Unit 4 Part 2: The Importance Of An File System

Unit 4 Part 2:The Importance of an File System

Multiple Choice

Is it important to have an organized file system?

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

• Never

The Importance of an Organized File System

Computer files contain important information, so it's vital for people and businesses alike to create a file system that is well-organized. Think of an organized file system, such as your notebooks and binders for school. If your notes and handouts aren't filed in an orderly manner, finding what to study or what assignments to complete becomes a major challenge. Computer files follow the same rules as paper files. Storing and saving your files and using the folders that make sense to you is all it takes.

Steps to Creating an Organized File System

To create an organized file system, there is a series of simples steps and rules to follow.

Multiple Choice

How many steps do you think it takes to create an organized file system?

• 5

• 4

• 6

• 3

Step 1: Storing Files

Establish where the files will be stored. Files can be stored on hard drives, network drives, external drives (USB Sticks), or in the cloud (i.e. Google Drive.

Open Ended

Name a time you stored a file?

Step 2 : Creating A Directory Tree

Create folders and subfolders (if necessary) in an organized manner for storing files. To demonstrate, let's say you are currently enrolled in six courses at your school. The directory tree structure might look similar to the on shown below:

Open Ended

Have you ever created a directory tree? (Using files and sub-files.)

​Step 3: Saving and Naming Files

When naming files, use names that follow the logic pattern, are descriptive, and can be found easily by scanning with the eye or using a file search tool. Establishing a good file naming convention. File naming conventions are rules that enable the titling and folders in a consistent and logical way.

For example, a good file name for a first draft of an English essay written on Shakespheare would be: Shakespeare Essay-Draft.docx

Multiple Select

When it comes to naming files, there are two types of files, Select the two you think

• The files you create

• The files that you collect , such as downloaded images

• The files you scan in

• The files you send out

​Step 4: Knowing File Properties

In addition to the file name and extension, files contain a number of other properties (or attributes). File attributes you should be aware of are:
1.File Size
2. The date the file was last saved or modified
3. Security permissions (who has permission to access the file?)
4. Author of the file (who created the file?)

Knowing file properties can help you organize and find files using different sorting methods.

Poll

Do you know how to copy, move, and delete file?

• Yes

• No

• I never learned

• I'm familiar with the concept

Step 5: Copying, Moving, and Deleting Files

For a variety of reasons copying, moving, and deleting files are necessary part of keeping an organized file system. You may need to create a copy for backup purposes, or you may have saved a file to the wrong folder. These methods help keep you organized.

Step 6: Locating Files

All operating systems come equipped with file searching features. In the event you cannot locate a file, you can quickly search for all or part of a file name to locate it. Once located, you can determine if the file needs to be moved or copied to a different location.

Open Ended

Exit Ticket: Why is it important to keep an organized File System?