Class Agenda – 09/04/2012

1. Class 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.

2. To 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.

3. 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.

4. Overall View of Information Visualization Define the goal Know the audience Identify most important data Ensure data is accurate and complete Properties Relationships Comparisons Anomalies Trends Enhanced understanding Improved decision making Amplify cognition

5. Views of Computer Organization Conceptual Physical • I want to buy music on iTunes. • I want to see if that shirt is available in blue in a size medium. Primary Storage/Main Memory Processor ALU Secondary Storage/Disk Data and Programs

8. How does it work? Primary Storage/Main Memory Processor Data and Programs when they are being processed ALU Secondary Storage/Disk Data and Programs when not being processed

9. What 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.

10. What 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…).

11. Moving data between primary and secondary storage Operating System MS Excel Firefox Diablo III MS Word Secondary Storage/Disk Primary storage/main memory

12. Computer Data Organization Vocabulary Windows Library: View Folders Database Program Files Data Files Records Fields Bytes Bits

13. Organizing 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

14. Understanding 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

15. Developing Strategies for Organizing Files

16. Developing 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

17. Exploring 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

18. Exploring Files, Folders, and Libraries

19. Using 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

20. Files in a Folder Window

21. Navigating to Your Data Files • The file path is a notation that indicates a file’s location on your computer G:\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

22. Navigating to Your Data Files

23. Managing 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.

24. Working 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

25. 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.