Computer Bytes - No. 39 You already know how to view files through the program used to create it, but did you know you can also view and access those same files using the 'My Computer' function. While this alternate method can come in quite handy when you are looking for a particular file or folder located on either the hard drive or any of the removable drives, it is not meant to replace the accessing of a file through the program used to create it. However, when all you want to do is review the files and folders stored on a single disk, CD or jump drive, using 'My Computer' makes it very easy to view everything all at once. For those using Windows, go to Start in the lower left corner. After clicking on Start a box will open displaying pinned programs along with other helpful links. From this list select 'My Computer'. Note: There are some keyboards that have a special key or button that will take you directly to the listing for 'My Computer' with a single keystroke. 'My Computer' displays the contents of your computer including shared documents if you are on a network, the hard disk drive, devices with removable storage, scanners and other equipment. On the 'My Computer' sidebar you will also see 'System Tasks', 'Other Places' and 'Details' which I will address in future articles. For now, double click on the drive you want to view. This will take you to another screen that will display all of the folders, files or information relevant to the drive, disk or equipment. Should there be additional folders within a selected folder, all you need to do is double-click the folder and it will open to display the contents of the sub-folder. When you are finished with the review, you can return to the previous folder, drive or 'My Computer' by continuing to select 'Back' in the upper left corner until you have returned to where you want to be. Once inside of a drive or folder, you can review all the files located there - graphic, text or any other type. If you select a graphic file by placing the cursor over it, a thumbnail will appear in the 'Detail' section of the sidebar. If the file selected is a text or other type of file, information regarding the file's type, size and last date modified will appear in the sidebar. Each time you open a drive or folder the sidebar options will change allowing you additional functions to select from. If you find a file you want to open for purposes of printing or editing, double click its icon. The file selected will open in the appropriate program and you can print, edit or save from there. Another option for making an action is to place the cursor over the file or folder and right click the mouse. This will display a menu box with a variety of options available. There are several configurations to choose from for viewing the contents of 'My Computer'. This is simply how the folders and files are displayed. At the top of the screen there will be a bar with icons on it. Select the icon that offers 'Views'. Note: To see the function of an icon, place the cursor over it and its function should appear as text on screen. Click on the small black triangle pointing down, you will see a drop-down menu of options. Click through them all until you find the configuration that best suits your needs. Once selected, proceed with the review. There are many computer functions available through 'My Computer' and I will be covering some of them in the next few articles. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.