We have discussed the basic aspects of Operating Systems and File Management in line with the 6th grade ICT curriculum in the previous articles. Let us now explore the means by which the computer users can manipulate files through an operating system. 

Create a file

• When we close a window of a document/ program (Eg: A text file), if we select the save command, a file is created and the document gets saved under the file name. Save a file
• A file can be saved using the “Save” or the “Save As” command.
• The “Save As” command window pops up when we save a file for the first time.
• A file name is suggested by the operating system where the user has the freedom to choose it and give a file name as required.  The user can also select the desired location of the file. 
• To make it convenient to find the file, usually a name that is related to the content of the file is given. 
• The operating system maintains the identity of the file by restricting the user from saving multiple files that are created using the same software, under the same file name and in the same folder.  Open a file /folder
• Select the file location  
• Select the file 
• Double click on the file 

Edit a file

• If the user wants to edit the file that has been already saved, it can be opened again and upon editing it, it must be saved using the “Save” command.
• However, if the user wants to save the edited file in a different location, the “Save As” command can be used, where the file name (can be kept unchanged as the location is different) and the location should be selected again. 

Copy and paste a file/folder

• Select the file/folder that needs to be copied 
• Right click (Click the right button of the mouse) on the file 
• Select the command Copy or the keyboard shortcut  Ctrl+C 
• Select the location where you need the file/folder to be copied 
• Right click on the location   Select Paste or Ctrl + V.

Cut and paste a file/folder

• Select the file/folder that needs to be copied 
• Right click (Click the right button of the mouse) on the file 
• Select the command Cut or the keyboard shortcut  Ctrl+X or use the cut icon 
• Select the location where you need the file/folder to be copied 
• Right click on the location   Select Paste or Ctrl + V.

Close a file

 Click on the close button located on the top right corner of your file or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+W keys.

Thus, an operating system which acts as an interface between the computer user and the hardware plays a significant role in controlling and managing a series of tasks of the computer system including file management.

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Mekhala Egodawele

Photo source : Internet