Learn
Saving Files
When closing a file, you will be prompted to save it. Here are some things to remember when saving:
- Never use the following symbols when naming a file: < > : " / \ | ? *. These symbols are used in computer programming and, if used, you will receive an error message. Another thing to note: You may use a period (.) just once in a file name – to distinguish the file name from the file extension. If you use a period in another way in the file name, you'll also receive an error message.
- Save files with names you will remember. Save them in file locations you will remember.
- To save a file to a new location, use the “Save As” command and change the folder to which it is saved.
Common Software File Extensions
File extensions are a group of letters occurring after a period (.) in a file name. It indicates the format of the file. All files have software extensions based on the type of software application being used. Here are some common ones:
- Document: .doc, .docx
- Image: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp
- Sound: .wav, .mp3
- Video: .avi, .mov, .mp4, .wmv
- Database: .accdb, .mdb
- Spreadsheet: .xls, .xlsx
- Web page: .html, .htm
- Program: .exe
Creating Folders
Folders are an easy way to organize the files you save. Folders may be created in a couple of ways. In a Windows OS, you can:
- Option 1:
- Right click in “Save As” dialog box
- Select “New”
- Select “Folder”
- Name the folder
- Double click to open the folder
- Option 2:
- Click “New Folder” in area at top of “Save As” dialog box
- Type a name for new folder
- Press enter to save name
- Double click folder to open
Other Operating Systems
You may not be using a Windows computer. Below are instructions for creating new folders on a Mac and on a Chromebook.
Read Organize Files in Folders on Mac if you're using an Apple product that's running macOS.
If you're using a Chromebook, it's best to save files to your Google Drive instead of to the Downloads folder. Follow the steps on Organize Your Files in Google Drive to learn how.
Examples
Example #1
Look at the document list in the image below. You see a long list of files with names that do not indicate what is contained in that file. You might have to open most of them to find something.
Folders and good file names can help you to quickly find files.
Example #2
Now look at this second example below. This MyDocuments folder holds all the same files from Example #1, but the files have been placed inside folders. In addition, the Homework folder contains two additional subfolders - one for Math homework and one for History homework.
The Vacation To Do List document file was renamed from the stuff document file in the Example #1 files, instantly telling the owner what data is in that file.
Example #3
The third example below is the same Example #2 except we've opened the Homework folder, then opened the Math subfolder to show its contents. The two files shown were named homework and Lesson 1.01 in Example #1. By renaming these files with more information and placing them in organized folders, the user is able to quickly find the correct file.
Renaming Files
Do you remember how to rename files in a Windows OS?
Answer: To rename a file, right click on the file, click Rename, then type in the new file name.
