<P> There are many ways to back up files . Most computer systems provide utility programs to assist in the back - up process, which can become very time - consuming if there are many files to safeguard . Files are often copied to removable media such as writable CDs or cartridge tapes . Copying files to another hard disk in the same computer protects against failure of one disk, but if it is necessary to protect against failure or destruction of the entire computer, then copies of the files must be made on other media that can be taken away from the computer and stored in a safe, distant location . </P> <P> The grandfather - father - son backup method automatically makes three back - ups; the grandfather file is the oldest copy of the file and the son is the current copy . </P> <P> The way a computer organizes, names, stores and manipulates files is globally referred to as its file system . Most computers have at least one file system . Some computers allow the use of several different file systems . For instance, on newer MS Windows computers, the older FAT - type file systems of MS - DOS and old versions of Windows are supported, in addition to the NTFS file system that is the normal file system for recent versions of Windows . Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages . Standard FAT allows only eight - character file names (plus a three - character extension) with no spaces, for example, whereas NTFS allows much longer names that can contain spaces . You can call a file "Payroll records" in NTFS, but in FAT you would be restricted to something like payroll. dat (unless you were using VFAT, a FAT extension allowing long file names). </P> <P> File manager programs are utility programs that allow users to manipulate files directly . They allow you to move, create, delete and rename files and folders, although they do not actually allow you to read the contents of a file or store information in it . Every computer system provides at least one file - manager program for its native file system . For example, File Explorer (formerly Windows Explorer) is commonly used in Microsoft Windows operating systems, and Nautilus is common under several distributions of Linux . </P>

A container that is used to store files on your computer