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Basic 6 · Computing · Introduction to MS Windows Interface

Using the File Explorer Window

In this topic you will use File Explorer to view, sort, copy, move and search for files and folders.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Change the view of files in File Explorer
  • Sort files by name, date, type and size
  • Copy, move and search for files

What you already know

  • File Explorer basics (Basic 5)

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand
Introduction To Computers
Sub-strand
Introduction to MS Windows Interface
Indicator
B6.1.2.1.4-6 – Illustrate the use of the File Explorer window

Introduction

A school office stores reports, letters and photos. Without organisation, finding one file could take hours. File Explorer gives you tools to view, sort and search.

1. Changing the View

Views in File Explorer
ViewWhat you seeBest for
extra large / large iconsbig pictures of filesphotos
listnames in a listmany files
detailsname, date modified, type and size in columnscomparing files
tilesicons with file informationgeneral use

Click the View menu (or the View button on the toolbar) and choose a view.

2. Sorting Files

In Details view, click a column heading such as Name, Date modified, Type or Size to sort the files. Click again to reverse the order (A–Z or Z–A, newest or oldest). You can also right-click an empty space → Sort by.

3. Copying and Moving

Copy vs move
ActionResultHow
copyfile stays in the original place and a duplicate goes to the new placeCtrl + C, then Ctrl + V in the new folder
move (cut)file leaves the original place and goes to the new placeCtrl + X, then Ctrl + V
drag (same drive)moves the filedrag to the new folder
drag (different drive, e.g. USB)copies the filedrag to the drive
File Explorer in Details view sorted by date
Figure 1: Details view in File Explorer Draw the columns of Details view and label them.Illustration: Sirbus

4. Searching for Files

Type part of a file name in the search box at the top right of File Explorer. Windows shows matching files in the current folder and its subfolders. You can search by type, for example typing ".docx" to find Word documents.

5. Renaming and File Names

Right-click a file → Rename, or select it and press F2. Use clear names such as "Science_Report_Week4". File names cannot contain these characters: \ / : * ? " < > |

New words

view
The way files are displayed.
sort
To arrange in order.
copy
To duplicate a file.
move
To change a file's location.
search box
The box for finding files by name.
file extension
Letters after the dot showing file type, e.g. .docx.

Summary

  • Change views to see files as icons, lists or details.
  • Sort by clicking column headings.
  • Copy keeps the original; move (cut) relocates it.
  • Use the search box and clear file names to find files quickly.

Class activity: File Organiser

  1. Create a folder "My Work" with three files inside.
  2. Sort the files by name and by date.
  3. Copy one file to a new folder and move another, then search for the third.

You need: Desktop computer, Mouse, Keyboard

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. Which view shows date and size in columns?

    • A. Details
    • B. Large icons
    • C. Tiles
    • D. Slideshow
    Show answer
    Answer: DetailsIt shows columns.

  2. 2. Ctrl + X followed by Ctrl + V…

    • A. moves a file
    • B. copies a file
    • C. deletes a file
    • D. renames a file
    Show answer
    Answer: moves a fileCut and paste.

  3. 3. Which key renames a selected file?

    • A. F2
    • B. F5
    • C. Esc
    • D. Tab
    Show answer
    Answer: F2Quick rename.

  4. 4. Copying leaves the original file in place.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueA duplicate is made.

  5. 5. A file name can contain a question mark.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: False? is not allowed.

  6. 6. The letters after the dot, such as .docx, are the file ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: extensionShows type.

  7. 7. Explain the difference between copy and move.

    Show answer
    Answer: Copy makes a duplicate and keeps the original; move takes the file away from its original place.Two actions.

  8. 8. How would you find all the Word documents in a folder?

    Show answer
    Answer: Type .docx in the search box (or sort by Type in Details view).Search or sort.

Homework

  1. Write the steps for copying a file from Documents to a flash drive.