File Systems in Modern Operating Systems

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 4 on File Systems in Modern Operating Systems.

File Systems

A method to organize and store information persistently on storage devices.

Persistent Storage

Storage that retains information even when a process that uses it has terminated.

Volatile Storage

Storage (like RAM) that loses its contents when power is turned off or the process terminates.

Operations on Disk

The basic functions for disk management, including reading and writing blocks of data.

File

A logical unit of information created and managed by processes, independent of other files.

File System Abstraction

An abstract layer over physical storage devices like hard disks and SSDs.

Directory Structure

A method of organizing files into a hierarchical layout for easier navigation and management.

File Naming Conventions

Rules governing how files are named, including limitations on characters and length.

File Attributes

Metadata associated with a file, such as protection levels and timestamps.

File Operations

Standard system calls to manage files, including create, open, read, write, and delete.

Absolute Path Name

A full path from the root directory to a specific file.

Relative Path Name

A path relative to the current working directory.

Single-Level Directory

A simple directory structure with one directory containing all files.

Hierarchical Directory

A more complex structure allowing for subdirectories to organize files.

System Call

A mechanism for programs to request services from the operating system's kernel.

Executable File

A file containing a program that can be executed by the operating system.

Block Special File

Files that represent devices that read and write data in blocks.

Character Special File

Files that relate to input/output devices and enable serial data transmission.

UNIX System Calls

Specific functions used in UNIX to manage file and directory operations.

Directory Entries

Special attributes of directories that indicate content like current or parent directories.