A user wants to ensure that a document cannot be edited by others. Which file property should be set?
Read-only prevents modifications to the file.
Why this answer
The read-only property prevents users from modifying or deleting the file's contents, as it restricts write access to the file. When set, any attempt to edit and save the document will result in an error unless the file is saved with a new name or the property is cleared. This is the standard file attribute used in Windows and other operating systems to enforce write protection at the file system level.
Exam trap
The trap here is that candidates confuse the read-only property with the hidden or system attributes, mistakenly thinking that hiding a file or marking it as system will prevent editing, when in fact only read-only enforces write protection at the file system level.
How to eliminate wrong answers
Option A is wrong because the archive attribute is used by backup software to mark files that have been modified since the last backup, and it does not restrict editing. Option B is wrong because the hidden attribute simply hides the file from normal directory listings, but it does not prevent the file from being opened, edited, or deleted by a user who knows its path. Option C is wrong because the system attribute marks a file as critical to the operating system, which can protect it from casual deletion but does not inherently prevent editing; it is intended for OS files, not user documents.