Files and Folders

Topic: Files and Folders
When I am done this lesson, I will know:
• What a file and a folder are

• Icons for common file types
• How to save a file in Windows
• How to create folders and organize files
• Some tips for saving and organizing files
Pre and Post Self-Assessment
Pre Pre Post Post

Yes, I know this No, I want to Yes, I know this I still need more practice
learn this to learn this
I know what a
file and a folder
are
I know how to
create folders
and organize
files
New Words and Terms
file
folder
PDF
Page 151
What are Files and Folders?
A file is the common storage unit in a computer, and all programs and data are "written" into a file and
"read" from a file. Different types of files have different icons to help you know what type of file it is.
Here are some common icons you may see for files:
PDF Icon
PDF is an acronym for Portable Document Format. PDF is a file format that provides
an electronic image of text or text and graphics that looks like a printed document
and can be viewed, printed, and electronically transmitted using a PDF viewer like
Adobe Acrobat.
Microsoft Word file Icon

Word is word processing software.
Microsoft Excel Icon

Excel is a spreadsheet program.
Microsoft PowerPoint Icon

PowerPoint is presentation software.
Google Docs Icon

Google Docs is word processing software you can access on Google Drive.
Apple Pages Icon

Pages is word processing software for MAC.
A folder holds one or more files, and a folder can be empty until it is filled. A folder can also contain
other folders, and there can be many levels of folders within folders. Folders are used to create a filing
system online. Folders help you organize your files so you can find them easily. All operating systems
and cloud storage services allow you to create and organize folders.
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If you are using the Windows operating system, there are already several different types of folders
already created:
How to Save a File in Windows

There are generally five steps to saving a file:
1. Click “FILE” from inside the application or software you are working in. This is usually in the
upper left-hand corner of your screen.
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2. Select the “Save As” menu item.
3. Choose where you want the file to be saved.
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4. Change the file name.
5. Click “SAVE.”
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CHECK YOUR KNOWLEDGE
List the five steps to saving a file:
Creating Folders and Organizing Your Files
Complete the tutorial to learn how to create https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/windowsbasics/working-

folders and organize your files in Windows. with-files/1/
Source: GCFGlobal
TRY THIS/PRACTICE
If you have access to a computer, try creating and saving a file. Create a new folder and move the file
you created to the folder you created.
Tips for Saving and Organizing Your Files

• Skip the Desktop. Never ever store files on your Desktop. It looks messy and cluttered.
• File or delete downloads. Don’t let files sit in your Downloads folder. Either file them where
they belong or delete them.
• File things immediately. If you wait to file things, your system may get out of control. As soon
as you create or receive a file, put it in a folder.
• Sort everything once a week. Tidy things up, delete any unnecessary files, and generally stop
things getting messy at least once a week.
• Use descriptive names. When you’re naming your files, give them descriptive names.
“Wednesday” is not a great name. “Wednesday – Journal Entries – January” is much better.
• Search is powerful. The Search feature within most operating systems is really powerful. If
you can’t find a file by looking, try searching for it. If you’ve named your files and folders
correctly, it will be easy to find.
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• Don’t use too many folders. Having too many nested folders gets annoying. Each folder
should have a minimum of about 10 files in it. If you only have two or three files in each
folder, you need to reconsider your filing system.
• Stick with it. Don’t just give up after a few days. Commit to using your file structure for a
couple of weeks before scrapping it.
Source: Adapted from: https://business.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-organize-computer-files--cms-

32191 (last accessed July 5, 2019).
Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework Connection
Competency Task Group(s)

Find and Use Information • Read Continuous Text (L3)
• Interpret Documents (L2 - complex format,
subheadings/subparts)
• Extract Information from Films, Broadcasts and Presentations
(not levelled)
Communicate Ideas and • Complete and Create Documents

Information
Use Digital Technology • Organize Digital Files into Folders

• Watch Podcasts
Page 157

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Topic: Files and Folders

When I am done this lesson, I will know:

• What a file and a folder are

Pre and Post Self-Assessment

Pre Pre Post Post

New Words and Terms

Microsoft Word file Icon

Microsoft Excel Icon

Microsoft PowerPoint Icon

Google Docs Icon

Apple Pages Icon

How to Save a File in Windows

3. Choose where you want the file to be saved.

Creating Folders and Organizing Your Files

Complete the tutorial to learn how to create https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/windowsbasics/working-

Tips for Saving and Organizing Your Files

Source: Adapted from: https://business.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-organize-computer-files--cms-

Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework Connection

Competency Task Group(s)

Communicate Ideas and • Complete and Create Documents

Use Digital Technology • Organize Digital Files into Folders

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