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File Access

QuestionAnswer
What is a file? A container in a computer system used to store data, information, or programs.
Where are files permanently stored? On secondary storage media like HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, and CD/DVDs.
What is Serial File Access? Data is accessed in the exact order it was written.
Give a characteristic of Serial File Access. Data is read back in the same order it was written.
Example of Serial File Access use? Word processing or spreadsheet applications.
When is serial access efficient? When the entire file can fit in the computer’s RAM and is accessed rarely.
What is sequential file access? Sequential access stores data in a specific, ordered sequence (e.g., alphabetically by last name).
How is data retrieved in Sequential File Access? Records are read one-by-one until the desired data is found.
Give an example of sequential file access. A telephone directory ordered by family name.
What is Random File Access? Data is accessed directly without reading in sequence.
What helps Random File Access locate data? An index or reference.
Example of Random Access? Using a table of contents to find a page in a book.
What is Direct Access? Accessing data directly from storage using an index or address.
What is the difference between random and direct access? Random access is used in RAM, while direct access is for secondary storage like disks.
Why is direct access useful? It allows faster data retrieval by skipping directly to the desired file location.
How files are stored on Storage media using Serial Access? Serial access use system backups and archiving.
What search method is used in serial access? In the way how it is written
What is the speed of serial access? Slow
How are files stored in sequential access? In a logical order, like alphabetically or numerically.
What search method is used in sequential access? Binary Chop Technique.
What is the speed of sequential access?. Moderate
How are files stored in random access? It’s not file storage-specific—used in RAM.
What search method is used in random access? Direct access via BAM (Block Allocation Map) location.
What is the speed of random access? Fast
How are files stored in direct access? Using Flash drives, SSDs, and HDDs.
What search method is used in direct access? Files are stored with indexed retrieval for quick access.
What is the speed of direct access? Very fast.
What is a Backup? Copying files to separate storage to restore them if lost.
What is System Backup? A full copy of all system files for recovery.
What is Archiving? Storing rarely used files on slower storage like magnetic tape.
What is the Binary Chop Technique? A method of dividing a file in half repeatedly to find data.
When is Binary Chop Technique effective? When data is stored in a sorted order (e.g., alphabetically).
Why do software developers choose specific access methods? To ensure efficient performance for specific applications like payroll or online banking.
What are Real Time Systems? Systems where fast response times are critical.
Give an example of a real-time system. Self-driving cars or air traffic control.
What type of file access do real-time systems use? Random and Direct Access.
Why do real-time systems use Direct or Random Access? For fast data retrieval and system efficiency.
Why is Serial Access used for backups? It restores files in the same order they were saved.
What access method is best for payroll processing? Sequential Access.
Why is Sequential Access used in payroll? Records are stored in ID order for efficient processing.
Why is magnetic tape used for archiving? It’s less expensive, though slower when retrieving files.
Created by: Attasha
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