Chapter 2 Operating Systems 45
easier for users. The Windows 7 directory
structure is even more complex than previous
versions. Windows 7 introduced
Libraries
and
HomeGroup
into the directory structure. The
HomeGroup is an improved sharing feature, and
Libraries allows easier access to files and folders
located in multiple locations. Changes in the
directory structure is one of the biggest reasons
people have trouble locating their files after
upgrading to a new operating system or buying
a computer with a newer version of an operating
system.
Windows File Names
Originally, file names had to conform to the
DOS standards. DOS required that file names
be no longer than eight characters followed by a
period and three additional characters. The three
additional characters are called the file extension.
In modern operating systems, the file extension
is not necessary but does help identify the file
type. The table in Figure 2-11 lists common file
extensions and the type of program they are
related to.
The file name structure allows for file names
of up to 255 characters and is referred to by many
references as long file names. Long file names allow
for the content of the file to be described in some
detail. This provides relief from brief, cryptic,
eight-character file names. For example, a file
could be saved as
Term1 Science Paper The Factors
Affecting Ocean
Tides.
XP
Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Figure 2-10. Windows directory structure comparison.