There are two methods to work with files, the first one is through file
control blocks or "FCB" and the second one is through communication
channels, also identified as "handles".
The first method of file handling has been used seeing as the CPM operative
system, predecessor of DOS, therefore it promises convinced compatibility with very
old files from the CPM in addition to from the 1.0 version of the DOS, besides
this method permits us to have an unlimited number of open files at the same
time. If you desire to create a volume for the disk the only way to get
this is by using this method.
Even after considering the benefits of the FCB, the use of the
communication channels it is much easier and it allows us a better
handling of errors; in addition, since it is much newer it is very probable
that the files generated this way maintain they compatible by
later versions of the operative system.
For a greater competence on later clarifications I will refer to the file
control blocks as FCBs and to the communication channels as manages.