Files and folders are an important when it comes to using a computer because the computers entire existence is made up of files which are stored in folders. A group of files together form a software program which runs on your computer. These program files are stored in a folder called program files which will have sub folders or directories with the individual program contained in them.
You can also create your own files by typing a document and saving it, or downloading photos to your computer. All files and folders can be copied, saved, pasted or even moved to another location.
What is the difference between a file and a folder?
A folder is a container for either more folders or files. It can hold an endless amounts of folders and files, depending upon what hard drive disk space you have available.
Sometimes folders are called directories because this is what they were called in the old days when there was no Windows operating system. We used to have to change directories to get around, but now we just double click on a folder icon to enter to see its contents.
A file can be part of a software package or something you have created yourself. For example your Windows operating system has files stored in the Windows folder in order for it to run correctly. Essentially a file stores information and can be used for a particular purpose. Different files perform different tasks. Some files start programs (.exe files), some files hold text (.txt file), some files store pictures (bmp, jpeg, tiff). Files cannot hold folders in them. See more information on File extensions What are they?
Below in my screenshot I have a folder that contains a new folder and a .txt file….If I click on the folder I will enter it and see what other files or folders it stores. If I click on the text file I will see the information it holds, which is usually text. The file is a dead end but the folder may hold another folder, which holds another folder, which holds another folder, and so on.
How do you create a new file?
The easiest way to create a new file is to install a new program. Installing a program brings with it a whole package of files in order for the program to run. The next way to create a new file is to use a program to type some words and then save it as a file. For example you can use an office program to type a letter and then save it to your computer hard drive, now you have created a file. You can also download a file from other devices such as a USB flash drive or a digital camera.
How do you create a new folder?
I have different folders for everything. It makes it easier to find something if your computer is organized, so you will need to regularly make new folders.
- Go to the start menu and choose documents or my documents.
- Go to the blank space in the documents folder with your mouse.
- Then right click in the blank space, not on a folder or file.
- A menu will appear. Choose new from the menu.
- Another side menu will appear, choose folder.
- Now a new folder will appear in the documents folder.
- It will be highlighted blue so you can rename it something you like.
- Just click where the blue is and start typing your name and press enter or move away and click in a blank space.
- The folder will be there ready for you to put files into.
If you were in the my pictures folder and you performed these steps to create a new folder, the new folder would be in the my pictures folder and not the my documents folder. You can go into any folder and create new folders in them. You can even create new folders directly on C: drive, however I do not recommend this as it is better to keep this area clean.
What happens when you copy a file or folder?
When you copy a file or folder this means the original file will still be in its original location. You can paste the file to another location on your hard drive and then have two copies of the same file. For example if you copy a file called DOG.jpeg from my documents and paste it into the my pictures folder, there will now be a copy of DOG.jpeg in both my documents and the my picture folder.
What does it mean when you cut a file or folder?
To cut a file or folder means you are taking it away and moving it to another location. That’s means you are moving the original file or folder. It is not copying the file it is cutting it out and pasting it somewhere else. This means you end up with one copy of the file.
How do you copy or cut a file or folder so you can move it to another location?
- Go to the start menu and choose documents or my documents.
- Select a folder that you want to cut or copy by making it blue.
- Then Right click on the folder when it is blue and a menu will appear.
- Choose to cut or copy. See screenshot below.
How do you paste a file to another location?
Once you have copied or cut a file or folder you will need to paste it somewhere. Just be careful because if you forget to paste a file after you have cut it then you may loose that file.
- Go to the start menu and choose documents or my documents.
- Go to the blank space in the documents folder with your mouse.
- Then right click in the blank space, not on a folder or file.
- A menu will appear. Choose paste from the menu.
- Now the file you copied or cut will be pasted there.
You will only have the option to paste something if you have already copied or cut a file or folder. If there is no paste option then you have not copied or cut anything at all.
How do you delete files and folders?
Make sure you know what you are deleting when you want to remove a file or folder from your computer. Normal files and folders get taken to the recycle bin, however larger files get deleted and are too large for the bin. Therefore you have no chance to restore your files if you accidentally delete a large file.
- Go to the start menu and choose documents or my documents.
- Select a folder that you want to cut or copy by making it blue.
- Then Right click on the folder when it is blue and a menu will appear.
- Choose delete from the menu. See screenshot below.
How do you backup your files and folders to a cd or DVD disc?
To backup your precious files and folders is easy with Windows Xp and windows vista as it has an inbuilt cd copier program. See how to Burn a CD to backup your files and folders. Also see Backup your data files, pictures, music to DVD disc with Nero.
Forbidden or hidden system Files and Folders
The Windows operating system hides certain files and folders from the average user for safety reason, however sometimes you may need to see these hidden files. Here’s how to Show hidden files in Windows
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Mitz – who has written 759 posts on Computer Tips.
Hi guys…I am a computer freak but I do not always talk in tech language. Hope you enjoy my website and learn everything you need to know in an easy to understand way.. If you like what you see please join: Follow Tips4pc On Twitter | Become A Facebook Fan | Subscribe RSS Feed | Tips4pc Youtube Channel
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Nice post for PC beginners Mitz!
I think these activities are very important although they’re just basic things. But it’s better to know the basics before moving to more advanced techniques.
Thanks for sharing.
Duy recently posted..By: black_raven