Files and Folders

file 1.any device, as a cabinet, in which papers, etc., are arranged or classified for convenient reference. 2. a collection of papers so arranged or classified; any orderly collection of papers, etc. [Macquarie Dictionary]

folder 3. an outer cover, usus. a folded sheet of light cardboard, for papers. [Macquarie Dictionary]

On computers, files are stored in folders.

Folders are a way of grouping files which are related in some way
(which is hopefully obvious from the name of the folder).

In some computers systems, files are stored in directories.

Folders can contain other folders.
Directories can contain sub-directories.

Sensible structuring of the folder/file heirarchy can greatly help the storing and accessing of information on your computer system.

Try to develop a system for naming files and folders.

Chose names for files and folders which are informative.

Although they are often allowed, avoid using special characters such as $ & [space] in file and folder names.

You may like to review your folder/directory structure from time to time.
Sometimes it is hard to know ahead of time which is the best structure for your working environment.

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Backing Up Files

You should back up files regularly.

Consider creating a set of folders in which to store your backups.

Files should not be backed up onto the same disk as the original file.

How to Backup your Files

Keep backed-up files in a cool, dry place off-site. For those of you with a home computer, this may mean keeping copies of you important files at a friend's house; some people even use a bank safety deposit box for this purpose. [Capron p236]

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