A filing system is a method and data structure that the operating system uses to control how data is stored and retrieved. It is a central record-keeping system for an organization that helps to be organized, systematic, efficient, and transparent. There are different types of filing systems, and the choice of a filing system depends on the nature of the records and how they will be requested. The most common ways to arrange files include alphabetical, chronological, geographical, numerical, and alphanumeric. Here are some characteristics of filing systems:

• Alphabetic: Alphabetic classification is used to file records by person names, businesses, institutions, government agencies, subjects, topics, or geographic locations, all according to the sequence of letters of the alphabet.

• Numeric: Numeric filing systems arrange records by number. It is an indirect access system because an index to the files must be used to retrieve information.

• Alphanumeric: Alphanumeric systems use a combination of subject and numbers.

Creating an effective filing system involves setting up consistent categories that easily accommodate documents created and stored in various paper and electronic formats, conducting a records inventory, establishing a centralized filing system, and culling files annually. A filing method book and an index book can also help to find files.