chapter 5 organizing files and folders. 2practical pc 5 th edition chapter 5 getting started in this...

Chapter 5Organizing Files and Folders

2 Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 5

Getting Started

• In this Chapter, you will learn:− How to get a list of your files− How to navigate to different folders and

storage devices− How to change the name of a file− How to make your files easy to locate


Getting Started

• In this Chapter, you will learn (continued):− How to move a file − How to copy files and folders−What to do if you run out of disk space− About Hardware: Hard disk drives


How do I get a list of my files?

• To access a list of files and tools for organizing those files open the Start menu and click your user ID. Windows displays:– Personal folders stored on your hard disk– Public folders that contain files for sharing with

others – Folders stored on CDs, DVDs, or UFDs



• You can use the folder window to– Change file and folder names and locations– Open or delete files

• You can customize the way Windows displays your folders and files:– Alphabetically, by size, by date– In different folder views such as icons, list, and

detailed view



Accessing files in Windows


How do I navigate to different folders and storage devices?

• An address bar at the top of the window helps you keep track of the path to a file– A path is a device letter, folder, subfolder, file

name, and extension– C:\Claire\Documents\Recipes\Soup.docx

• Favorites Links give you fast access to frequently used folders



• Folders pane lists all storage devices and folders

• Details pane displays information for any file you select– File size– File type– Date modified– Other pertinent information



Address bar, File pane, and Favorite Links


How do I change the name of a file?

• To rename a file, you select it, then type a new name

• You have the option of setting up Windows to hide or display file extensions– If the file extension is hidden, Windows

automatically uses the old file extension for the new name

– If the file extension is displayed, then you need to enter a file extension


What can I do to make my files easy to locate?

• A well-structured folder system makes files easy to locate

• Use updated file properties and descriptive tags– File properties describe the content of files and can

be customized– A tag is a special property where you can add your

description. Tags are especially helpful in files where the text is not searchable, such as music and photo files


What can I do to make my files easy to locate?

Adding Property Details


How do I move a file?

• As a reminder, the key to organizing your files is a well-structured folder system. Some tips:– Always store your files in a folder not in the root directory– Create subfolders and use descriptive names– Store personal files in predefined folders– Store files to share in public folders

• When you move a file, you “cut” it from its current location and “paste” it into its new location


How do I copy files and folders?

• To copy a single file or folder:– Right-click on the file to select it– Select copy from the shortcut menu– Select the destination location and click Paste

• To copy multiple files– For files in a series, select the first file then hold

down the Shift key and select the last file– For files not listed contiguously, hold the Ctrl key

while you select each file


How do I copy files and folders?

Copying contiguous and noncontiguous files


What if I run out of disk space?

• To free up disk space:– Empty the Recycle Bin– Uninstall software that you no longer use– Delete data files you no longer need


Hardware: Hard disk drives

• A hard disk is a circular, rigid storage medium– Made up of aluminum or coated glass– Hard disks inside your system drive are called platters– Typical PC hard disk contains two to four platters– Hard disk platters work efficiently, store huge amounts

of data, and stay free from dust – Today’s hard disks can store up to 1000 GB and have

access times of about 9 milliseconds



Typical PC hard disk drive



• Fixed Disk – Fixed disk is a nonremovable disk that’s sealed inside

the disk drive – Properties window displays available space– Second disk drive costs about $100 U.S.

• External Hard Disk Drive− Typically connect to USB port− Cost a bit more than internal hard drives− Use to transport files or as data backup



External hard disk drive



• Why your hard disk loses efficiency: – Hard disk is divided into concentric circles called tracks

and then further divided into sectors– In the course of revising your files, the sectors in

which files are stored can become scattered all over the disk. These files are fragmented

• How to regain hard disk efficiency:− A fragmented disk contains many fragmented files− Run defragmentation utility 2-3 times per year to help

your computer will run more efficiently


Are deleted files legally garbage?

• What do you think?– Have you ever used file shredder software?– Do you agree with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling

that curbside garbage is in the public domain?– Are you familiar with the laws in your country or

state that limit access to the data on your computer?


Chapter Summary

• You should now know how to:− Get a list of your files− Navigate to different folders and storage

devices− Change the name of a file−Make your files easy to locate


Chapter Summary

• You should now know (continued):− How to move a file − How to copy files and folders−What to do if you run out of disk space− About hard disk drives