Scribd
Upload
8 views3 pages

Computer WK 4

The document outlines various methods of accessing computer files, including sequential, serial, direct/random, and indexed-sequential access. It also discusses file classification based on content, organization method, and storage medium, detailing types such as master files, transaction files, and reference/work files. Additionally, it includes evaluation questions related to file classification and criteria for classifying computer files.

Uploaded by

halftimevixen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
8 views3 pages

Computer WK 4

The document outlines various methods of accessing computer files, including sequential, serial, direct/random, and indexed-sequential access. It also discusses file classification based on content, organization method, and storage medium, detailing types such as master files, transaction files, and reference/work files. Additionally, it includes evaluation questions related to file classification and criteria for classifying computer files.

Uploaded by

halftimevixen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

 Sequential access: a sequential

file access is that in which the


WEEK FOUR records are accessed in some
sequence i.e., the information in the
METHODS OF ACCESSING file is processed in order, one record
COMPUTER FILES after the other. It requires the
Period 1 program to start writing or reading
Methods of Accessing Files at the beginning and continues until
Access method is a mechanism or it finds the desired data. Device like
manner in which the records in a file magnetic tape enforces sequential
may be accessed. It defines the way access method.
the read and write operations are  Direct/random access: the
done. The methods of accessing files records on the storage location can
include: be accessed (read or written to) in
 Serial access: Serial access is any order i.e. randomly/directly.
where data records are stored one Devices such as magnetic disk
after the other with no regard to the storage and the main storage i.e.
order. This is usually an RAM and ROM are based on this
unprocessed file. Serial files are method.
read by starting at the beginning  Indexed-sequential access: this
and reading through every record mechanism is built on the basis of
until you find the one that you want. sequential access. An index is
The records are in no particular created for each file which contains
order so you need to start of the pointer to various records (blocks).
beginning to make sure you don't Index is searched sequentially and
miss a record. Magnetic Tape and its pointer is used to access the
disks can be used to store serial file directly.
files. Evaluation
Discuss different methods of peripheral device. The following are
accessing files. the classification of files:
 Master file: It contains record of
permanent data types. They are
created when you install your
business.
 Transaction file: Contains data
which is used to update the records
of master file. Eg-address of a
customer. Transaction files also
serves as audit trails and history of
the organization.
 Reference/Work files: This is a file
with reasonable amount of
permanency. Examples of data used
for reference purposes are price list,
tables of rates of pay, names and
addresses.
Criteria for Computer file
classification
Criteria for classifying computer files
are:
 By nature of content: refers to the
Period 2 nature of file content
Computer file classification  By organization method: refers to
A file is a collection of data that is the way files are arranged e.g.
treated as a single unit on a serial, sequential, random etc.
 By storage medium: refers to
storage devices in which a file could
only be stored such as magnetic or
optical disk and magnetic tape.

Evaluation
1. Discuss files classification.
2. Analyze criteria for classifying
computer files.

Reference
1. Page 246 of Essential Computer
Studies for SSS by Odudimu O. O.
2. Page 150 of Basic Computer
Studies – A beginner’s text. 3rd Ed. By
Doyin Talabi

You might also like