KK PRESENTATION OCTOBER 24, 2006
Announcements:
IE 7 available http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.mspx
New AVG version now available http://www.answers.com/topic/file-attribute
FILE ATTRIBUTES
Source for this Presentation: Smart Computing November 2006
What are attributes
Characteristics that provide more information for the OS and applications to function properly
Aims of Presentation
Description of each attribute
How to change attributes
Purpose of Attributes
One of the methods that your PC can sort out and handle files properly
Types: read-only, hidden, system, archived, compressed, encrypted, indexed
Note: all files saved to CD by a CD-Writer are saved as 'Read-only'
What s In A Name
(A file can have more than one attribute)
Read-only
o Example: you bring up a file that you want to edit then when you attempt to save it, you get message unable to create file .
o Can only be read and not modified or deleted.
o Handy for important files
o Cannot save changes to it unless you change the read-only setting.
o Decision to change depends on Properties .Demonstrate
o R/O a floppy disk with write tab in protect position
Hidden
o Will not display automatically in a folder list
o Useful for confidential and protections situations
Archived
o Essentially means the same as backing up
o Most useful in DOS
System
o Important for proper function of the OS
o Allows proper performance by the PC
o Do not appear in directory by default i.e. must use special process to bring them up
Compressed
o Not as important now with the large drives available at low cost
Encrypted
o Not readily available
o EFS (Encrypting File System) makes attribute possible
o Only available in WinXP Pro
Indexed
o When set for indexing can be quickly found by Windows search function.
Changing File Attributes
Most of time not necessary
Change Hidden System file if you know what you are doing .Demonstrate
Hide confidential files
Advanced tab from Properties dialog box for more options
Process of changing
Via Properties dialog box (right click file> Properties> Attributes section, add or remove check marks from the checkboxes in front of Read-Only, Archive, or Hidden, as necessary
Advanced tab for options other than read-only and hidden
To change System attribute, must do it via the command prompt
To make all files without right-click of each individually: Tools> Folder Options> View> Advanced Settings> Show Hidden Files And Folders
Command Prompt Changes (DOS)
(copied) Open the command prompt by clicking Start and selecting Run. In the Run dialog box at the Open prompt, type cmd in WinXP or command in Windows 98/Me. This will open the Command Prompt window. In the directory where the file is located, type attrib filename.ext, where filename.ext is the actual name and extension of the file you want to change. You should see something like this: A C:\Documents and Settings\filename.ext The letter on the left will determine which attribute is represented, A for archive, S for system, H for hidden, and R for read-only. To clear an attribute with the attrib command, use a minus sign (-) like this: attrib -s -h -r filename.ext. This command would clear that file s system, hidden, and read-only attributes. To add an attribute, use a plus sign (+), like this: attrib +h filename.ext. This command would add the hidden attribute to that file.
RSS
Definition: stands for "Really Simple Syndication". It's a way to get news, weblogs, announcements, and any other information automatically updated right on your desktop. You can avoid going from web site to web site for the latest news or constantly checking a favorite page for updates.
It is great for Internet surfers who want the latest news stat!
Reader (aggregator) is needed for a feed
o Initially headlines and text summaries; click on for complete article
o Many available e.g. My Yahoo, Google, browsers, email programs, iTunes,etc.
o Very popular with Blogs
o
Available feeds icon present 
or orange box with
XML