What is a file System

A File system defines the ways in which files are named and where they are placed logically for storage and retrieval. Each operating system (DOS, Windows, Unix, Macintosh) has its own type of file system with its own structure and logic, properties of speed, flexibility, security, size, and kind of application, etc.

Most operating systems use hierarchical file systems, wherein the access to the data starts at the top and proceeds downward throughout the levels of hierarchy. The files are organized into folders and sub-folders in a tree-like structure.

Role Of File System

The File Management system is the layer of the system software, which is responsible for organizing and managing the storage of data.

1. Creating a Folder

  • Right-click once on the blank area of the desktop.
  • A shortcut menu appears.
  • Select the New option. A list of sub-options appears.
  • Click on the folder options. A new folder will be created and displayed on the desktop.
  • Type a name for the folder at the cursor position and press the Enter key.

2. Creating a New File

  • Right-click once on the blank area of the desktop.
  • From the shortcut menu, select the New Option.
  • You will get the option to create files of different types of applications such as MS Excel, and Word. Select the one you want.
  • Type a name for the file at the cursor position and press the Enter key. A new file will be created.

3. Renaming A File / Folder

Renaming refers to changing the existing name of a file or folder. Follow any of the given steps to rename a file/ folder.

  • Right-click on the file folder and select the Rename option from the shortcut menu. Now, type the new name that you wish to give to the file /folder, and press the Enter Key. The file/folder will be renamed.

4. Deleting A File / Folder

To delete a file/folder, follow any of the given steps:

  • Select the file/folder that you want to delete and press the Delete key.
  • Right-click on the file/folder and select the delete option from the shortcut menu.

5. Restoring A File / Folder

All deleted files/folders are moved to the Recycle Bin if they are not permanently deleted. To retrieve a file that you have deleted, follow the given steps:

  • Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop to open it.
  • Select the file/folder and choose the following commands from the Restore group on the Recycle Bin Tools tab.

6. Permanently Deleting A File / Folder

To permanently delete all files/folders from the Recycle Bin, follow any of the given steps:

  • Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon and select the option Empty Recycle Bin. You will asked to confirm if you want to permanently delete the files. Click on Yes to delete.
  • Double-click on the Recycle Bin Icon on your desktop to open it. Click on the Empty Recycle Bin command from the Manage group on the Recycle Bin Tools tab to remove all the deleted files/ folders permanently.

7. Moving or Copying a File / Folder

Moving a file or folder means shifting it from its original location to another location, whereas, copying a file or folder means creating a duplicate copy of the selected file or folder. To move/copy a file or folder.

  • Double-click on this PC icon on the desktop.
  • Now, select a location from the left pane from where you want to move/copy the file/folder.
  • Select any file/folder that you want to move / copy from the right pane.

FAQ: What is a file System? Role of a File System

Q1. What do you understand by the File System?

Ans. A File system defines the ways in which files are named and where they are placed logically for storage and retrieval. Each operating system (DOS, Windows, Unix, Macintosh) has its own type of file system with its own structure and logic, properties of speed, flexibility, security, size, and kind of application, etc.

Q2. What is the difference between a file and a folder?

Ans. You see, a file is like a single piece of information, like a document or a picture. It’s like having one item in your hand, ready to be used or shared. But a folder, oh boy, it’s like a collection of files! Imagine having a whole bunch of documents or pictures neatly organized in one place. 

Q3. What are the different ways of renaming a file or folder?

Ans. Right-click on the file folder and select the Rename option from the shortcut menu. Now, type the new name that you wish to give to the file /folder, and press the Enter Key. The file/folder will be renamed.

Q4. What is a Recycle Bin? How can you restore a file to its original location?

Ans. Recycle Bin! It is an absolute game-changer when it comes to managing our digital files. The Recycle Bin is like a virtual trash can on our computers where all the deleted files go. But here’s the best part – it’s not permanent! We can easily restore any accidentally deleted file from the Recycle Bin with just a few clicks.

Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop to open it.
Select the file/folder and choose the following commands from the Restore group on the Recycle Bin Tools tab.

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