Understanding File Management and File Storage Structure

Understanding File Management and File Storage Structure

Fall 2007Fall 2007

Good order is the foundation of all things. –Edmund Burke (1729-1797),English statesman and orator

Good order is the foundation of all things. –Edmund Burke (1729-1797),English statesman and orator

Storing Files Is Easy, But . . .

Have you had the following problems?

• You can’t find a file you created previously on your computer.

• You don’t remember what file name you gave the document you want to retrieve.

• You don’t delete any files you save, so it is really hard to locate a file with so many choices on your screen.

• You are running out of storage space on your hard drive.

Take Charge!!!Take Charge!!!

• View the hierarchy of folders on your computer.

• Examine the contents of the folders.

• Create new folders.

• Move and copy folders and files.

• Rename and delete files and folders.

Father Mother Father Mother

Son Daughter

Child

Hierarchy of FoldersHierarchy of Folders

C Drive

School Folder Home Folder

History Subfolder

S. AmericanCountries File

ScienceSubfolder

Chapter 1Questions File

Chapter 2Questions File

FinancialSubfolder

CorrespondenceSubfolder

C Drive

School Folder Home Folder

History Subfolder

S. AmericanCountries File

ScienceSubfolder

Chap1Questions File

Chap2QuestionsFile

FinancialSubfolder

CorrespondenceSubfolder

The file path is C:\School\Science\Chap2Questions.doc

C Drive School Science Chap2Questions

File

A Drive

Fall04 Folder Spring05 Folder

Algebra Subfolder

Chap8.doc

CalculusSubfolder

Exam1.doc FinalExam.xls

GeneralMath Folder

Beta ClubFolder

Fundraisers.xls

Practice: Write your answers on some paper.

What is the path to the Fundraisers file?

What is the path to the Exam1 file?

A Drive

Fall04 Folder Spring05 Folder

Algebra Subfolder

Chap8.doc

CalculusSubfolder

Exam1.doc FinalExam.xls

GeneralMath Folder

BetaClubFolder

Fundraisers.xls

A:\Spring05\BetaClub\Fundraisers.xls

A:\Fall04\Calculus\Exam1.doc

Using Microsoft® Windows ExplorerUsing Microsoft® Windows Explorer

Right Pane

Folder Contents Side

Left Pane

Folder Contents Side

Plus Sign—Subfolders not currently shown in left pane.

Minus Sign—Subfolders currently displayed in left pane.

Details

This allows you to see your files and folders in five different views. Try clicking on the arrow beside the icon to see the different ways you can view your files. You may also go to View to see them.

Moving Files Into a FolderMoving Files Into a Folder

Right-dragging(The method I prefer)

Right-dragging(The method I prefer)

• To move another folder or a file into a folder, right-click and hold it on the file or folder you want to move.

• Drag the file or folder on top of the folder you want to put it in (destination folder) until the destination folder turns blue.

• Let up on the mouse. You should see a menu; choose whether you want to move or copy the file or folder.

(See graphic on next slide.)

Suppose you want to move the 07-08 Budget file into the Financial folder. Right-click on the file and drag it on top of the Financial folder. When you let go, you will see a menu allowing you to move or copy the file.

This menu allows you to copy or move the file. This process is called right-dragging.

Time to Organize!Time to Organize!

• If you have your files all saved under My Documents, now is the time to begin organizing them.

• Practice making folders with appropriate names (just as you would in a file folder)

• Right-click, hold down, and drag the file you want to move into the folder. Release the mouse button.

Poorly-organized My Documents folder.

Notice all the files that are not organized in folders.

Well-organized My Documents folder

Selecting Non-adjacent FilesSelecting Non-adjacent Files

You may select non-adjacent files or folders by clicking on one, holding down your Ctrl key, and clicking on the others

Selecting Adjacent FilesSelecting Adjacent Files• To select adjacent files, click on the first folder

or file in the list• Hold the Shift key down• Click on the last folder or file• All the files in-between should also be selected

now.

See if you can organize your files…

See if you can organize your files…

Remember: Plan before you begin