Abstract:
A computing device including a file system in memory is provided. The file system has a plurality of items. Where an item is a file, it has a unique content. Where an item is a folder, it is represented by a plurality of container structures. Each container structure references items in the file system through the use of references such as pointers. Each item can be contained by more than one folder by being referenced by more than one folder. Each item can also include a contained-by structure including references to folders containing that item. Moreover, each item can include relationship structures allowing the items to be organized in accordance with relationships other than contained-by relationships, such as content derivation relationships. The file system can be manipulated through the use of various operations such as "Archive" and "Restore" operations.