Exploring Folders

Files are stored in FOLDERS on your computer. You can store files in the My Documents folder - which is the automatic default on Windows computers - or you can create and name your own folders - such as Essays or CTE Projects. Database files are often automatically installed to a particular folder on your computer.

Use the My Computer icon - available on your Desktop or from the START menu - to explore the folders and files on your computer. Use your mouse to double click on the My Computer icon and then double click to open the folder or folders you want to look at.

There are several different views available for browsing folders. Click View on the menubar to choose Details, Icons, Tiles, or Thumbnails (which is ideal for viewing photos and artwork).

You can further customize the way your folders appear by clicking on Tools, Folder Options or View, Customize This Folder on the menu bar. A dialog box allows you to set folder options, such as specifying whether you will single click or double click to open folders, showing and hiding file extensions (such as *.doc or *.jpg), etc.

See if you can display the Explorer toolbar to get a sense of the folders on your computer. Options vary among operating systems - Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, etc. For example, try View, Explorer Bar, Folders in Windows XP or Start, Programs, Windows Explorer in Windows 98.

As you explore folders, use the COMMANDS on the MENUBAR and ICONS on the TOOLBAR to help you navigate.