Computers store information in groups of electronic "bits," but we (the users) don't have to worry about such things. We typically work with documents (letters, research papers, etc.). In computer language, these documents are called "files." To make them easier for us to understand, computer operating systems organize our files into "folders" or "directories".

     A file on your computer may be part of your computer's operating system and do things that you never need to know (an example is the autoexec.bat file that starts a computer's operating system). A file may be a collection of instructions used to perform a function and be called a program. Or it may be a collection of information (a letter, a list) that you have created for your use.

     It's this last type of file that this activity is about: files you have created.

     Working with computer files is just like working with paper files-almost. First you create a file (say a letter) then you put it into a file folder and save it in your filing cabinet so you know where to find it later. Then you can retrieve it, change it, add to it, totally redo it, copy it and put the copy into a different file folder, and on and on. With computer files you do all of those things, and more, on your monitor screen. Work with a project helper, friend or parent to complete the following activity.

Step 1: Use any available word processing program to create the following file of information about yourself:

Step 2: When you finish, use the "save" function on your word processor to save the file. Name the file "myinfo" or something like that (something you can remember). Remember the name of the folder you save your file in. You may want to make a new folder called "Ben's Folder" (if your name is Ben). Save your file, close it and quit the program.

Step 3: After a few days, open your file. Change the date and any other information that needs to be changed (you might have switched friends or hobbies by now). Save the changes. If you have a printer, print the file.

Step 4: Copy the file to another folder or to a floppy disk. (There are several ways to do this. Use the online help or have your helper help you do it properly).

Step 5: Re-open your file periodically and update the information. Be sure to save the new information to the file before you close it. Print out your updates if you want a paper copy.

If you can accomplish all of this, then you can maintain order in your computer (if you are an organized person!) Caution!!! Don't try these operations on files that you didn't create. If you rename, move or delete a file that your computer needs to operate, or you may change your computer into a useless heap of bits!

     How were you able to perform all of these operations? There is probably more than one way to do all of them. Some require more "mouse" work and others more typing. See if you can find another way to do each operation. Again, on-line help may provide you with several alternatives.

     The average computer owner doesn't keep the computer's storage space organized and clean. As a result, they become frustrated when they can't find files they know they've created. Now that you know how to perform all these basic file operations, try designing a scheme to organize your files on your computer. You'll need to be able to create folders as well as files in order to do an effective organization.

     To create your file to "play with," most word processors will start by presenting you with a new file (blank page). If not, click on "File" on the toolbar across the top of your screen. Then click on "new" in the pull down menu. This should bring up a blank page on which you can create your new document. Remember to save your file. The "save" command should be in the same pull down menu.

     Most computers have some way of managing files. This is called "Windows Explorer" in Microsoft Windows 95. (The Macintosh uses a function called "Finder" to do just about everything, including file management. Click the computer icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen to get to "finder."