Managing Files In Windows XP

My Computer

Versus

Windows Explorer

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

2

Access My Computer

• Double Click on the My Computer icon on the desktop

• Icon opens into My Computer Window

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

3

The My Computer Window

• Shows storage devices on your computer– May look different on

your own computer

• Control panel controls other settings on your computer

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

4

My Computer Showing 1 Drive

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

5

Pros and Cons of Using My Computer

• Pros• More intuitive than

Windows Explorer• Limits display to one drive

or folder per My Computer window

• Easier to use if copying/moving files within same drive or between drives and folders

• Cons• Less efficient if you have

more than one My Computer window open– Open each folder in

succession

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

6

Access Windows Explorer

• Right click once on the Start button on the Windows Desktop

• Point to Explore• Left click once to open

Windows Explorer

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

7

The Windows Explorer Window• Left pane shows drives and/or folders• Right pane shows folders and/or files

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

8

Interpreting Folder Icons +

• Folder + in left pane contains more subfolders not displayed until folder is selected

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

9

Interpreting Folder Icons - • Open folder - in left pane

– Subfolders in left pane – Subfolders and files appear in right pane

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

10

Interpreting Folder Icons

• A closed folder with no + or - indicates there are no subfolders present

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

11

Interpreting Folder Icons • An open folder with no plus (+) or (-) to the left indicates no subfolders• Files will appear in right pane if they exist in folder

My Computer Vs. Windows Explorer

12

Pros and Cons of Explorer Window

• Pros• Left pane shows

multiple drives or folders

• Hierarchical• Easy to tell if a folder

has subfolders• Ultimately more

flexible

• Cons• More sophisticated• Takes a while to learn