How Different Types of File Managers Work - Essay Example

Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 0.Introduction 3 2.0.File Manager 3 3.0.How Different Types of File Managers Work 4 3.2. File-list File Manager 4 3.2. Orthodox file manager 5 3.3. Navigational File Manager 7 3.4. Spatial file manager 8 Conclusion 9 Reference List 10 File management 1.0. Introduction A file refers to storage of computer data and information, usually with a name. File management refers to the fundamental methods used in naming, storing and handling computer files. In many applications, a file acts as a central element, with the exception of the real-time and other specialized applications where, virtually, all output is saved within a file to provide for long term storage for future use by either the user or other programs. The lifespan for the files is independent of any applications that use them for their input-output functions. Therefore, users must be in a position to create access, save and maintain the files content and integrity. These actions encompass the file management systems. A typical file management system comprise of system utility programs running as privileged applications. Any file management system requires backing by operating system making the entire file management system component of the operating system. Therefore, this paper discusses how the file manager keeps all the records of the files stored in mass storage in this paper (Asgari and Reza 2013). 2.0. File Manager File manager refers to a computer program providing a user interface to manage folders and files. The major operations that are performed on files or collection of files include creating, opening, renaming, deleting, coping, moving or search for files. It also entails modification of attributes and properties of files and obtaining the file permissions. Display of files and folders may occur in a hierarchical tree based on the directory structure. Other file managers have special features inspired by the web browsers to allow for back and forward navigational buttons. Other file managers may provide network connectivity through protocols like FTP, SMB, WebDAV and SMB. This occurs through allowing browsing of the file server by the user, hence easy connection and accessibility to the file system of the server (Asgari and Reza 2013, p. 6). Figure 2.0: Representation of File Management 3.0. How Different Types of File Managers Work 3.2. File-list File Manager Example of file-list file manager is flist, which is a variant of fulist used for conversational monitor system. The program provides a list of files in the minidisk of the user and enables the user to sort out files using the preferred file attribute. Figure 3.1: File-List File Manager The program allows passage of the file attributes to function keys or scripts definitions as EXEC 2 and XEDIT. However, the program can only be used in IBM VM/SP CMS and acts as inspiration for other programs. 3.2. Orthodox file manager Orthodox file manager is also referred to as command-based file manager. The program comprises of three windows; one command line and two panels. This is among the oldest class of file managers. The developers create applications which extend and duplicate the Norton Commander interface for DOS. Such file managers have been developed extensively for use in Microsoft Windows, UNIX and DOS. Figure 3.2: Orthodox File Manager The panel windows of the orthodox file managers are found at the top of the screen while the command line is a minimized shell (command) window that is expansible to full screen. At any one time, only one screen can be active. The active panel contains a file cursor and is normally resizable. Files within the active panel serve as source files for the operations performed by the file manager. For instance, files can be moved or copied from the active panel to passive panel location. The active panel contains the information of the currently working directory and related files while the passive panel shows the same content or those of another directory (Asgari and Reza 2013, p.7). Users can customize the column display showing relevant information about the files. However, both panels, active d passive, can be switched on and off interchangeably using the tab key. This kind of file manager allows close integration with the underlying shell of operating system through command line using the associated terminal windows and provides the user with extensive shortcuts on the keyboard. The active and passive panels can be used to create commands on command line interface as the current file and the file path. 3.3. Navigational File Manager The navigational file manager is also referred to as explorer and has been extensively integrated into Microsoft Windows. The program provides a classic representation of the file system locations. The program had become dominant since advent of GUIs due to its use in operating systems using Microsoft Windows (Asgari and Reza 2013, p.8). Figure 3.3: Navigation File Manager The program contains two panes; directory contents in right pane and file system tree in the left pane. The windows display location of files currently being viewed, and the user can change the current directory by opening, clicking the back button or using additional pane with the navigation tree that represent all the file system. The icons represent programs, directories and files. The programs interface contains an address bar that can be used to type the directory or file path (Asgari and Reza 2013, p.10). Unlike the orthodox managers that had 3 panes, the navigational managers are asymmetrical due to the two panes. Selection of the directory within the left navigation pane designates the contents to the right pane. Expanding or collapsing the tree without selecting the directory alters contents on the right pane. Movement between locations is enhanced where several instances can be opened simultaneously to allow for communication through drag-and –drop. 3.4. Spatial file manager The spatial file managers represent directories and files as actual physical objects, imitating the interaction of people with physical objects. The single window in the program represents an open directory, and can be irrevocably and ambiguously tied to a specific directory. Figure 3.4: Spatial File Manager The directories and files with stay where the user places them and retains all their characteristics such as shape, size and state. Similar to navigational file managers, opening a directory in spatial file managers will change the icon representing the file. Conclusion Files are manageable in different ways based on platform and the type of file manager. Despite there being different kinds of file managers, effective file management must entail proper organization, management and location of directories, files and folders. In summary, file manager enhances locating the files, organizing, storing and backing up files. In organizing the files, the applications are made easier to find through creation of the program file. The documents with same file extensions can be saved in their own folders to facilitate easier and quick retrieval. The user can create nested folders within the folders to prevent orphans and widows. Backing up the files involves copying the files to other drives or location to avoid total loss of information in case of the loss of original files. Reference List Asgari, R. and Reza, E. (2013). Secure File Management System for Java Cards. International Journal in Foundations of Computer Science & Technology 3(5), pp. 1-11. Read More