Module 8
File Management
1 Module Objectives
Develop file management strategies Explore files and folders Create, name, copy, move, and delete folders Name, copy, move, and delete files Cyber Safety tips for managing files and folders
Key to Symbols
= Advanced Topic
= Cyber Safety
= Hints and Tips
2 What are files and folders? How do I manage them?
Managing Files and Folders
What are files? A file is a collection of information “data” that we give a name and store somewhere in the computer. Files can be stored in USB drives, Compact discs (CDs), Digital video discs (DVDs) and Hard disks. Files are organized and managed inside folders.
So what are folders? Folders are objects “cabinet drawers” that can house many files inside them. Think of folders, like the rooms you have in your house, every room is dedicated for a very specific purpose.
3 One of the main programs to manage and show files in windows is Windows Explorer. There are many ways to start Windows Explorer.
Press start, accessories and then Windows Explorer.
4 Exploring Files and Folders
Viewing folder content in Windows Explorer.
The name of the selected folder
Click to expand
Contents of the selected folder
5 File Names and Extensions Files will have a name and an extension. The file name describes what the file is about. A file extension (usually 3 or 4 letters after the . ) tells ouy what kind of file it is (or what program uses it.
This file (.jpg) is a picture
This file (.docx) works Common File Extensions with Microsoft Word Documents .doc or .docx (Microsoft Word files) .txt (plain text (Notepad) documents)
Pictures .jpg or .jpeg .gif .bmp .png
Music .mp3 (works with most music playing devices, such as iPods or MP3 players)
Movies and Videos .avi .wmv .mp4
Program Files .exe (An “executable” file. Clicking on it will start a program)
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I need a folder to save I need a folder for our my financial files family photos
Where should I save I want a folder to save my schoolwork? my music!
Creating a Folder
In the left pane, click the drive or folder where you want to create a folder
then click New Folder (or right-click a blank area in the folder window, point to New, and then click Folder)
Type a name for the folder, and then press the Enter key
7 The folder is ready to be named
Moving Files and Folders
Right click on the folder or the file and select cut. Moving a file or folder removes it from its current location and places it in a new location you specify or choose.
8 Coping Files and Folders
Right click on the folder or the file and select copy. Copying a file or a folder places it in both locations.
9 Naming and Renaming Files and Folders
Filenames provide and help us in knowing the important information about the file, including its contents and purpose. A filename extension identifies fileype t and indicates program in which file was created.
The Recycle Bin
The file extension tells you what The file (or folder) name should type of program uses the file. tell you what it is about. .docx means this file is a Microsoft Word document.
10 Naming and Renaming Files and Folders Deleting Files and Folders
Filenames provide and help us in knowing the important information about the file, including its contents and purpose. A filename extension identifies fileype t and Recycle Bin is a space taken from your hard disk that holds deleted files until you indicates program in which file was created. remove them permanently.
Recycle Bin The Recycle Bin
The file extension tells you what type of program uses the file.
.docx means this file is a Microsoft Word document.
11 Guidelines for Managing Files and Folders
Use descriptive and meaningful names
Do not delete or change file extensions
Group similar files and consider using the default folders
Do not mix data files and program files
Data files are the files where you save your work Program files are the software used to edit your data files (usually named with a .exe extension)
Do not store programs or data files in the root directory (C:\) of hard drive
Your files should be saved in folders you create under the “My Documents” folder. This makes them easier to find. Programs should be saved and installed under the “Programs” folder. This makes it easier to keep them organized, and helps make sure they will work properly.
Cyber Safety Tips for Managing Files and Folders
Do not save important or private files on someone else’s computer, disc, or USB Flash drive.
Use User Accounts and Passwords on your computer to prevent people from seeing your private files.
Always use your Virus Scanning software to scan files or folders for viruses before downloading them from the Internet or email, or copying them onto your computer.
12 Copying, moving and deleting folders - Examples
Exercise 1: Using Notepad to Create a File
1. Launch the Notepad application. Start, accessories and then Notepad.
2. Start Typing “it is a nice day”.
13 3. From the Menu bar, click on “File” and then “Save as”, In the Save in box, click the small arrow & choose My Documents, in the file name box, erase the suggested file name and type your name. Click the Save button.
4. Close MS Notepad.
5. Create three more files with the following names file2, file3, file4 andve sa them in the same location “My Documents”.
14 6. Double click on My Documents folder, then Right click and Select “New” from the menu and then “Folder”.
7. Find your “New Folder” on the desktop, Right click on your folder, select “Rename” and the type in a new name (Qatar).
8. Drag the four files into your folder.
9. Double click on your folder to see the files inside.
15 10. Double click on My Documents folder, then Right click and Select “New” from the menu and then “Folder”.
11. Find your “New Folder” on the desktop, Right click on your folder, select “Rename and the type in a new name (Doha).
12. Double click on the “My Documents” folder.
16 Copying Files from one folder to another
1. In the “My Documents” window, double click on the Qatar folder, select the four files and Right click and “Copy”.
2. Double click on your destination folder which is Doha folder, right click and “Paste”.
17 3. Double click on Doha folder - you should see all the four files inside and the original files are still in Qatar folder.
What happens if we select the four files from Qatar folder and then right click and select Cut ???
Additional practice video tutorials
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/windows7/6.2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8tw8VRsK44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jffJ6WyEJwM
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