Files, Folders, and Drives

What is a File?

Files are collections of information. In fact, almost all of the information stored in a computer is stored in a file. There are many different types of files, including operating system files, program files, and your own files.
Different types of files store different types of information. Each file is given a filename and has a three-letter filename extension that identifies the file type. (The filename and filename extension are separated by a period.) For example, a document created using WordPad might have the file name, letter to John.doc.

Some common file name extensions are:

• doc: Word or WordPad document
• txt: Notepad text file
• eml: Email file
• xls: Excel spreadsheet
• htm or html: HTML file (web page)
• ppt : PowerPoint presentation
• mbd: Access database

Creating, Renaming, and Deleting Files

With Windows XP, you can create a file using different programs such as WordPad or Notepad.

To create a file using Notepad:

• Click Start.
• Choose All ProgramsAccessoriesNotepad.
• Notepad opens.
• Type, "This is my new document."
• Choose FileSave from the menu bar (Ctrl + S).
• The Save As dialog box appears.
• Save your file to the desktop.
• Name your document new document.
• In the Save as type drop down box, be sure your document is saved as a text document.
• Click Save. Your file is now saved to the desktop.

Once you've created a file, you can rename it.

To rename a file:

• Locate your file (in this case, the file is located on the desktop).
• Right-click the file icon.
• Choose Rename.
• The filename is highlighted in blue, ready to be retyped.
• Type a new name and press Enter.
• The file is renamed.

You can also delete files.

To delete a file:

• Locate your file (in this case, the file is located on the desktop).
• Right-click the file icon.
• Choose Delete.
• A Confirm File Delete dialog box appears asking you if you are sure you want to send the file to the Recycle Bin.
• Choose Yes.
• The file is moved to the Recycle Bin.

What is a Folder?

When you first start using Windows XP, you may only create a few files. Over time, you'll create MANY files. To keep your files organized, create folders. Windows XP uses various folders to store and manage files. To become more familiar with the structure of a Windows XP folder, let's open a folder called My Documents.

To open and view the contents of the My Documents folder:

• Double-click the My Documents icon on the desktop.
• The My Documents folder opens.

OR

• Right-click the My Documents icon (on the desktop).
• Choose Open.

OR

• Open the Start menu and choose My Documents.

What is a Drive?

A drive, or disk drive, is hardware on which you can store files and folders. Disk drives are assigned a letter.

• Your hard drive (the drive inside your computer) is known as the (C:) drive.
  
• Your floppy disk drive is known as the (A:) drive.
  
• If your computer has a CD ROM drive, it is usually called (D:)

Choose where you'll save your files during the Save As process. Most computer users store their files on the (C:) drive. Learn more about Save As in our Office 2000 course.