3. Working with Folders and Files

Chapter at a Glance

In this chapter, you will learn to:
	Navigate to folders and files.
	View folders and files in different ways.
	View information about a folder or file.
	Create, rename, and delete folders and files.
	Move and copy folders and files.
	Find specific information.

To simplify the way you work with files on your computer, the Windows Vista interface uses a hierarchical storage concept that resembles information storage in an office. Instead of organizing paper files in paper folders in filing cabinets, you organize electronic files in electronic folders on the storage disks accessible to your computer.

There are many different types of files, but they fall into these two basic categories:

• Files used to run programs or created by programs. These include executable files and dynamic-link libraries (DLLs). These files are sometimes hidden (not shown in a standard folder view) to protect themhidden files can't be selected or deleted. You can unhide files from the Folder Options dialog box discussed in "Viewing Folders and Files in Different Ways" later in this chapter.

• Files created by you. These include documents, spreadsheets, graphics, text files, slide shows, audio clips, video clips, and other things that you can open, look at, and change using one or more applications.

The files needed to run a program and those it creates for its own use are organized the way the program expects to find them, and you shouldn't move them. However, you control the organization of the files you create (such as documents and spreadsheets), and knowing how to manage these files is essential if you want to be able to use your computer efficiently.

No matter how organized you are, there will be times when you can't remember where you stored a particular file. No problem! Windows Vista includes a powerful new search feature that can help you almost instantly locate any file on your computer.

In this chapter, you will use the Windows Vista navigation tools to explore the file storage structure on your computer. You will experiment with different ways of displaying information and learn how to find information. You will also create, edit, delete, move, and rename files, as well as search for files in various ways.