Windows File Management�System

What is the Computer File?

• File
• File is the basic, independent unit of data stored in the storage.
• A hard drive or SSD has a massive collection of raw binary data (0s and 1s) inside.
• Without files, the computer cannot tell where one piece of information ends and the next begins.
• To help us use this data, Windows groups related pieces together, gives them a name, and treats them as one single item.
• Folder
• The folder is an empty drawer or binder (No actual data).�Files are the actual document or photo placed inside it.

Three Key Elements of a File

A computer file composed of following three fundamental elements:

• File Name (Base Name):

The label given to a file so that users can easily identify its contents.

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• File Extension:

A 3-to-4-letter code following the period (.). It tells Windows what type of data the file contains and which default application should open it.

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• Metadata (File Attributes & Properties):

Supplemental information automatically recorded by Windows, separate from the actual content of the file.

• Size
• Date
• Location

• Plain text document: .txt (Notepad)
• Word document: .docx (Microsoft Word)
• Image file: .jpg, .png (Paint, Photos)
• Executable file: .exe (Runs a program directly)

How Can I Access Files in MS Windows ®?

Microsoft Windows® provides a file management utility that can be accessed from the My Computer icon, or from the Windows Explorer (or File Explorer) option on the Start menu.

• These file management utilities help you:
• View a list of files
• Find files
• Move files from one place to another
• Make copies of files
• Delete files
• Rename files

These are what we will practice today

Windows Explorer (=File Explorer)

The Windows Explorer is the primary file management utility of MS Windows.

• To activate the Windows Explorer:
1. Left-click the Start button at the bottom left corner of your Desktop.
2. Place your cursor over the All Programs heading until the programs list appears.
3. Place your cursor over the Accessories option until its sub-list appears.
4. Left-click the Windows Explorer heading to open the program.

The storage locations (also called, Directories) are listed on the left side of the Windows Explorer pane. These can be expanded or collapsed!

Practice 1. Create a Folder Structure

• Open File Explorer.
• Navigate to your “Desktop” folder (or any preferred location).
• Create a new folder named "Practice_Exercise".
• Inside the "Practice_Exercise“ folder, create the following subfolders:
• Work
• Personal
• Projects
• Inside the Projects folder, create two more subfolders:
• Client_A
• Client_B

Practice 2. Create and Organize Files

• Open Notepad.
• Create a new text file and save it as “Meeting_Notes.txt” inside the Work folder.
• Create another text file and save it as “Shopping_List.txt” inside the Personal folder.
• Create a third text file and save it as “Project_Plan.txt” inside the Client_A folder.

Practice 3. Copy and Move Files

• Copy the "Project_Plan.txt“ file from the Client_A folder and paste it into the Client_B folder.
• Move the "Shopping_List.txt“ file from the Personal folder to the Work folder.

Practice 4. Rename and Delete Files/Folders

• Rename the "Meeting_Notes.txt" file to "Team_Meeting_Notes.txt".
• Delete the "Shopping_List.txt" file from the Work folder.
• Delete the Client_B folder (including the copied Project_Plan.txt file inside it).

Practice 5. Undelete Files/Folders

• Use the Recycle Bin to restore the deleted "Shopping_List.txt" file.