A computer file is a unit of storage that can be a document, image, video or application. It consists of a name and an extension that identifies the file type. Folders store files and can contain subfolders. Files can be transferred but may require the correct hardware and software. Every file has a size and attributes that determine its use.
A computer file is a unit of storage found in a computer’s operating system. This storage unit could be a document, image, video or application. Users can open files, review and edit their contents, then save and close them, using the same file name or another one.
A computer file consists 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 named “Budget.xls” tells the user – and the operating system – that the document is an Excel program. “Budget” is the identity of the file and “xls” is the file extension.
The most common files consist of a name and an extension. Originally, a filename was limited to eight characters, but modern systems allow for much longer filenames. The name is usually determined by the user or associated program and often gives an indication of the file’s purpose.
What are the types of computer files?
Basic file types include databases, documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Other file types include program files and system files. Programs are executable files and system files are not opened or changed, but they help your computer run its operating system.
Did you know?
A computer file is a basic storage unit.
File types include documents, images, videos, and MP3s, but they also include programs and other files that help your computer’s operating system run smoothly.
Files are stored in folders. Folders can contain many different files or they can be empty. Folders can also store other folders (called “subfolders”).
The file extension tells you and your computer’s operating system what kind of file it is.
What does “file extension” mean?
The file extension identifies the file type to the user and computer 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. This part of the file name is used by the operating system for internal cataloging. How an extension is used varies between operating systems; some require the extension and some ignore it completely. Most systems fall somewhere in between: the extension helps identify the programs used with the file and acts as a shortcut when reading.
The data in a computer file is complete and intact. The information within a file can be opened, read, modified and saved, thanks to the appropriate software. The information in the file may require other information to work, such as an executable file that needs a database file to run properly, but the executable and database file are two separate files.
What is the difference between a file and a folder of files?
A folder on your computer, sometimes called a “directory,” stores your computer’s files. While a file is always stored in a folder, a folder need not contain any files and is sometimes empty.
Interestingly, some modern programs that you might think of as files are actually folders. Microsoft programs after 2007, including Excel, Powerpoint and Word (with file extensions XLSX, DOCX and PPTX), are actually folders.
How do you set up a file system on a computer?
Some file systems are already installed when you purchase your computer, such as program files and system files. But you can organize your folder hierarchy for basic file types however you like, typically by dragging and dropping documents and images into folders you create yourself.
A folder hierarchy is a visual representation of how folders and subfolders are organized. You can include multiple file extensions in one 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 edit the file if the correct hardware is not installed on the new computer.
There are several ways to transfer files. For example, you can transfer files using an external hard drive or via the Web. But you’ll need to have the program’s executable file installed before you can open, read, and edit (and save) the file.
What else should I know about computer files?
Because every file on your computer is distinct from itself, there are certain characteristics that are common to any file type.
Every file has a size, even if that size is zero. The information stored within the file requires a location in the computer system, so each file is indexed by the system. Finally, each file contains attributes that determine its use. These attributes, such as who can open or alter a file or whether the file can be seen by ordinary users, are built into the file’s structure, not its internal data.
The final aspect of every computer file is that they exist in some way in the computer system. A computer file can be created or deleted, moved or copied, or altered. A user can do this using programs associated with those files or through the file management of the operating system itself. These operations may be difficult with some files due to their interaction with the operating system, but they can still be performed.
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