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What is the best way to organize folders on my computer?
mobius | Oct 26 2006
I think this counts as a "productivity" question, because I find myself getting bogged down rummaging through my files trying to find what I need. In the past I have set a directory structure under My Documents like so:
My Documents
~Docs
~Downloads
~ftp
~Images
~Media
~Audio
~Video
~Misc
~Software
~Work
This has changed over the years and I've added to it and have so much stuff in certain places that I can't combine similar items. I don't know what I am really trying to ask. What do you think is the proper, most efficient, way to organize your personal files on a computer? Keep in mind that I don't care about where things are installed. This is strictly about data. So in the example above, my software folder keeps backup disc images of software, games, etc. It also contains downloaded software such as drivers, install files, etc. The audio and video keep mp3s, movies, tv shows and various clips. If you know of a better way, I'm all ears. How do you organize your files? Thanks. 10 Comments
POSTED IN:
 File Organization - HDSubmitted by krackeman on October 27, 2006 - 8:09am.
Mobius: Let the cage match begin! Before too many people throw down their organization system du jour, I'd add my $.02.: 1) They aren't that different from paper files: file it where you will look. My favorite example of this is Radar from M*A*S*H. "I need a Jeep requisition form" "Look under M" "Wha?" "All my cousins live in Montana and they all drive Jeeps." Radar files stuff so HE could find it. (In an office environment, you WILL have to agree on methods, etc. but the question seemed to be aimed at personal files) THEREFORE, build a file structure that makes retrieval easy 2) They are TOTALLY different than paper files. The great thing about computers is that they do dull, repetitive, overwhelming tasks quickly and without complaint. If I was faced with 400 pages and told, "Find me the page that has the word 'orange drink' on it.", I would quit. My computer is totally cool with it. You do have the option of installing an indexing/desktop search app and just throwing everything into My Documents. The folder will end up looking like hell. It will look like a pile of crap. But Google Desktop or Microsoft search or x1 or Copernic will gleefully dive into the pile and come out with a few things that might be relevant. 3) The goal is YOUR TRUST IN THE SYSTEM. One woman I work for is concerned the computer will forget where stuff is (not a Desktop search person). Another person I work with longs for the day his computer will write the report for him. (Excellent Desktop Search candidate). If the idea of a trashed My Docs folder makes you cringe, DON'T DO IT. If the hassle of making filing decisions causes you to save everything to the desktop, DON'T DO IT. Use the system that makes you feel good. That is all. Proceed to your regularly scheduled argument. BillK » POSTED IN:
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