HIT191 - Basics

Files

Now that you know how to use your Windows system, the next step is to learn how to create and manage your files. Files are used to store all information on your computer. If you have ever lost a document on a computer this topic will be helpful.

Develop your skills - Working with files

RATE
YOUR
SKILLS

Rate your skills: Do you need to do this topic?
Find out by taking this quick skills test.

Skills
This section tells you how to manage files: that is copy them, move them, name them and create folders in which to store them (Reading 2, p.16).

PRINT READING
#2

Working with Files

Please read, Reading #2 Working with Files
For those working with Windows XP operating systems, use the second reading opposite (Reading 3, p. 22-48).

PRINT READING
#3

Getting Started with Windows XP
pp. 22-48
(PRINT ONLY)

Make sure that you understand the following terms and functions after completing the reading:

Folder

My Computer (Root Folder)

Desktop

Windows Explorer

Files to come

TASK: Complete the Develop Your Skills exercise, p. 23 or complete the step by step exercises for Reading #3. You will need to use files from your Windows operating system to do this exercise.

Tips & Tricks

PRINT READING
#2

Working with Files

Multiple Sections (p. 21 - 22, Reading 2)

A technique that many PC users don't intuitively know is how to make multiple selections of documents or folders. There are two means for doing this using the Shift and the Control keys. Make sure you know what each does and begin to use this as much as possible.

Copying Files - using Drag & Drop (p. 21 - 22,
Reading 2)

A quick means of copying files is explained in your reading that will save endless mucking around. Make sure you know how to use the Control key and the drag and drop function to copy files.

PRINT READING
#3

Getting Started with Windows XP
pp. 22-48
(PRINT ONLY)

Sorting Files (p. 27, Reading 3)

Sorting files in a folder can sometimes help you find things you are looking for. Make sure you can use this technique.

Turning extension files on and off (p. 29,
Reading 3)

Often when a computer is set up for you - the file extension (ie. the three letter abbreviation at the end of a file indicate a file type) is often turned off. It is useful to know how to adjust this when using your computer, particularly when you are using image files. Find out how to do this in the reading #3.

Putting it to work: Using shortcuts

Just as you need (or at least probably wish) to be able to find and access things quickly and efficiently on your desk or in your office, you need to be able to find files and programs on your computer quickly.

Organising an efficient desktop

Windows XP
and
Windows NT

The following link details how you can organise your desktop so you can quickly get to those files or start-up a program you wish to use.

Windows 2000

Follow the link opposite to this Windows support site.
1. Click on the link that matches your operating system
2. Scroll down the page until you find the heading Customising your environment
3. Finally, click on Creating a shortcut.

Create shortcuts for the Word processing and presentation applications you will use in this unit.

Compare ideas

Compare your ideas to ours.

Changing your desktop display

Windows XP
and
Windows NT

To customise the appearance of your personal computer, find out how to change the display settings:

Click the appropriate link for your operating system.

Windows 2000

Make any changes to the appearance of your personal PC that you want. Remember if you add sound or animation to any of the functions on your desktop, it could impact on the performance of your PC. Unfortunately, in the labs, you will not be able to change most of these settings as you do not have the necessary permissions.

Note: After completing this activity you should:

create shortcuts to your most needed files
have a customised desktop

What have I learned?

In this topic you have learnt how to create folders so you can organise your files effectively.

Next Section --> Internet