Basic Commands - Windows: List Directories in a GUI

Hierarchical Directory Tree

  • Files and folders (directories) are organized in a hierarchical tree structure.
  • A main directory branches off to hold other directories and files.
  • The location of files and directories is referred to as "paths."

Paths in Windows

  • Paths generally look like this: C:\Users\Cindy\Desktop.
  • File systems are assigned to drive letters such as C, D, or X.
  • Each drive letter represents a file system.
  • File systems are used to keep track of files on a computer.
  • Each file system has a root directory, which is the parent for all other directories.
  • The root directory of C is written as C:\ and for X as X:\.
  • Subdirectories are separated by backslashes (\).
  • Linux uses forward slashes (/) instead of backslashes.
  • A path starts at the root directory of a drive and extends to the end of the path.
  • The main directory in Windows is the drive where the file system is stored (e.g., local disk C).
  • Example navigation: Local Disk C -> Users -> Cindy -> Desktop.
  • The path is displayed at the top of the window.

Files and Folders

  • The desktop directory contains folders (e.g., puppies pictures, Hawaii) and files (e.g., my super cool file).

Hidden Files

  • Some files are hidden.
  • Reasons for hiding files:
    • Prevent accidental modification.
    • Protection of critical system files or configurations.
    • Concealment of sensitive or private files.
  • To view hidden files:
    • Go to "View" and check the "Hidden items" checkbox.

File Properties

  • To view information about a file, right-click and choose "Properties".
  • General Tab:
    • File name.
    • Type of file.
    • Location path (e.g., C:\Users\Cindy\Desktop).
    • Size of the file: The amount of data it takes up.
    • Size on disk: The actual space the file occupies on the storage medium.
    • Timestamps: Creation date, last modified date, and last accessed date.
    • File attributes: "Read-only" and "Hidden".
      • Checking "Hidden" makes the file visible only when "show hidden items" is enabled.
  • Security Tab:
    • Discussed in a later lesson.
  • Details Tab:
    • Provides the same information as the General Tab about the file.
  • Previous Versions Tab:
    • Lets you restore an earlier version of a file.
    • Useful for reverting changes made to a file.

Viewing Directories in Windows GUI

  • List of files and folders is displayed by default.
  • Options to change the view using icons or lists.
  • File properties provide more information about a file.