LNK files point to a specific type of file known as what?

LNK files, or shortcut files, are essentially pointers that direct the system to the location of another file or folder on the filesystem. The primary function of an LNK file is to serve as a reference to the "Target" file or folder that it points to. When a user interacts with an LNK file, they are redirected to the target location where the actual data resides, allowing for quick access without navigating through the directory structure manually.

Understanding that LNK files serve this symbolic role is crucial in forensic investigations, as they can provide insights into user behavior, access patterns, and the relationships between different files. Thus, recognizing the correct terminology associated with LNK files enriches comprehension of file system interactions in the Windows operating environment.