Question:

1. Do you think file retrieval is different on a menu-driven system and a command-driven system? Explain your answer and describe any differences between the two. Give an example when each user interface would be preferred over the other.

2. Imagine one real-life example of each: a multi-file volume and a multi-volume file. Include a description of the media used for storage and a general description of the data in the file.

3. As described in this chapter, files can be formatted with fixed length fields or variable length fields. In your opinion, would it be feasible to combine both formats in a single disk?

4. Explain the reasons for your answer. Explain why its difficult to support direct access to files with variable-length records. Suggest a method for handling this type of file, if direct access is required.