File management refers to the system an operating system uses to organize and track files. It involves assigning descriptive names to files, storing metadata like modification times, and organizing files into a hierarchical structure using directories. Good file management is essential, especially for multimedia projects, as it prevents files from becoming lost or unlinked if moved. The most important rules of file management are to give files descriptive names without special characters, create a master folder for each project and subfolders as needed, and avoid cluttering the desktop with unimportant files.

1. File Management

2. What is file management?Also known as file system or filesystemThe system that an operating system or program uses to organize and keep track of files.E.g: a hierarchical file system. Although the operating system provides its own file management system, you can buy separate file management systems. These systems interact smoothly with the operating system but provide more features, such as improved backup procedures and stricter file protection.

3. Aspects of file managementFile nameName assigned to a file in order to secure storage location in the computer memoryMetadata Other bookkeeping information is typically associated with each file within a file system.eg: time last modifiedFacilitiesTraditional file systems offer facilities to create, move and delete both files and directoriesSecure access

4. Hierarchal file systemUses directories to organize files into a tree structure

5. Types of file managementDisk file systems File system designed for the storage of files on a data storage device, most commonly a disk drive, which might be directly or indirectly connected to the computerFlash file systems Designed for storing files on flash memory devices. These are becoming more prevalent as the number of mobile devices are increasing, and the capacity of flash memories increase.

6. Database file systems Instead of, or in addition to, hierarchical structured management, files are identified by their characteristics, like type of file, topic, author, or similar metadata.Transactional file systemsNetwork file systems acts as a client for a remote file access protocol, providing access to files on a server

7. Shared Disk file systemsA number of machines (usually servers) all have access to the same external disk subsystem (usually a SAN). The file system arbitrates access to that subsytem, preventing write collision's. Eg: GFS from Redhat and GPFS from IBM.Special purpose file systemsA special purpose file system is basically any file system that is not a disk file system or network file system. This includes systems where the files are arranged dynamically by software, intended for such purposes as communication between computer processes or temporary file space.

8. ImportanceIt is dull but very essentialThe single most important design skill anyone can have is File ManagementWithout good file management your files will become lost or damaged.

9. Vital in MultimediaFile management is important for any work you do on a computer. For multimedia projects it is essential.Why?

10. Vital in MultimediaMost multimedia applications rely on linking to other filesFor instance, a website is a really a series of links to picture files

11. Vital in Multimedia

12. Vital in MultimediaIf these picture files are moved, trashed or renamed, the website cannot find them: …..and things will stop working!!!

13. Vital in Multimedia…this is true for mostly all professional applications:DreamweaverGo LiveFinal Cut ProAdobe PremiereAfter Effects …….the list goes on…..

14. Vital in MultimediaThus, good File Management is absolutely the most important skill you will learnIt is quite easy, but many people get stucked

15. What is File ManagementAll about giving everything a decent nameAnd saving it in the right place

16. RULE 1: Give Files Decent NamesAlmost every computer is clogged up with files called ‘Untitled’ :

17. Give Files Decent NamesAlways give your files a decent nameBuild up the name of your files using a format that makes sense to you

18. Build up the name of your files using a format that makes sense to you. For instance a song of SitiNurhaliza might be called:SitiNurhalizaPatahHati.mp3Give Files Decent Names

19. Using the same format, a song of SitiNurhaliza would be:SitiNurhalizaJeratPercintaan.mp3 This means that when sorted alphabetically these songs will appear next to each otherGive Files Decent Names

20. For most multimedia projects or any files, it is best to avoid fancy character in a file name such as ‘&’ , ’*’ , ’_’ , ’-’ and even blank spacesOnce you have begun your multimedia project, do not move or rename any files or folders.Give Files Decent Names

21. RULE 2: Create Folders for Each ProjectCreate a master folder for every new project or filesName your master folder with either your full name and your project’s title

22. Create Folders for Each ProjectMake sure that every single file and folder connected with your project or file categories goes in the master folder. This means that wherever the master folder goes, all your files go with it.

23. Create Folders for Each Project….not following this simple rule is the number 1 reason why many projects stop working properlyNow that you have a master folder, create sub-folders within it to make finding things easierRULE 3: Don’t Leave Anything Unimportant on the DesktopThis is a clean and systematic DestopPut all files according to their master folder

24. Don’t Leave Anything Unimportant on the DesktopThis is a messy desktop

25. Messy desktop will be troublesome in case of any missing filesSo…DON’T DO IT!!!Don’t Leave Anything Unimportant on the Desktop

26. Give every file and folder a decent nameSave everything to a project folder and use sub-folders if necessaryArrange all files according to their master folder on the Desktop.In Summary

27. In SummaryProbably the best thing you can get in the habit of doing is:When saving any file – STOP!Is the file correctly named?Is it being saved to your master folder?

28. File ManagementYou have been warned!=======THE END=======