What's your secret to keeping an organized computer filing system?

Question

Folders inside folders inside folders! How do you keep your computer filing system organized and easy to understand?

Answer 1

Some of the previous answers contradict being organized. The people who answered make their systems waaaaay too complicated. Three layers, four layers, keeping records for 15 years, etc, etc. I keep only two years on my computer. Anything older than two years are on memory sticks. Everything is filed into folders listed in alphabetical order. Within those folders are folders listed by month. Photos older than 12 months are on memory sticks. More than one stick, by the way. I have tags attached to the memory sticks labeling them as documents or photos. Then the year. I do not intermix documents and photos. Some of my backups are on CD's and some are on memory sticks. If a CD goes bad, I have a memory stick. If a memory stick goes bad, I have a CD. I can find just about anything on my computer within a couple of minutes. Things are either documents or photos, and installer programs are stored in a separate folder, so if I have to reinstall something, the installer is tucked away in case it's needed. It is not necessary to make things so terribly complicated.

Answer 2

Some of the previous answers contradict being organized. The people who answered make their systems waaaaay too complicated. Three layers, four layers, keeping records for 15 years, etc, etc. I keep only two years on my computer. Anything older than two years are on memory sticks. Everything is filed into folders listed in alphabetical order. Within those folders are folders listed by month. Photos older than 12 months are on memory sticks. More than one stick, by the way. I have tags attached to the memory sticks labeling them as documents or photos. Then the year. I do not intermix documents and photos. Some of my backups are on CD's and some are on memory sticks. If a CD goes bad, I have a memory stick. If a memory stick goes bad, I have a CD. I can find just about anything on my computer within a couple of minutes. Things are either documents or photos, and installer programs are stored in a separate folder, so if I have to reinstall something, the installer is tucked away in case it's needed. It is not necessary to make things so terribly complicated.

Answer 3

Dear Yahoo Answers Team:



The way I do it is to realize that a good electronic filing system is no different in principle from a good paper filing system. Understand the heirarchy. Documents (or spreadsheets or inventories) go in files; files go in drawers; drawers go in cabinets.



Organize the files by immediacy of need. Keep current files easily accessible for immediate use. Put older but still necessary files in separate archives. Keep really old files (like fifteen year-old business records) on CD. Incidentally, make sure your oldest records remain accessible. If they are stored on a dinosaur medium or format, they may be difficult or even impossible to access when you need them. Have the really old files professionally transferred to updated mediums/formats as needed. Review this point yearly.



Then, follow the acronym of KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). One should not have to dig down more than three layers to get the information being sought.



Finally, remember the Three Commandments of Computing: 1. Backup. 2. Backup. 3. Backup. Have multiple backups, and store them in different locations. Put the CDs in a safe deposit box if necessary. Consider using an online backup service if your records are really, really important.



As to how exactly to organize? Everyone’s needs are different, so everyone’s filing system is different. Make your heirarchy creative, but also easy to remember.



And, of course, clean out unneeded or junk files as best you can. Neatness counts.



Flash Kellam

Answer 4

In section download files,when box is appear to save the file ,you need to make an alphabetical order to name the file .This will allow you when you going to search for a file as soon as first word in search box been type a drop list name include file location will open in new window .This will fastener your search for a particular files .Also type of the file during the save option can help you to organize all the files in routine of the file type .mostly files are saved in picture ,downloads and documents ,you can also optionally create a new folder for particular files from same group or serials . For example if you doing a research that need documentaries include images or charts ,then you can create a folder with same name or topic and during save download at left window in drop down folder section click on the folder name and after folder window is open name and date the file and the click save .

Answer 5

I don't have my own computer so I don't organize it, but if I did I probably wouldn't make many folders, but if I did I would probably do as you said, folders in folders in folders! I would have one for school/work and for each subject for school and the month we're in, and since I want to be a teacher I'd also have one for each student. It would include behavior, and another folder for each student for progress and what they've learned. I couldn't mix students or subjects. I just don't!

Answer 6

I use many helps. Besides all types of folders, named for subjects I have stored in them, I also use a large "CONTACTS LIST" with everyone listed by name. Since for me I have a tendency to remember ppl by their "first" name that is the way they are listed. So I have a few "Marys" and others with the same first name, but then the last name identifies the person I am seeking, When sending an email I enter the first few letters into the send space and the PC does the rest. If more than one pops up then I choose the one I want. My photos are also listed separately. I know most of my passwords by heart. I am on several sites, with separate friends, etc. I do not seem to have a problem keeping them separate in my mind. I do have a simple cheat cheat with info I cannot afford to loose, but I have ways and means of coding it so no one else can understand it. Hope that helps. I think the key is "diversity," rather then doing it all one way.

Answer 7

Make sure your not online organizing it. Make sure it's on an external drive or DVDs if have the patients. Make sure whatever medium isn't remotely accessed by NSA(DVDs recommended) . Otherwise they organize or delete it for you. There is also something called organization through disorganization. When you do piece it together, you need to take into consideration what audience your trying to accommodate.

Answer 8

It depends on what you mean by "organized"...



Do you mean making files easy for me to find as a user, or minimizing computer memory used?



For ease of my personal referencing, I may access a single file through multiple folder accesses.

After all... a single file CAN refer to more than one subject matter.

Answer 9

Its called a Directory Tree



Best thing to do is Categorize them.



Like having a folder called USERS... and inside of it will be a folder for everyone who uses that system.

And within that would be that Users own Programs and own Documents.



Or create a Folder called Applications... and Microsoft can be a Sub Directory and inside that would be MS software.

Answer 10

well one thing is, i try to backup as much as possible by having a spare hard drive to transfer everything to, copy files/folders... i mark it with copy so i know this is just a copy not the original... i try to make it in batches and reorganize it all, so one batch is finalized, meaning i don't have to delete it and put the originals back on, i know it's good already so no need to add to it, rewrite, change it, modify, or whatever, for those files on my backup drive... it's the same content on the backup copy folder, as the ones on the original...

Answer 11

Try searching for a file using DOS commands. That will teach you to have some organization.

Answer 12

well one thing is, i try to backup as much as possible by having a spare hard drive to transfer everything to, COPY files/folders. i mark it with COPY so i know this is just a copy not the original. i try to make it in batches and reorganize it all, so one batch is finalized, meaning i don't have to delete it and put the originals back on, i know it's good already so no need to add to it, rewrite, change it, modify, or whatever, for those files on my backup drive. it's the same content on the backup COPY folder, as the ones on the original.

Answer 13

Start off at Documents. Under there you can have folders for different topics such as Credit Cards, Utilities, Employment, etc. Then perhaps under Credit Cards you could have different folders for different cards and in each card folder you can keep PDF files for each card statement. Under Utilities, you can have folders for electricity, gas, water etc. where you can save PDF files of online bills etc.



You will have to decide what folders and structure you need.

Answer 14

I name and categorize my folders based on what is inside them, what they are for, and what kind of files they are. I also make sure to delete files which I no longer have any use for to free up space and help save the memory on my computer.

Answer 15

I keep the actual files hidden away and make shortcuts to the few files that matter. I then sort the files that do matter by folder. I keep my desktop in great shape by doing this.

Answer 16

Group them first in broadly named folders then go down in more and more specific folders. That's what I have always done and get to my files really really fast because of my categorization.

Answer 17

I find that keeping everything organized on my PC is simple when I can be bothered to put them in folders and name them appropriately, instead of just being lazy and naming a file something like "pic1" or "script2" and having them scattered everywhere.

Answer 18

ORGANIZED???? Hahahahahahaaaa! That's a secret even to me!!

Answer 19

easy. I don't have extra money to eat out or order in. Plus take-out and restaurant food is loaded with preservatives, hormones, coloring and other additives. I'd rather take care of my body.

Answer 20

Just come up with your own categories.

It is best when you come up with a name for every folder so that after the slightest glance at it you will remember what's stored in it.

Answer 21

Emm I have ordered everything as ringside system all second row all the most important along with the third and fourth for things that I remember later or after :)

Answer 22

i find that keeping everything organized on my pc is simple when i can be bothered to put them in folders and name them appropriately, instead of just being lazy and naming a file something like "pic1" or "script2" and having them scattered everywhere...

Answer 23

try searching for a file using dos commands... that shall teach you to have some organization...

Answer 24

documents stores many stuffs. music, videos... and more. name the files and place them into a big file.

for example, videos - my video, friends video , mum's video..., etc. I normally have itunes music file, and they are matched perfectly in order.

Answer 25

Employ an IT department with a bunch of computer geeks.

Answer 26

Maybe, but I'm not fully convinced

Answer 27

Years and years of experience.

I Cr 13:8a

Answer 28

It's easy to look for the things instead of forgetting what you are looking in the heap.

Answer 29

thats a secret, and how I make a lot of money "advising" how people should organise it to suit their needs



1 one little one

get rid of junk files/progams you dont need/want any more

Answer 30

mine is all stored in folders based on type or what it applies to. for ex: my raspberry pi files are literally in a folder called raspberry pi. my general rule is if i have to open more then 3 sub folders then its not easy enough for me.

Answer 31

After installing Clover, whenever you open up My Computer, then the program will automatically be activated, you will see a window like every day, but normally it is above its characteristics can be used to add a horizontal bar contains tabs like Chrome. Most keyboard shortcuts in Chrome now has that applies to My Computer, for example, Ctrl + T to open tabs (windows) new, Ctrl + W to close again, Ctrl + Tab to switch between tabs ... You may also like Chrome Battery tab, simply right click on the tab to get the support function that Clover.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEb0tq81NyA&index=1&list=PLjJIc9bcI-DTPMZ1kQIXARRkb6eqcC9cn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okqgrGXbLJY&index=2&list=PLjJIc9bcI-DTPMZ1kQIXARRkb6eqcC9cn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUiEifwfRUk&index=3&list=PLjJIc9bcI-DTPMZ1kQIXARRkb6eqcC9cn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2b0EYCh5vE&index=4&list=PLjJIc9bcI-DTPMZ1kQIXARRkb6eqcC9cn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3xy3vB5zZU&index=6&list=PLjJIc9bcI-DTPMZ1kQIXARRkb6eqcC9cn

Answer 32

Store all apps and docs on desktop until I run out of space

Answer 33

i had a great system but I filed it away and lost it.

Answer 34

I just categorize the contents and put it inside files inside files etc.

Answer 35

Lots of memory pens

Answer 36

By using pen or pencil and papers. In other words not using electricity.

Answer 37

Thank you! extremely informative and this offers me better knowledge on this subject

Answer 38

I don't order my files by "time", it just makes a mess.

I love collecting images and i also use them for designs and inspiration for drawings and stuff i make, i do something similar with folders of videos and ebooks, word documents, etc. but the Music and Images folders are the most complex of all of them, i will just give examples of those. It also motivates me to study and learn about the things i save, for example biology and taxonomy.

let's go for Music files first for example:



Music:

I add alphabetical folders (A, B, C, D, etc.), inside i add folders with the names of bands or artists, i don't add albums since i often don't have so many songs of one artist.



Sometimes i leave "logic" aside though, for example, there are songs that i want to listen at specific times, when i want to chill or something, there are a lot of songs that would make me feel like that but they are from different artists or even genres, so i create a specific folder for those, to get them all in one place with easy access, so it makes sense right? same thing happens with more relaxing and even meditation tracks, i also have a specific folder for "instrumental" music, inside i have bands, and OSTs, inside of OSTs i have folders for Movie's ost and videogames ost.



Now with images and wallpapers, i add folders with specific names, deviding things for what they are and their characteristics, not alphabetical, for example, i have a folder called "Machines", inside i have folders called "Air, Land, Sea" and inside folders of "ships, cars, aircraft, etc." folders, and inside i have more folders with WW2 airplanes, helichopters, classic cars, trucks, modern cars, boats, warships, sail ships, inside their respective folders, and inside those i have folders with specific names of the vehicles.



I also have another folder called "entertainment", where i have folders for movies, anime, series, comics, videogames, and again more folders inside. Another one is called "Earthians" (yeah i'm thinking of another name xD) and inside i have a biological classification of a whole lot of species on earth, i love animals, and i have artistic photos of humans too in their respective classification.



Not all of it makes perfect sense and i'm still working to improve it, but it has worked so far to make things easier for me, i think everyone should experiment with whatever method is better for them just to make things easier, even if it doesn't make perfect "sense" to the eyes of someone else, if it makes things easier and more fluid for you, then it makes sense.

Answer 39

Each is for a different purpose and have different titles.

Answer 40

Cleaning the desktop, performing format every now and then

Answer 41

Color Coding

Answer 42

I won't tell you.

Answer 43

Delete, delete, delete. Keep it simple.

Answer 44

Siesta and tequila.

Answer 45

What is "organized"

Answer 46

the search button. NExt question

Answer 47

bla bla bla

Answer 48

FIX YOUR SITE.

Answer 49

FOLDERS