Newbie Guides A Trouble Free PC Organising Your Files

Organising Your Files

There are several reasons for keeping the files on your hard disk originated.

First, it makes it easier to do house keeping, such as deleting files you no longer need.

Second, keeping data files in their own well labelled folders reduces the risk that you will accidentally delete an important program or data file.

Third, a well organised hard drive is easier and faster to back up.

Create folders for each program and place only the appropriate data files in them. Alternatively, create folders for each project or task. Give files and folders names that will make sense even after you've forgotten why you created them. You are allowed to use up to 255 characters for your names, however I do not recommend it.
It is sometimes convenient to use the same characters in your names, making it easier to find and act on them later. For example you could put all your downloads in a folder called downloads. Or name all your family scans as family_1, family_2, and so on.

In addition to organising your files, you should regularly delete files you no longer need. A disk filled to within 5 percent of capacity is more prone to errors and a lot slower than one that is not so chock-full. It helps not to get muddled later if you delete versions of files that are no longer needed. At the least back up everything to floppy disk or CD-ROM if you have any doubts regarding the value of a file, or just leave it alone.

One very important fact overlooked by many new users is this. Do not use your original file for anything. Make a copy of the file first, move it to another folder if necessary and then edit the copy. That way, you will always have the original to go back to if you mess things up. I have several copies of the same file saved to different places on my hard disk as well as multiple versions of the same data file.

Maintaining The PCs Files

Backing Up Your Files