The most fundamental aspects of using computer – |
1. working with files, and |
2. Organizing those files into directories. |
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Files |
A file is simply a collection of information that we store on a disk or diskette.
The normal way to create a file is to run an application.
For example, when we use a word processing application to write a letter, we save the letter by storing it as a file. |
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In general, each file must have a unique name. However, two files can share the same name provided that they are on different disks, or in different directories. |
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A file name has two parts: |
• the filename itself and |
• an extension. |
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In this example: |
RECIPE.DOC |
RECIPE is the filename and DOC is the extension. Note the FULL STOP between the two parts of the name. When a filename has an extension, the two parts of the name are separated by a full stop. |
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Filenames |
We choose filenames with care, as a good name will help us to remember what kind of information is in the file. |
A filename may contain up to eight characters. |
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For example: |
PDL, README, 4JULY96, MEMO_MAY |
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Exceptions |
The only characters we cannot use in filenames are: |
” / \ [ ] < > + = ; : , ? * { } Spaces are also not permitted. |
Some filenames to avoid |
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There are some filenames that we should avoid when naming files because our computer reserves them for special uses. |
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AUX, COM1 or COM2 |
The internal name of a device connected to a Serial Port. |
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CON |
The internal name of data sent to the keyboard or screen. |
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LPT1, LPT2, LST or PRN |
The internal names for the printer connected to the Parallel port. |
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