What best describes an ordinary file in a computing context?

An ordinary file in a computing context is best described as a file that contains data, text, or program instructions because it encompasses a broad range of file types used for various purposes. This definition includes text documents, spreadsheets, database files, scripts, and other formats that can hold both simple and complex information.

Ordinary files can vary significantly in content and are not limited to any specific category, allowing users and applications to read and write information as needed. Since they can store both unstructured data (like text files) and structured data (like those found in databases), this description accurately captures the essence of what an ordinary file is in the digital realm.

Other options are too restrictive in their definitions, failing to account for the diverse nature of files commonly encountered in computing.