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Definitions[]

A file is

a storage place for data . . . it's like a manila folder that contains all the data on a particular subject category in a computer.[1]
[u]sually an accumulation of records or nonrecord materials arranged according to a plan. Sometimes an accumulation of personal papers so arranged.[2]
[a] unit, such as a folder, microform, or electronic medium, containing such records, nonrecord materials, or personal papers.[3]

A file is "[s]torage equipment, such as a filing cabinet."[4]

Overview[]

On storage devices, there are typically two types of files: data files, such as text documents, spreadsheets, images, and videos, and system files, such as operating system and application binaries and libraries.

References[]

  1. Whelan Assocs., Inc. v. Jaslow Dental Lab., Inc., 797 F.2d 1222, 1242, 230 U.S.P.Q. (BNA) 481 (3d Cir. 1986) (full-text), cert. denied, 479 U.S. 1031 (1987).
  2. EPA, Vocabulary Catalog List Detail - Records Glossary (full-text).
  3. Id.
  4. Id.
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