1. Digital Information Management Files, Formats & Storage

2. What is a File? From Wikipedia o 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

3. What is a File?, cont. A single unit of information on your PC Can be any size (smallest to largest): o Text files o Picture files o Music files o Video files o Programs/Games Folders: Containers for files To create a folder: right click where you want the folder to go and click “New” > “Folder”

4. What is a File?, cont. Shortcuts (have little arrows next to them) o Deleting a shortcut does NOT remove the program o Create a shortcut: Right-click file/program you want a shortcut of Click “Cut” Right-click where you want shortcut Click “Paste”

5. File Types/Extensions There are thousands of file extensions o Windows 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)

6. Create new file… Right click on your desktop Select “New” from drop-down menu Choose a file type/type of file you wish to create o Typically most popular programs will be on drop-down menu

7. Changing 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

8. Changing 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

9. How to Cut/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”

10. 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”

11. 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 Storage o Drop Box (www.dropbox.com) o Google Drive (drive.google.com) o Microsoft Sky Drive (skydrive.live.com) YOU DECIDE!!!

12. Questions/Comments? As always, feel free to stop by FCPL or call 574-223-2713 e-mail: ref@fulco.lib.in.usref@fulco.lib.in.us Spread the Word! o Tuesdays @ 6 p.m. & Thursdays @ 11 a.m. Free & Open to ALL o no experience necessary!!