Organizations handle vast amounts of data. A large organization may have to deal with terabytes or petabytes worth of data. For a company to be successful, there must be a meaningful way in which the data that is used as a part of company operations is managed. This includes an effective file management system, in which the files are appropriately secured, and the information is backed up in order to meet company requirements. The files generated as a part of company operations are company property, and as such the information must be managed effectively.
File Management
Managing files is a fundamental aspect of business. Organizations have become more dependent on computers, therefore there has been less of a need for physical …show more content…
Two methods include Windows Explorer, as mentioned, and through a command prompt. Windows Explorer is more suited towards the business user. Nearly everyone who has used a Windows computer is familiar with Windows Explorer, although it may not have been used to its full potential. Managing files and folders in the home is not that much different than managing information in a business environment. Most individual will logically organize the information so that based on descriptive names it should be well understood what it contained in the directory (Pacchiano, 2011).
The command prompt is likely to be used by system administrators to manage files, and permissions. That is not to suggest that a business user would not understand how to use the same tool, although it may not be as common. The command line can be used to do all the things that Windows Explorer accomplishes, it simply requires more discrete input, and may not be as intuitive as Windows Explorer. The command prompt offers the ability to set specific attributes on a file, delete files, create directories, and many other similarities with the graphical interface of Windows Explorer ("Wikibooks," …show more content…
The operating system offers the ability to keep different versions of system and files. An individual is not limited to the built-in features of Windows backup. Information may be copied to alternate locations as a backup mechanism, such as an external drive.
Redundant storage is an effective means of backing up files. Automation could be employed to move critical files to an alternate location for safe storage. The alternate location could then be backed up to tape or some other type of long term storage media. Effective file management must include a definition of what is critical to be backed up, and what is not (Needleman, 2015).
Conclusion
File management is one of the most important aspects of an information technology function within a business. Files are produced for a reason, and the files must be managed and secured effectively. In addition to the appropriate security, the information must be backed up and recoverable if needed. An organization will produce data, and the need to manage the data is often overlooked; however, it is not any less important than the business itself. Effective file management and the business go