File Management

Platform Technology (Operating Systems)

Instructions
1. Reanalyze the five (5) different file structures that were discussed and search for other file
structures that are available in books, the Internet, and other resources. Closely analyze the
components, attributes, structure, and operations or implementation guidelines of each file
organization.

Note: Illustrations or design figures are also available on the Internet. These will help you to
better conceptualize your ideal file management structure.

2. After gathering all the essential ideas and concepts, propose a unique file organization structure
or a file management system using the guidelines/questions below. Use 3 to 5 sentences in
answering each item.

a. Enumerate all your desired attributes/features/functionalities for your file organization design.

b. Which specific file system property would you like to focus on: long-term existence, shareable
between processes, or good internal structure? Why?

c. Select a particular industry (i.e., education, entertainment, health services, and manufacturing
industry) that would greatly benefit from your file organization design, and explain how it will be
beneficial for your selected industry. Elaborate on your answer.

d. Identify what type of records or files would be involved in your design. Elaborate on your
answer.

e. What makes your file organization design unique? Rationalize your answer.

3. Create a simple illustration of your proposed file organization structure.

1
Answers
1.

Indexed File: An indexed file is a computer file with an index that allows easy random access to
any record given its file key. If the same field is used both in the index and for sequencing the
records in the file, the index is called a primary index. Alternative indexes, which are record keys
that allow you to access a file that uses a different logical record structure, could also be used.

Sequential File: This is the most common form of file organization, since it implements a fixed
format for records. A sequential file contains records organized by the order in which they were
entered. The records are arranged in a certain sequence. Records in sequential files may only be
read or written in the same order that they were created.

Pile: This is the most standard file structure and also the least complicated form of file
organization. Pile includes a collection of records under no specific order and files are technically
unstructured. It is necessary to examine each record in the pile until the desired record or file is
found.

Indexed Sequential File: In an indexed sequential access file, records are stored randomly on a
direct access device such as a magnetic disk by a primary key. This file has multiple keys. These
keys can be alphanumeric in which the records are ordered and are called primary keys. Indexed
sequential access file combines both sequential file and direct access file organization.

Hashed File: Hashed file organization is also called a direct file organization. This file
organization exploits the capability found on disks to directly access any block of data with
known address. The concept of sequential ordering is not observed in this structure.

2.
a. My desired features or functions of my file organization would focus on the date created and the
date modified section of a file since it's usually the one being searched when finding for a specific
file not to mention the file's history. It would also include whether the file is top priority or not (is
the file important?) and also includes features showing additional information about the file. This
way, it would be easier to find a specific file especially if there's a duplicate. A sync system
would also be available, similar to the Windows 10 sync, this time the syncing process is faster
for sharing.
b. I think it would be good if it was Sharable Between Processes. It is very useful and convenient for
files to set up data transfer and have associated access permission. And also ideal because a file
will not be lost if a user is logged out.
c. I think I would go for education since many students are busy 24/7 and especially in a world of

2
 computers and technology, it will be important to have my file organization design to use. For
some students, they may have an issue regarding file organization because students, especially in
high school and colleges, mostly use word processing software like MS Word and etc. and files
keep stocking up on their computer unorganized. Even if they're organized, they're still struggling
to properly organize their files due to limitations of the system. But my proposed file organization
could help them.
d. All educational files like homework, seatwork, and other activities. Files not related to education
can also be stored, but it's preferred to keep them separate from educational files and other files
you want to put.
e. I guess it's because of the structure of the file organization style I used. You can view additional
info about that file, instantly see the date it was created and modified so you'll have easy
navigation, and also can sync files for backup or sharing purposes and use your email to sign-in
and be able to sync.

3.

4.

The design may be overwhelming at first, but I would also allow recommendations in order to do
better. Getting recommendations from people is part of my design's success, so it's advisable to listen for
any problems encountered.

5.

https://www.encyclopedia.com/computing/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/indexed-
file

https://www.tutorialride.com/data-structures/file-organization-in-data-structure.htm#:~:text=Indexed
%20sequential%20access%20file%20organization,-Indexed%20sequential%20access&text=In
%20indexed%20sequential%20access%20file,disk%20by%20a%20primary%20key.&text=The%20data
%20can%20be%20access,when%20the%20file%20is%20opened.