Folders and Files - vocabulary & techniques

Download

To transfer a file from the Internet or other computer to your own computer

Upload

To transfer an image, document, or file, from your computer to a website

Collapsed folders

A folder that has been closed to hide the subfolders inside it. A collapsed folder in the navigation pane has a grey, right-pointing arrow/chevron to the left of it.

Expanded folders

A folder that has been opened to show the subfolders inside it. An expanded folder in the navigation pane has a black downward pointing arrow/chevron to the left of it.

Parent folder

A folder that has other folders inside it.

Subfolder

A folder that is inside a parent folder.

Folder

A location that stores multiple documents, or other folders.

File Explorer

A part of the computer's operating system that shows the contents of the computer. You can see the drives, folders and documents on the computer by clicking on the File Explorer icon. The window is divided into areas called panes.

File Extension

The three or four letters that appear after a "." in a filename. This tells the operating system (like Windows) what application to use to open the file. e.g. .docx, .pdf, .txt, .jpg, .png

Move a file

Move a file (or folder) from one folder to another (e.g. Documents to USB Stick drive E:). Use Ctrl+X then Ctrl+V, or drag the file up and drop it on another folder's name.

Computer drive

Place on the computer where documents are stored. eg.: C: drive(hard disk), Google drive, E: drive (for USB stick)

File path

The location of a document that includes the drive and folders where the document is located. e.g. Documents>Course files>Spring 2021>Digital Skills (File Explorer) My Drive> EDS E3> screenshots (Google Drive)

Desktop

The screen you see when you launch Windows. You can save files to the Desktop so they are easy to find.

Left pane (navigation pane)

The section on the left of the File Explorer window that shows the drives and folders on the computer.

Right pane (contents pane)

The section on the right of the File Explorer window that shows the contents of the drivers and folders.

Copy a file

To make a copy of a file in a new location while leaving the original in place. Use Ctrl+C, right-click Copy, or drag a file icon from one drive, or the desktop, to another. Works for folders too.

Rename file or folder

Windows, File Explorer: Select the file or folder with a click. Right-click it and select Rename from the popup menu, or click the Rename button in toolbar. Type the new name and click outside the filename box to save it. Google Drive: Select the file, right click and select Rename from the popup menu, click OK.

Save

Windows: Saves the document to the most recently saved location, with the same name, and overwrites the old file. Google Drive saves files automatically as you work.

Save As

Windows: Saves the file and allows the user to specify a location and new name if they want. Google Drive: use File>Make a copy.

Make a new folder (Windows)

Decide where the new folder should be created. Inside another, or alongside it? In File Explorer, click the New Folder icon on toolbar, or right-click in the Contents pane, and choose New>folder. Type the new folder name, and press Enter key or click outside the filename box.

Folder hierarchy

A structure which has a parent folder and one or more subfolders. These subfolders may have other folders within them also. Levels in the hierarchy are shown indented slightly in the File Explorer navigation pane. The hierarchy can be represented as a "family tree" type diagram.

Document/File

An electronic copy of information that has been created on a computer.

Screenshot

An image capture of the entire current display on your computer or device screen. Windows key+Prt Scn is the easiest option. Saves to the Pictures folder. Chromebook: Ctrl+screen key, saves to Images folder.

Delete a file (or folder)

Click to select the file and click on the Delete button on toolbar, or press the Delete key on keyboard. Goes to the Recycle Bin from a PC, but on a USB stick, the file will be deleted completely.

Make a new folder (Google Drive)

Decide where the folder is to be created. Inside another, or alongside it? Click the +New button (top left), and select "folder". Name the folder and click Create.

Snipping Tool/Snip & Sketch

Windows application that allows you to take screen shots of all or part of the screen and save it as an image.