Hidden file and hidden directory

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A hidden directory or hidden file on a computer is a directory (folder) or file which is not shown to the user by default. Hidden directories are most often used to hide important operating system-related files and user preferences. Unfortunately, this functionality can also be used by malicious programs to hide their presence from unaware users.

1 Unix and Unix-like
2 DOS
3 Microsoft Windows
4 External links

[edit] Unix and Unix-like

In Unix-like operating systems, hidden files' and directories' names are prepended with period (e.g. /home/user/.config). They are sometimes called dotfiles. How to show or hide them depends on the file manager in use (e.g. mc shows them by default) or ls flags.

[edit] DOS

In MS-DOS and other DOS systems, files and folders can be made hidden or visible by toggling their Hidden File attribute using attrib command.

[edit] Microsoft Windows

In Microsoft Windows, hiding is similar to that of DOS - items can be made hidden or visible by toggling Hidden attribute, using attrib or Windows Explorer.