A computer file is a storage unit maintained in the operating system of a computer. This storage unit can be a document, an image, a video or an application. Users can open files, review and change their content, and then save and close them, using the same or a different file name.
With the right software, you can create, edit, and save files on your computer.
A computer file is made up of a name that creates the identity of the file, and an extension that tells the operating system and associated programs what type of file it is. For example, a file called “Budget.xls” tells the user, and the operating system, that the document is an Excel program. “Budget” is the file identity and “xls” is the file extension.
A file folder can contain files, other folders, or nothing.
The most common files consist of a name and an extension. Originally a filename was limited to eight characters, but modern systems allow much longer filenames. The name is usually determined by the user or the associated program and usually gives an indication of the purpose of the file.
You can transfer files between computers and devices with a dongle.
What are the types of computer files?
Basic file types include database, document, presentation, and spreadsheet. Other types of files include program files and system files. Programs are executable files, and system files are not opened or modified, but help the computer to run the operating system.
The file extension tells the user and the computer what type of file it is. Documents, images, and videos are common file types.
Did you know?
A computer file is a basic unit of storage.
File types include documents, images, videos, and MP3s, but also include programs and other files that help your computer’s operating system run smoothly.
Files are stored in folders. The folders can contain many different files or they can be empty. Folders can also store other folders (called “subfolders”).
The file extension tells the user and the computer’s operating system what type of file it is.
What does “file extension” mean?
The file extension identifies the type of file to the user and the computer’s operating system and appears after the file name and a period. Common file extensions include JPG, PNG, XLS, DOC, PDF, and PPT, although there are many others such as WMV and EXE.
A file extension is usually a period followed by two to four characters. The operating system uses this part of the filename for internal cataloging. The way an extension is used varies between operating systems; some require the extension and others ignore it entirely. Most systems fall somewhere in the middle: the extension helps identify the programs used with the file and acts as a shortcut when reading it.
The data in a computer file is complete and complete. The information within a file can be opened, read, modified and saved, with the appropriate software. The information contained in the file may require other information to function, such as an executable file that needs a database file to run properly, but the executable and database files are two separate files.
What is the difference between a file and a file folder?
A computer folder, sometimes called a “directory,” stores computer files. Although a file is always stored in a folder, a folder does not need to contain any files and is sometimes empty.
Interestingly, some modern programs that you may think of as files are actually folders. Post-2007 Microsoft programs, including Excel, Powerpoint, and Word (with XLSX, DOCX, and PPTX file extensions), are actually folders.
How do I set up a file system on a computer?
Some file systems are already installed when you buy your computer, such as program files and system files. But you can organize your own folder hierarchy for basic file types however you like, usually by dragging and dropping documents and images into folders you create yourself.
The folder hierarchy is a visual representation of how folders and subfolders are organized. You can include multiple file extensions in a folder; for example, you can include XLS, DOC, PPT, WMV, PDF and JPG in one folder.
Can I transfer a file to another computer?
Yes, but you may not be able to open, read, or modify the file if the new computer doesn’t have the proper hardware installed.
There are several ways to transfer files. For example, you can transfer files using an external hard drive or via the web. But you will need to have the executable program file installed before you can open, read, and modify (and save) the file.
What else should I know about computer files?
Since each computer file is different from itself, there are certain characteristics that are common among any type of file.
Every file has a size, even if that size is zero. The information stored in the file requires a location on the computer system, so the system indexes each file. Finally, each file contains attributes that determine its use. These attributes, such as who can open or modify a file or whether the file can be viewed by normal users, are built into the structure of the file, not its internal data.
The last aspect of every computer file is that they exist in some way on the computer system. A computer file can be created or deleted, moved, copied or modified. A user can do this through the use of programs associated with those files or through the file management of the operating system itself. These operations can be difficult with some files due to their interaction with the operating system, but they can still be performed.
Powerpoint is a common computer file type.
