File system structure in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a file system?

A file system is a way a computer organizes and stores files on storage devices like hard drives or USB sticks. It acts like a digital filing cabinet where files and folders are kept in an orderly way.

beginner

What is the difference between a file and a folder?

A file is a single piece of data, like a document or photo. A folder is like a container that holds files or other folders, helping to keep things organized.

beginner

Explain the concept of a root directory.

The root directory is the top-level folder in a file system. Think of it as the main entrance to a building from which all other rooms (folders) branch out.

beginner

What is a path in a file system?

A path shows the exact location of a file or folder in the file system. It’s like an address that tells the computer how to find that file or folder step-by-step.

beginner

How does a hierarchical file system structure work?

It organizes files and folders in a tree-like structure. Starting from the root directory, folders can contain files or other folders, creating branches and sub-branches, just like a family tree.

What is the top-level folder in a file system called?

A Path

B File

C Root directory

D Folder

The root directory is the highest level folder from which all other folders and files branch out.

Which of the following best describes a folder?

A The top-level directory

B A single piece of data like a photo

C The address of a file

D A container that holds files or other folders

A folder is like a container used to organize files and other folders.

What does a file path represent?

A The size of a file

B The location of a file or folder in the file system

C The type of a file

D The date a file was created

A file path shows the exact location of a file or folder within the file system.

Which analogy best describes a hierarchical file system?

A A tree with branches and sub-branches

B A flat list of files

C A random pile of papers

D A single folder with no subfolders

A hierarchical file system is like a tree structure with folders branching into subfolders and files.

Which of these is NOT part of a file system?

A Web browsers

B Folders

C Paths

D Files

Web browsers are applications, not part of the file system structure.

Describe how files and folders are organized in a hierarchical file system.

Think about how a family tree branches out from one ancestor.

Explain the difference between a file, a folder, and a path using a real-world analogy.

Imagine organizing papers in a filing cabinet.