Chapter 4 Learning Objectives

SECTION A

After reading Section A, you should be able to:

• define the term “computer file”
• create valid file names using Windows file naming conventions
• explain the meaning of a “native file format”
• designate the location for a file
• explain the importance of folders
• trace the path of a file from the root directory to its file extension
• explain the difference between the Save option and the Save As option
• discuss the importance of both the size and the date of a file

SECTION B

After reading Section B, you should be able to:

• explain how a software application assists with file management
• list options provided by the Save As dialog box other than saving a file
• provide an example of a file management utility
• compare the features of file management software to those of database management software
• differentiate between file management utilities (discussed in Chapter 4) and file management software (discussed in Chapter 3)
• describe a metaphor that can used for visualizing file storage
• list four tools for helping you to manipulate files that are provided by Windows Explorer
• describe two methods that allow you to work with more than one file at a time
• explain the purpose of the formatting process
• describe how the operating system keeps track of a file
• explain the importance of the FAT
• describe what happens when a file is deleted
• explain the purpose of Windows’ Recycle Bin utility
• discuss how a fragmented disk affects computer performance

SECTION C

After reading Section C, you should be able to:

• provide the technical definition of a “computer virus”
• explain how a virus is spread
• define the term “trigger event”
• distinguish between the following types of viruses: file, boot sector, and macro
• contrast a Trojan Horse with a virus
• describe how a worm works
• explain the term “denial of service attack”
• list common sources of viruses
• describe five symptoms that might indicate that your computer has contracted a virus
• explain the techniques employed by antivirus software in order to identify a virus
• describe three methods a virus might use to attempt to escape detection
• suggest ways of determining if a virus is real or a hoax

SECTION D

After reading Section D, you should be able to:

• explain the importance of a backup
• outline the steps required to perform a typical backup
• list the steps needed to restore data from a backup
• provide at least five factors to consider when formulating a backup plan
• suggest types of files that would be important to backup
• explain the purpose of the Windows Registry
• differentiate between a full-system backup and a full backup
• describe the differences between a full backup, a differential backup, and an incremental backup
• discuss the importance of each of the following boot disks: the Windows Startup Disk, a rescue disk, and a recovery CD
• compare the advantages and disadvantages of backup storage locations, including your home, a Web site, and a network server
• discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of using floppy disks, ZIP disks, external hard disks, CDs, and tape for backups