Digital Digital Information Information

ManagementManagementFiles, Formats &

Storage

What is a File?What is a File?

• From Wikipediao A computer file is a block of arbitrary

information, or resource for storing information, which is available to a computer program and is usually based on some kind of durable storage. A file is durable in the sense that it remains available for programs to use after the current program has finished. Computer files can be considered as the modern counterpart of paper documents which traditionally are kept in offices' and libraries' files, and this is the source of the term. • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_file

What is a File?, What is a File?, cont.cont.

• A single unit of information on your PC• Can be any size (smallest to largest):

o Text fileso Picture fileso Music fileso Video fileso Programs/Games

• Folders: Containers for files• To create a folder: right click where you want the

folder to go and click “New” > “Folder”

What is a File?, What is a File?, cont.cont.

• Shortcuts (have little arrows next to them)

oDeleting a shortcut doesNOT remove the program

oCreate a shortcut:• Right-click file/program

you want a shortcut of • Click “Cut”• Right-click where you want shortcut• Click “Paste”

File Types/ExtensionsFile Types/Extensions• There are thousands of file extensionsoWindows does not show the file

extensions by default• Some popular extensions

o .doc, .xls, .ppt, .pub (microsoft office documents)

o .txt/.rtf (generic text/rich text file)o .jpg, .bmp, .gif, .png (digital photo format)o .pdf (portable document format, also generic) o .exe (executable application, opens a program)o .mp3, .wma, .m4a (audio file)o .mp4, .wmv, .avi, .mpg (video file)o .html, .php, .asp (web page file)

Create new file…Create new file…

• Right click on your desktop

• Select “New” from drop-down menu

• Choose a file type/type of file you wish to createo Typically most popular

programs will be on drop-down menu

Changing Filename/ExtensionChanging Filename/Extension

• Try this-• Open “Computer” (folder next to

“Start” menu)• Open Flash Drive (F:)• Right Click>click “New”• Select “Text Document”• Type a name for your file and hit

“Enter” on the keyboard

Changing Changing Filename/Ext., cont.Filename/Ext., cont.• Note it says “.txt” after your

filename (that’s the extension) • Now click once with left button and

select whole filename, change name to “yourfilename.rtf” and hit “Enter” on the keyboard• Double click file and it should open

in default program

How to How to Cut/Copy/PasteCut/Copy/Paste

• Open “Computer”• Double left click your flash drive• Right Click the file of your choice• Click “Copy”• Open “Desktop”• Right Click and select “Paste”

Cut/Copy/Paste, cont. Cut/Copy/Paste, cont. • Right Click on file you placed on desktop• Click “Cut” • Open Flash Drive (F:)• Right Click and select “Paste”• Should say “file already exists” • Replace existing file• File should have disappeared from

“Desktop”

Where do I put files?Where do I put files?• Hard Drive– (usually C: or D: drive)

o My Documents/Pictures/Music

• Flash Drive (possibly E:, F: or G: drive)

• Cloud Storageo Drop Box (www.dropbox.com)o Google Drive (drive.google.com)o Microsoft Sky Drive (skydrive.live.com)

• YOU DECIDE!!!

Questions/Comments?Questions/Comments?• As always, feel free to stop by

FCPL or call 574-223-2713 • e-mail: ref@fulco.lib.in.us• Spread the Word! oTuesdays @ 6 p.m. & Thursdays @ 11 a.m.

• Free & Open to ALLono experience necessary!!