One
of Microsoft Window's main components is file management. We have to be able to
manage the contents of our computer. In other words, once we've completed our
work, we need to be able to retrieve it.
Windows
uses the same concept that we incorporate in our file cabinets. We store documents
in folders in our cabinets. In our computer, our information is also stored in
folders. They even look like folders. Follow the same logic you use in your cabinet.
If your correspondence with your family is stored in a drawer called family and
you have files for each family member inside, do the same thing in your computer.
When
you want to browse through your storage facility in your computer, double click
on My Computer. This in essence opens the file drawer. To open the folders, double
click an item and it opens to show its contents in another window. A new window
will open for each successive file. There are four views you can select to show
the items (Large Icon, Small Icon, List and Detail). Each is available under the
View Menu and each has a different style. Try them all and see which you prefer.
Another
approach is to right click on My Computer. You will find a selection for Explore
which is a more sophisticated way to browse your system. Explore (also called
Windows Explorer) uses a double-paned window approach. The left pane contains
a tree diagram of the entire system with all the drives. You have the option of
viewing all or some of the folders in that drive. You'll notice a system of plus
and minus keys. Click on the plus to see the sub-folders, click on the minus to
close up the sub-folder. Keep in mind that the left pane will only show folders.
The documents, or items, contained within the folder can be viewed on the right
pane. If you'd like to view a specific item, click to select it. Only one folder's
contents can be viewed at a time.
The
advantage of Explorer is the uncluttered screen and ease with which you switch
from one folder to the next. For example, if you want to see the contents of a
new folder you would be able to click its icon in the left panes and automatically
see changes it in the right pane.
If
you need more information on file management, go to Start>Help and select your
Index Tab. Type in My Computer and Windows will give you all the extra assistance
you need to understand the file management aspect of your computer.
