XPXPXPClass Agenda – 09/04/2012

• Summarize visualization concepts.• Present computer data organization.• Explore files, folders, and libraries in Windows 7.• Discuss how operating system (Windows 7) file

organization relates to a database management system.

• Explain logistics of course including course file placement.

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XPXPXPTo visualize means…

• To form a mental image of…• To make perceptible to the mind or

imagination.• Visualization is a cognitive activity; when we

visualize we perform a mental process.

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Information visualization

• Definitions of information visualization related to technology:– The study of how to effectively present information. – The use of computer-supported visual representations of

abstract data to amplify cognition.– The purpose of information visualization is to help people

think by providing different representations of data for differing contexts.

• Information visualization should help:– Speed up understanding and resultant actions.– Encourage innovative ways to think about the data.

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Overall View of Information Visualization

Enhanced understanding

Improved decision making

Define the goal

Know the audience

Identify most important data

Ensure data is accurate and

complete

Properties

Relationships

Comparisons

Anomalies

TrendsAmplify

cognition

Views of Computer Organization

Conceptual• I want to buy music on

iTunes. • I want to see if that shirt is

available in blue in a size medium.

Physical

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Primary Storage/Main

Memory

Processor

ALU

Secondary Storage/Disk

Data and Programs

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7

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How does it work?

Primary Storage/Main

Memory

Processor

ALU

Secondary Storage/Disk

Data and Programs when not being processed

Data and Programs when they are being processed

XPXPXPWhat is an operating system?

• Examples:– Windows– Unix– Mac OS X– IBM z/OS, z/VM, UTS– Unisys OS2200

• Definition: Set of software that manages a computer’s operations.

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XPXPXPWhat does an operating system do?

• Manage hardware and software resources:– Allocate main memory.– Direct processor activities.– Track all program activities.– Manage network connections.– Allocate secondary storage.– Move data and programs from secondary storage

to main memory and back again.• Manage users (a little…).

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Moving data between primary and secondary storage

Secondary Storage/Disk

Primary storage/main memory

Operating System

MS Excel

Firefox

Diablo III

MS Word

Computer Data Organization Vocabulary

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Bits

Bytes

Program Files Data Files

Database

Fields

Records

Windows Library: View

Folders

XPXPXPOrganizing Files and Folders

• A file is a collection of bytes that has a name and is stored in a computer.

• A file can store a “program” or “data”• Organize files by storing them in folders• Disks contain folders that hold files

– USB drives– Compact discs (CDs)– Digital video discs (DVDs)– Hard disks

• Each drive is assigned a letter in the Windows operating system

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XPXPXPUnderstanding the Need for Organizing Files

• Windows (and all other operating systems) organizes folders and files in an hierarchy, or file system– So many files, must have organization method.– Windows stores the folders and important

files it needs to turn on the computer in its root directory; must be able to access them quickly.

• Folders stored within other folders are called subfolders

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Developing Strategies for Organizing Files

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XPXPXPDeveloping Strategies for Organizing Files

• Type of disk you use to store files determines how you organize those files

• Storing files on removable media allows you to use simpler organization

• The larger the medium, the more levels of folders you should use

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XPXPXPExploring Files, Folders, and Libraries

• Windows Explorer and the Computer window show the drives, folders, and files on your computer– Each has a slightly different view

• A folder window displays the files and subfolders in a folder– Divided into two sections, called panes

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Exploring Files, Folders, and Libraries

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XPXPXPUsing Libraries and Folders

• When you open Windows Explorer, it shows the contents of the Windows built-in libraries by default

• Libraries display similar types of files together, no matter where they are stored

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Files in a Folder Window

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XPXPXPNavigating to Your Data Files

• The file path is a notation that indicates a file’s location on your computerG:\FM\Tutorial\Map.png– G: is the drive name– FM is the top-level folder on drive G– Tutorial is a subfolder in the FM folder– Map.png is the full filename with the file extension

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XPXPXPNavigating to Your Data Files

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XPXPXPManaging Folders and Files

• Creating a folder– In the Navigation pane, click the drive or folder in

which you want to create a folder.– Click New folder on the toolbar.– Type a name for the folder, and then press the

Enter key.

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XPXPXPWorking with Folders and Files• Moving and Copying Files and Folders

– Moving a file removes it from its current location and places it in a new location you specify

– Copying places the file in both locations• Naming and Renaming Files

– Filenames provide important information about the file, including its contents and purpose

• Main part of the filename• File extension

– A filename extension identifies file type and indicates program in which file was created

• Deleting Files and Folders– Recycle Bin is an area on your hard disk that holds deleted files until you

remove them permanently

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XPXPXP

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Keeping a copy of all files

• You should have a “backup”, or duplicate copy, of all files– Definitely all data files– All program files that you don’t have available in other

forms (downloads, other media)• Most frequently kept on a removable storage

device.