Basic Windows File Management

Saving a File
One of the most basic and commonly used skills that the computer user should be familiar with is how to save a file.  Whether a few seconds or a few hours passed while creating a file, by saving it we can return to that file later and continue working. 
There are two ways to save a file:  ‘Save As’ and ‘Save’.  ‘Save As’ is used the first time a file is being saved and allows the user to dictate where the file is to be saved and permits the user to give the file a name.  ‘Save’, which is used after the file has already been given a name and location, is the method that the program uses to apply changes to the file.  Within most applications, both ‘Save’ and ‘Save As’ can be accessed by clicking on the File button.  Remember to click on Save often while modifying a file.  This way, in case something happens (i.e. power failure) there is less chance that any changes you have made will be lost.

Selecting Files and Folders
From within Windows Explorer (or any file browsing application), it will be essential to know to select individual files / folders and groups of files / folders. 

A single file or folder can be selected by hovering the mouse pointer over the prospective object and making a single Left-Click with the mouse. 

Selecting a group of files and folders is a bit more difficult.  To do so, hold down the left mouse button within the empty space of a Windows Explorer window and then drag your mouse over the objects you want to select.  Finally, release the left mouse button.  You may also use the Shift key to select a group of files by holding down Shift and left clicking over the files you want to group together.  Note that these processes allow one to highlight a group of consecutive files. 

To group together multiple files which are not consecutive one may hold down the Control key (Ctrl) and manually click on all the files you wish to group together.  If a file or folder is accidentally selected, continue holding down the Control key and Left-Click on the file which you desire to unselect.  If everything worked correctly, the files and folders you desired to select should be highlighted.

Creating a Folder
Folders, like mentioned above, are a very handy way to sort and group specific files or file types together.  Thankfully, Windows has made folder creation and customization a breeze.  To make a folder, follow these simple steps:

1. Navigate to the location where you would like to create the folder or subfolderusing Windows Explorer.


2. Right-Click (using the right mouse button) somewhere within an area of empty space.  Make sure not to right click onto of another file or folder.  You  may also click (with left mouse button) where it says File, at the top of the page.


3. Hover the mouse over the word New, and allow for a submenu to appear.


4. Click on Folder.  This process is shown in the images below.

              

If all went well you should notice that a new folder has appeared.  By default, the name of this folder will be “New Folder” and you can see what this would typically look like in the image below.

Rename a Folder
When you create a new folder you will be automatically given the opportunity to change the name of this folder.  However, sometimes we realize afterward that a folder could have a more appropriate name and would like to change it.  Changing the name of a folder can be done like this:

1. Hover your mouse pointer over the folder whose name you wish to change.


2. Using the right mouse button, click once.  If done correctly, a pop-up menu should appear to the side of the folder.


3. Move your mouse to where it says Rename and Left-Click.


4. The name of the folder will now be editable so you may change it as desired.

Similarly, to quickly prepare a folder’s name for editing one may select the prospective folder with a single Left-Click, then press F2.

Rename a File
Renaming a file is done in the exact same manner as renaming a folder, which is detailed above.

Moving Single Files / Folders and Groups of Files / Folders
After successfully creating a new folder, the next step in developing a good system of file management on your computer would be to organize your files and folders logically.  This often requires the movement of files and folders to new locations.

To move a single file follow these steps: Left-Click once on the file that you desire to move and hold down the left mouse button.  While keeping the left mouse button pressed, begin to drag the file in the direction of the folder in which you would like to deposit it. Drag the file on top the folder you want to put it in so that the folder and its name become highlighted.  This is an indication that when you release the mouse button, the file will be moved automatically into the highlighted folder. Once you are sure that you want to deposit the file, take your finger off the left mouse button.  Viola, your file will now be found within the folder you placed it.

Tip – The process detailed above (Moving a Single File) also applies to moving a folder, and all its contents, into another folder.

To move a group of files follow these steps: First off, decide which files you would like to transport into a folder.  Once you know which files you want to move you will have to select them as a group. Hold down the left mouse button and begin to drag the group of files toward the folder where you want to place the files. Continue moving this group of files until they are above the folder you want to put them in and the folder becomes highlighted. When the folder is highlighted, release the left mouse button and the group of files will now be located within the folder you placed them in.

Tip – The process detailed above (Moving a Group of Files) also applies to moving a combination of files and folders or a group of folders.

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