Organizing
In this lesson we'll learn how to keep it all together. That, how do we keep our stuff saved and in one place that we can keep on getting back to it?
Saving your stuff
It's important that we save the stuff we create in here in a safe place and a place that we know we can always go back to when we need to get to our stuff (files). We'll do this on the "Network Server."
What is the "Network Server?" you ask. It is a computer (hardware) that contains all of our school's files (digital information). It conducts back-ups -- that is, it saves stored files periodically so that if something were to happen with the original file, then we would always have another saved version we could access.
It functions like a toy chest. That is, when you need something from it you take it out and when you are done with it you put it back.
Saving Stuff
Files
A file is a computer document. It is something you create, work with and save. For example, once you make something in KidPix you have in essence created a file. You can save this file if it is something you want to keep. (Nesting boxes help us to demonstrate how to save files)
Folders
A folder is like a box that you place your file in. For example, let's say I created a picture of dogs in KidPix. This picture is now a file and I can save this file and call it "dogs" so I remember what it is. Now, remember our toychest example? I need to put this file some place where I can easily find it -- so I'll create a folder. I can store all my KidPix files of dogs or pets in the same folder that I name "pets."
Top-level Folders
All my folders must be saved some place. They go into bigger folders -- which are referred to as top-level folders. For example, open up your Finder and look at the left side. You see things like:
Most of your folders and files will be saved in the "Documents" folder.
DO: Practice Saving your Stuff!
1. Open Word
2. Type your name, age, favorite ice cream flavor (take 5 minutes)
3. Save your file by giving it a name you'll remember -- BUT WAIT! Where is your file going to be stored? Look at the folder listed below the name of your file. Is it where you want it to be stored? No! We need to create a new folder. Click on the "New Folder" option in the bottom right corner. Type in your name and click Okay. Now you can save your file and it will be stored in the folder with your name on it.
4. Next, we need to make sure that we move this folder onto the Network Server --- if we don't then it can only be found on the hard drive of this computer. The problem with that is what if you don't get to sit at this computer next time? Or, what if this computer crashes?
5. Drag your folder over to the Network icon you see on the left side of your finder
You're done!
This is how we will always save files. We'll put them into the right folders and store the folders on the Network Server.