File attributes and operations in Operating Systems - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What are file attributes in an operating system?

File attributes are metadata that describe properties of a file, such as its size, creation date, permissions, and type. They help the system manage and control access to files.

beginner

Name three common file operations performed by an operating system.

Common file operations include:

• Creating a file
• Reading from a file
• Writing to a file
• Deleting a file
• Renaming a file

beginner

What does the read-only attribute mean for a file?

A read-only attribute means the file can be opened and read, but it cannot be modified or deleted until the attribute is changed.

intermediate

How does the hidden attribute affect a file?

The hidden attribute makes a file invisible in normal directory listings, helping to protect system or important files from accidental changes.

intermediate

Explain the difference between sequential and random access file operations.

Sequential access reads or writes data in order, from start to end. Random access allows jumping directly to any part of the file to read or write data, making it faster for certain tasks.

Which file attribute prevents a file from being modified?

A Read-only

B Hidden

C Archive

D System

The read-only attribute stops any changes to the file until the attribute is removed.

What operation would you use to remove a file from the system?

A Copy

B Rename

C Delete

D Open

Deleting a file removes it from the storage and directory listings.

Which file attribute makes a file invisible in normal folder views?

A Hidden

B Read-only

C Executable

D Temporary

The hidden attribute hides the file from standard directory listings.

What is the main difference between sequential and random access?

A Random access only reads files; sequential access only writes files.

B Sequential access reads data in order; random access jumps to any part.

C Sequential access is faster than random access.

D They are the same.

Sequential access processes data in order, while random access allows direct jumps to any location.

Which file operation changes the name of a file?

A Copy

B Delete

C Move

D Rename

Renaming changes the file's name without altering its content.

Describe what file attributes are and why they are important in managing files.

Think about the extra information that tells the system how to treat a file.

Explain the difference between sequential and random access file operations with examples.

Consider how you read a book from start to finish versus jumping to a chapter.