• An archive is a single file that can contain a hierarchy of folders and files, which is useful for:

  • Sending multiple files as one attachment.

  • Organizing and storing backups.

• Most archiving tools also offer file compression to reduce file size.

• The compression rate depends on the type of data being compressed (e.g., text compresses better than images or videos).

💾 Saving and Backup

• Opening a file: means loading it into the computer's memory.

• Saving a file: means writing it to a storage device (hard drive, USB stick, etc.).

• Backing up a file: means creating a duplicate copy as a security measure, in case the original is lost or damaged.

✅ Good Practices for Saving and Backing Up

• Always name your files consistently, following a logical order (e.g., subject_date_author).

• Include the date in the file name—even if the date is stored in the file properties, it's easier to spot in the name.

  • Use reverse date format (e.g., 2025-04-25) to sort files chronologically.

• If files are edited by several collaborators, consider adding the last editor’s name to the file name.