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
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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