Know Where You're Saving Your Files

File Management, User Care and Common Sense (continued...)

Know What Directory You're Saving To

Just after writing that last line I had to move my cursor to the top of the window and save my work thus far. Saving as you work is an important part of computing. Of course, this isn't really something I need to explain. All of us have, at one time or another, suffered the consequences of not abiding by this rule.

However, do you always check to make sure you're saving to the right directory. I'm constantly surprised with the number of people that have documents in the root directory, the Windows directory, and a number of other directories. Documents seem to spread themselves all over.

Worse than that, is the number of documents I find entitled UNTITLED38.DOC, UNTITLED39.DOC, etc... For pity's sake, name a file something you can understand!

Most of the data you create can reside in two directories, MY DOWNLOADS and MY DOCUMENTS. You can have any number of sub directories inside. For instance, in MY DOCUMENTS you could have subs called WORK, HOME, PICTURES, EXCEL, WORD, BILL, TAMARA, etc... At least you'd know where to look for each type of document. And, when you're working in a program and click on SAVE for the first time, name the file properly and make sure its going to the proper directory.

Some programs will create their own folder for data files that are created in that specific application. If that's the case, make sure you know where they are being saved, and that you always save them to that directory. Often, these programs will allow you the option of changing the default direcory or folder, to save files where you prefer. Afterwards, the application will save your data there automatically. Always glance at the 'Save To' textbox so you know they're headed to the right place.

When you download anything off the Internet, watch to make sure its going to the right directory. Everything should be downloaded to the MY DOWNLOADS directory. Again, you can create any number of folders inside.

Set your anti-virus program to scan your download directory and always check a downloaded file for viruses before uncompressing. After you install the program, delete the original compressed file that was downloaded. Some of these files can be quite large, and its important to keep your download directory clean.

If you've downloaded documents, graphics or .PDFs, scan for viruses while they're in your download directory, then move them to their respective sub-directory in MY DOCUMENTS.

(continued... Next - Don't Use BETA Programs)

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