COMPUTERS-File_Management

=COMPUTER BASICS - File Management= include component="page" page="menu-computers" editable="1" include component="page" page="Rules_Files" editable="1"

As much as possible, we'll try to avoid killing trees by printing handouts, assignments etc. Your FILE MANAGEMENT SKILLS therefore become //essential// to your success! Understand how your computer files and server system works so that you don't run the risk of losing your work!

1. File Naming
Your files should clearily indicate WHO the owner is, and WHAT the contents are about. When creating a project file for later submission, use the following format: //**Lastname_Firstname_Description.Ext**//
 * (File Naming Conventions)**

(ie. Smith_John_Logodesign.psd) The "Ext" stands for "Extension" - the last three letters of the filename USUALLY provided by the program that makes the file. //WARNING - Be sure NOT to alter the "file extension" - it will conceal the original program used, and disable it from being opened again.//

If your work is made up of multiple files, store them in a FOLDER that uses the naming convention: //**Lastname_Firstname_Description**// (ie. Smith_John_Summative)

2. Forbidden Characters
Characters like !@#$%^&* should NEVER be used in your filenames. They can be confused by the operating system and cause errors with your files.
 * Stick to "ALPHANUMERIC" characters - A-Z and 0-9 only
 * Avoid using a "space" to separate words - use an "underscore" instead. ie. "My Files.doc" is bad, but "My_Files.doc" is good

3. The Server System
To make it easier to access your files from any computer in the school (or from home) we store files and pages on specific SERVERS in the school NETWORK of computers.

A **NETWORK** is a collection of individual computers that are connected together, typically by a wire called an ETHERNET cable. This allows files to be easily viewed or moved from one computer to another.
 * [[image:Network_SCAR.gif]] ||
 * Network_v2.gif ||

A **SERVER** is a computer whose harddrive is made available to other computers on the network. Instead of only being able to store files on your LOCAL computer's harddrive, you can also store and retrieve files from any SERVERS you have been given access to.

SERVERS are typically stand alone computers that aren't used for anything except serving files - they are also typically designated to serve files for specific uses or groups of users.

When you open up "My Computer" on a networked machine, you can see all available "Network Connections" listed in the browser window.
 * What it looks like to YOU**
 * [[image:cyberdog:Network01.gif caption="Network01.gif"]] ||
 * Network01.gif ||

Of them, the only two that you'll use regularly are the USERS server, and the DOCS server

- Your USERS server likely has your GRADE and the start of your last NAME labelling it. We'll refer to this as **YOUR STUDENT SERVER SPACE**

- The DOCS server actually contains at least TWO folders that you will use regularly: **HANDOUTS** and **HANDINS.**

3.1 Your H: Drive

 * You have 150MB of individual academic storage space on the school's server. If you use up your limit, you will receive an error message.
 * It's up to YOU to monitor your usage of your server space
 * Have a burnable CD available to BACK UP your files before you run out of server space
 * Your USERID and PASSWORD is provided by your 1st period teacher. Keep this information to yourself - you are responsible for any use (or misuse) of your account - do NOT "share" accounts with other students.
 * You can access your server folders from home by going to [|myfiles.ocdsb.ca]
 * Your server space is for academic purposes only - it is NOT private, and can be accessed (read-only) by any teacher or administrator.

3.2 Handouts
Resource files and applications can be found in **I://Docs/Handouts/May///** //There are subfolders for graphics, audio files, and for specific course materials. These resources can be dragged to your own server space for use, or "linked" directly from handouts in some circumstances.//

3.3 Handins
To hand an assignment in electronically, drag it to the appropriate course folder found in **I:**//**Docs/Handins/May/**
 * WARNING** - Don't attempt to save directly into the handins folder - the result is usually a corrupt file.//


 * __FILE EXERCISE #1__**
 * Create Folders on your student server (H: Drive) for each of your classes this semester
 * In a separate window, Open the DOCS | HANDOUTS | MAY | TTI10 folder (we'll just call this the "TTI10 HANDOUTS" folder from now on)
 * Drag any of the **shortcuts** (but not the folders) from the TTI10 HANDOUTS into your H: drive Tech folder

From now on, use these shortcuts to start up this webpage (JMSSTech Wikispace) or to navigate to the appropriate HANDINS or HANDOUTS.


 * __TIPS:__**
 * You can open up a folder or shortcut in a NEW window by HOLDING DOWN THE CTRL KEY as you double click it! Try it now - open HANDINS, HANDOUTS and your H: Drive TECH folder in three separate windows.