Abstract
Most users of a computer use the facilities of the file system without being aware of the complexity that lies behind it. In general, this complexity does not result because of the nature of the facilities provided, rather because of the need to ensure the security and integrity of the file system. Before examining this rather complex aspect of system design, the fundamental characteristics of a file system will be examined. In principle, the facilities that are expected of a file system are quite simple. The following would be a fairly typical set:
-
(1)
To be able to create and delete files.
-
(2)
To be able to control access to the files, such as by preventing a data file from being obeyed.
-
(3)
To be able to refer to files by symbolic name, and not to worry about the precise location of the files on the backing store.
-
(4)
To be able to share files.
-
(5)
To be able to list the files currently owned by a user.
-
(6)
To have the files protected against failure of the operating system and/or the hardware.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
12.5 References
D. E. Denning and P. J. Denning (1979). ‘Data Security’. ACM Computing Surveys, Vol. 11. pp. 227–49.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 1983 Colin J. Theaker and Graham R. Brookes
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Theaker, C.J., Brookes, G.R. (1983). File Management. In: A Practical Course on Operating Systems. Macmillan Computer Science Series. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-17138-5_12
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-17138-5_12
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-34678-5
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-17138-5
eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)