Macs All-in-One for Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Chapter I.5. Working with Files and Folders

In This Chapter

• Using the Finder

• Organizing and viewing folders

• Creating folders

• Manipulating files and folders

• Archiving files and folders

• Searching files

• Working with Smart Folders

• Storing stuff on the Dock

• Burning files and folders to CD/DVD

• Deleting files and folders

When you need to organize stuff scattered around the house, one strategy would be to toss everything in the middle of the floor. However, it's probably easier to take a more organized approach by storing off-season clothes in one box, retired gadgets in another box, bills in one file folder (and receipts in another), and new books you want to read on your nightstand.

Computers work in a similar way. Although you could dump everything on the top level of your hard drive, it's more helpful to divide your hard drive in a way that can help you sort and arrange your stuff in an orderly, easy to get to fashion. Instead of boxes or shelves, the Mac uses folders (which tech-types such as yours truly also refer to as directories).

A folder lets you store and organize related files. The two most commonly used folders on your hard drive are the Applications folder and the Documents folder. The Applications folder contains programs; the Documents folder contains anything you create and save while using a program, such as a letter created by a word processor.

Folders can contain files or even other folders. The whole purpose of folders is to help keep your files organized so you can find them again. ...