This subject addresses mainly "Computer Navigation", the word "navigation" is to be taken literally, how to get from point A to point B. The only more basic need in computer literacy is how to properly use the mouse. The importance in appreciating the value in computer navigation, and learning how to use it, although this important, is bypassed by the majority of new computer users. Thus it is the single largest stumbling block in learning easy computer use. With out this knowledge soundly embedded, all future efforts will be unduly difficult. So why is it so broadly not understood?

Probably because it is much more enjoyable to just dig in and begin exploring the new computer. Soon this becomes habit, and most just continue with frustrating attempts to make something work. So in a computer, just what is going from point A to point B? It is no more than knowing how to easily move from drive to drive, from folder to folder, and find any file in any folder. As you have already learned, the data inside the computer, whether the operating system such as Windows 95/98/Me/2000, a software program such as a word processor or an Internet browser, or documents, records, images, etc., created by you, all, are no more than computer files and groups of files, stored neatly (or not so neatly) in folders. Navigation is the ability to find any one of them for what ever purpose, upgrading, copying, moving to diskette, deletion, etc. If you care to test your navigational abilities, check your C:\ drive root folder. If it contains more than a couple dozen files (loose files not in a folder, which is the root) you probably need more understanding of computer navigation. All files except the few necessary control files in the root of C:\ drive should be stored in organized folders, just the same as a filing cabinet.

In the early forms of DOS, all navigation had to be performed from the prompt line, by executing typed commands. What wasn't committed to your personal memory had to be looked up or not used. Even now when using Windows, a working knowledge of DOS is very useful, with out it there is yet more to add to one's expertise. All Windows installations suggest making a "Boot Disk", to be used in the not too uncommon event that something happens to Windows and the computer will not boot (start). Using the boot disk will boot the computer to the typical DOS black screen with the A:\ prompt (prompt line). You then can switch to your C:\ drive. From there you are on your own, knowledge of DOS can be be very helpful.

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Lets take one quick trip (navigate) to DOS right now, just to break the ice. It really is very easy. First, "Minimize" all screens back to the Desktop. "Left" click the - (minus) sign, upper right. The "X" will close, don't use it now. The icon between the - (minus) and the "X", will go from full screen to small window, back and forth. So "Minimize" all screens until you arrive at the Desktop. Then "left" click on "Start", then on "programs", then the "MS-DOS Prompt" icon. This first time it wouldn't hurt to write down a few notes so you can do it sucessfully and return here. After arriving at the C:\ Prompt, type (CD\) that is CD backslash, no spaces. Don't confuse the back slash \ with the forward slash /. The back slash key is the key with the two vertical marks (pipe command) on the same upper case key. The forward slash key also has the question mark (?). Entering CD\ at the prompt line will naviagte you to the root folder (directory), all that easy. Then type and Enter DIR. Entering DIR will scroll every thing in the root up the screen, all folders and files will scroll from top to botttom. Clicking here will take you to instruction for doing the same in "Windows Explorer". Read on first . . .

(This first time, continue scrolling down and take it in turn. In the future you can pop back and forth.) If there is too much for one screen you won't be able view all. Entering Dir /P, this time it is a forward slash, known as a switch. Dir /P will make each screen full pause, with a "Press any key to continue" prompt. You could navigate to any other folder by Entering CD\FOLDER NAME. You could navigate to any drive simply by the typing and Entering the drive letter followed by a colon(:), no spaces. Such as A: to go to the diskette drive, and C: to return to C:\ drive. The same for any other drive, even the CD-ROM, all you need know is the desired drive letter. No computer user should say they know nothing about DOS. Even if this is all you learn, you will know more than most.

Finished at the prompt line, return to Windows, no problem. just type and Enter EXIT, and you are there. Then return here simply by reversing the "Minimize" procedure you just used. This file in (Netscape Communicator), and any other running programs that you previously Minimized will all have icons on the Task Bar. Just "left" click appropriately and you will be returned here.

Windows Me, probably pre-installed on your computer will load and await your input, simply by turning on the "power" switch and giving it a minitue or two to boot. Once loaded any further functions depend upon your input in the form of mouse clicks applyed in the correct places. Thus understanding the mouse clicks, "left" click, "left double" click, and the "right" button click, will lead you through and include most of the first steps in using your computer.

Now is a good time to examine the Task Bar and associated menus and functions, including moving the Task Bar to all four screen edges. Also learn how to adjust the Task Bar width. Just move the mouse cursor to the outside edge, very precisely, it will turn to a doubled headed arrow. Hold down the "left" mouse button and drag at will, release the button when ready. Easly adjust it back the same way. Some like to "hide" the Task Bar, when it is hidden you can detect where it is by viewing the very narrow change in color, along what ever edge it is on. To accomplish this, also very easy, "right" click on an open area of the Task Bar, (not on any icon), bringing up a "Right Click Context Menu". Then "left" click on "Properties", then on the "Auto Hide" box. Unhide it by unchecking the same box. Follow the same "Minimizing/Maximizing" procedure you used when going to DOS, please do it now.

The average new computer user will usually begin by clicking on "Start" then "Programs" and and other functions, which is the customary way of running installed programs and the other assorted functions. But this is not navigation. How did the various programs and functions get there in the first place, and how do you delete or move them somewhere more convenient.

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As you learned in the "Start Here" file, develop your style of holding the mouse, with comfortable control at your finger tips. We are talking "right handed", if you are left handed just adjust procedures accordingly. The sliding surface underneath the mouse directly effects the mouse response. The top of your desk or mouse pad, smooth, slick, rough, etc., experiment. If you don't use a mouse pad watch for wear and tear on the mouse bottom and the top of your desk.

Cover the mouse with your whole hand, index finger touching but not "clicking" the "left" button. Do the same with your middle finger over the "right" button. When you move the mouse don't be overly gentle and slow. Experiment and watch the mouse cursor move on the screen. This movement response and many other mouse controls can be adjusted to your personal taste. Do it in the "Control Panel". "Left" click the Windows "Start" button, then the "Settings" menu item, then the "Control Panel", and finally "double left" click the "Mouse" icon.

When the menu opens notice the various upper tabs. They are each a menu, activated by a "left" click, offfering a variety of mouse controls. You may for example, adjust the mouse cursor travel speed, the "left double click" (lapse between the clicks), and you can reverse the button click functions to accomodate the left handed user. Depending upon your mouse software program you may have a variety of other options, such as setting an option for a "both buttons at once click". A very useful function for the "both buttons" click is the Windows Explorer, where you can view all the drives in your computer, along with all folders, sub-folders, and all file contents. In the Explorer you can navigate your entire computer, much more direct than you can from various program "File Open" menus, where you must first select drive, then folder, etc. Now please go to the Control Panel and adjust the mouse to suit. Return as often as necessary until you are comfortable, mostly with the mouse cursor speed movement and the double click speed.

Note this time it was not suggested that you first use the "Minimize/Maximize" procedure. Depending upon the computer, sufficient RAM, MHz clock speed, etc. you can easily do many things at once, leaving every thing else as is. On some computers, again depending upon overall resources, you can have problems when leaving too many Windows fucntions open when going to DOS. You are actually deviding the computer's total resources between two separate operating areas.

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More on the Windows Explorer, which once was called the "File Manger". "File Manager" could sound more definitive, but actually the word "explorer" relates well with the word "navigate", which is the main job of the "Windows Explorer". Don't be confused by the two Microsoft Explorers. The one we are concerned with here is the Windows 95/98/Me/2000 Explorer, part of the Windows operating system, used for managing files and folders. The other one is the Internet Explorer, Microsoft's method of Internet navigation, actually better defined as an Internet "browser". Then there is the Internet browser you are likely using now, called the "Navigator", by Netscape. In any event to understand Windows or the Internet, the idea is getting from point A to point B, by navigating or browsing, Mr. Webster defines "navigate" as "to steer a course through a medium", he defines "browse" as "to look over casually", nearly the same.

Windows Explorer - Left Pane for Drives/Folders, Right Pane for Folders/Files

Windows Explorer can be found with a left click on Start followed with a left click on Programs.

Windows Explorer - With C:\Download Selected, Showing File Contents in Right Pane
Notice any "Selected" item is obvious by the change in color, whether from a "left" mouse click as displayed here, or a "left" mouse button "drag" for "Copy" or "Cut".

Continuing with the "Windows 95/98/Me/2000 Explorer", You may execute any program or function, same as from the "Start", "Programs" menu. Just "double left" click on any given file and the appropriate program will run and execute the function. You can do the same when installing downloaded software, just "double click" the file name in Explorer. Although you will run most programs and functions from the "Programs" menu or Desktop "Shortcut", if you are lost, or just care to "Explore" your computer, do it with the Explorer. If you do not have the "both buttons" option, find Explorer by "left" clicking on the "Start" menu, then on "Programs". You will find Explorer near the end of the "Program Menu" selections.

Another note on the Explorer . . . any folder icon with a "Plus" sign (+), indicates there are also sub-folders within, more "Plusses" indicate more sub-folders or folders within folders. Double "left" click on any folder in the left window pane and the file contents will appear in the right window pane. Move to the right pane, and "right" click on any file. A context menu will appear offering options such as "Copy", "Paste", "Delete", "Rename", etc. You may copy a file from one folder and paste it into another. "Right" clicking in an open area (not on a file) will produce a context menu allowing you to make and name a "New" folder. The new folder is recognized immediately, allowing you to use it same as any other folder. When you "left" click on "New", then "Folder", a new folder appears appropriately named "New Folder", but the name block is open with a blinking cursor, allowing you to type in any name you want. If you make an error just "right" click on it and re-name it, or even delete it and start over.

Now would be a good time to access the Explorer and experiment. Click on "Start" find and click on "Windows Explorer", and you will be there. If you can't remember some of the above information, and need to review it, just leave Explorer "as is", click the Netscape Communicator" icon on the Task Bar and you will return here. When ready, leave this file "as is" clicking the Explorer icon which will also be on the Task Bar. You can pop back and forth at will.

Do you have the mouse adjusted so it is becoming comfortale to use? If not return to Start, Settings, Control Panel, and finally Mouse. Experiment with further changes as necessary.

Change the various settings until the mouse is set just to suit you. You can easily go back time and again making adjustments as needed. You are only wasting your time if you continue using the mouse as is when you know it could be better adjusted.

Note that you can make these mouse adjustments in the Control Panel, with out closing or minimizing any other program, such as the Internet browser which you are now using. In the process of adjusting the mouse, you can if desired, close the Mouse section by clicking on the upper right "X", then the minus sign (-) on the Control panel, "minimizing" the Control Panel. You can then return any time with a single "left" click on the minimized Control Panel icon that will be placed on the "Task Bar". You don't really even need to minimize the Control Panel, just left click on the Netscape browser icon which is on the "Task Bar". This will automatically "minimize" the Control Panel and "maximize" the browser. You can click on any running program's icon, found on the "Task Bar". That program will "maximize", or come to the front of all others, which in effect will minimize all other programs.

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Like to have more than one program visible at once? It is commonly known as "Multi-Tasking". Click the upper right middle icon, the one between the minus sign "-" and the "X". If the program is running full screen, it will shrink to a small "window". Resize it further by placing the mouse cursor on a border untill you see a "double headed arrow", then hold down the left button and drag it larger or smaller. Do this with several programs at once. Position their place on the screen by holding down the left button on the upper border and dragging, then releasing the left button. If you wish, cascade them one behind the other with only the upper border of each showing. Any particular program you want in front, just single left click it's upper border. On any program choose between full screen and a small window as describd above, clicking the upper right center icon, between the minus sign "-") and the "X".

If you now will immediately become aware that this "multi-tasking" feature may be used on most any Windows 95/98/Me/2000 program, your learning will be advanced by one giant step. You can do the same with the Internet browser, WordPad or Paint, both found by "left" clicking "Start", then "Programs", then "Accessories", or a word processor, spreadsheet, or any program found in the "Programs" section.

The "minimizing", "closing", or changing from "full screen" to a "small window", or visa versa, is achieved by "left" clicking on the upper right "minus" sign (- minimize), "middle square" (full screen or small window), and the "X" ( X close program) icons. Note the middle "double" square signifies "full screen" and the single square signifies a small window.

You can experiment now with more windows, it is the fastest way to learn. As just described, go to "Accessories" and activate "WordPad", and then "Paint". Try out all the multi-tasking possiblities.

Read on and the mouse will introduce you to many areas of Windows control. Just the next few paragraphs will give you a big headstart in understanding the unique computer operating system. Even if you are relatively familiar with Windows, you will probably learn something new.

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The standard "double left click" or just "double click", is still for execution. Note the "double click" is not just two clicks, but rather two clicks as close together as you can make them. The 'double click" speed can also be set in the mouse controls, Left click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Mouse. Also keep in mind that many menu areas requiring selection, or approval, require only one "left click". There is no "Right button double click". And there is no need to worry about remembering what type of click is necessary for any given function. If a single "left" click don't work what is the alternative option other than a "double left click", remembering that a "right" click will never do any thing other than produce a context menu, which then requires the execution "left" click to perform any action.

The "right button" is now very valuable, one "right click" over icons, or in the open area of the desktop or any folder, or on the "Start Button" (Windows Logo), all produce invaluable "Context Menus".

The mouse "left click" works the same as in older Windows and most software programs. It is the "execution" click. Execution of most Windows desktop and folder functions require a "double left click", commonly referred to as only "double click". The new Microsoft IntelliPoint mouse controls in the "Control Panel" can be set so one left click performs the same as a "double click".

More about the "right" mouse button, prior to Windows 95 it was useless except in certain software programs. But now it is equally valuable along with the "left" button". It is used to bring up "Context Menus", through out Windows, with a single "right click". There is no "right double click". Try it right on the main desktop. Right click any where in an open area, (not on an icon). A context menu will pop up with several function choices. Choices such as creating a New Folder Or New Shortcut, Properties, Pasting, Arranging Icons, Renaming Shortcuts etc.

You can use the "New" function and create a new folder. Or "New Shortcut" using the browse function, and locating the source file, which can only be done if you have a knowledge of navigation, and can find the file. You can select the "Properties" function, and go to the section where you set wall paper and screen savers. In this same Properties Sec tion you can choose the "Appearance" tab and change any thing on the desktop, colors, scheme layouts, icon spacing, and more. Also in this same section you can choose the "Settings" tab and change your monitor color settings, adapter, or monitor type.

In other folders (directories), the "right click" context menu includes a "Copy" function. You can copy an icon from another folder, then paste it on the desktop as a "Shortcut".

The "right click" context menu contains the shortcut "Renaming" function. Just "left click" on Rename, and the Name Box opens for editing. There is also a shortcut keyboard function for Renaming. Select the icon with the "left click" then press the "F2" key, same as clicking on "Rename".

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"Right click" on any icon, and the "Context Menu" includes other functions, such as "Delete". You may delete this specific icon. Note that deleting an icon does only that, deletes the icon, not any file or directory. The same icon can easily be replaced by selecting "New" and "Shortcut" from the context menu. Just browse (the word browse better defined would mean "navigate") to the proper directory and file, and "left click" Next, then Finish. After "Shortcuts" are created, you can again "right click" on the icon and choose "Properties" from the context menu. The "Properties" function will access another menu for that particular file. The menu will include several upper tabs, such as "Program", "Screen" and others. These "tab" menus are where you configure the file to perform just as you want. Such as "closing on exit", running minimized, normal, or full screen, changing the icon, etc. For Windows 95/98 you may also selectively assign MS-DOS directories and batch files. You can configure a "DOS" program here to run by "left clicking" on the icon. It can be set to "close on exit" and will pop right back to Windows when finished. Windows 95/98 will run most DOS programs, and Windows ME/2000 will also run many DOS programs.

For all practical purposes, you can not distinguish that it is a "DOS" program. Windows does truly make it possible to integrate DOS functions with Windows functions, creating effectively a single, unified operating system. This gives the computer user control that has never before has been possible.

The "right click" context menu using Explorer, the replacement for the old Windows "File Manager" offers yet more uses for the "right button". You may access Explorer by "left clicking" on the "Start Button", or Windows logo flag, then "Programs". "Left click" on "Explorer". You will be presented access to all drives, directories, and files in your computer. Here you may select any file by "left clicking", then "right click" on the file name, and the context menu is presented. The menu includes the normal functions, such as "Delete", for deleting files or directories. You may also create new folders (directories) from here. If you want to delete an entire program, directories, shortcuts and all, delete the shortcut as described, then delete the folder from Return
Explorer. Many computer users never overcome the fear of deleting wrong files. These same computer users have little or no knowledge of computer navigation. If you understand navigation, you know where you are at all times. File deletion is a part of ongoing "good computer house keeping". What happens if you do delete an important file?

The only point of no return is to delete operating system files, in the Windows folder, any Windows sub folder, or the root directory control files. Most root control files are hidden for safety, but reasonable caution is always in order. If you have a few unneeded program files left over from old programs, in the Windows or Windows sub folders, it is truly of little consequence. If you delete critical "other software program" files from their respective folders, the program will likely not run again, but it will have no other adverse effect on your computer. Just reinstall the program. And you have the "Recycle Bin", where all deleted items initially go. You can restore most deletions from there. Just "double click" the Desktop "Recycle Bin" icon to open it, "left" click the subject file (to select it), then click the upper "File" menu, finally clicking on "Restore", and the file is back where it goes. You can also "Empty the Recycle Bin here. And if you wish you can "right" click the Recycle Bin icon, "left" click "Properties", and check a box that will disable the Recycle Bin. Remember that you save no disk storage space when deleting folders and files until they have been removed from the Recycle Bin. So deleting files with a good sense of navigation, no problem.

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While navigating and working with files and folders in the "Windows Explorer" you will note it is devided into "Two" panes, left and right. The left pane is for selecting "Drives" and "directories", more properly called "folders" in Windows 95/98/Me/2000. The drives begin at the top with "A" drive, your diskette drive, and continue down through your last drive, showing the folders along the way. Any folder containing "sub" folders or folders within folders is marked on the left with a plus sign (+). "Left" click on the plus (+) and the folder opens and will continue with the plus sign (+) if any more sub folders exist. Click on any folder (on the folder icon) and the file content will appear in the "right pane". Move the mouse cursor into the "right pane". Select any file by "Left" clicking on it. A "double left click" will exececute and run the file, what ever function it may be. Remember our recent "quick trip to DOS"? Click here and you will return to that DOS section. You can then pop back and forth. When you used CD\ and DIR, which respectively changed to the root of C:\ drive and read the contents of files and folders. Read the next few lines, then make a return trip to "Windows Explorer". In the "left" pane scroll up if necessary and "double left click" on the C:\ drive icon. In effect this is the same as Entering CD\ in DOS, changing to the root of C:\ drive. No further action, such as DIR necessary, the contents of C:\ drive will appear automatically in the "right" pane.

These are the exact same files and folders you viewed while in DOS. From the "left" pane access any drive or folder the same way, making the contents appear in the "right" pane, where most functions such as copying, deleting, renaming, etc., are done, using the "right" click first for the context menu. A note about Explorer's "default" setting (which could mean "factory setting"). By default Explorer will open in C:\ drive with all contents already displayed in the "right" pane. Most computers have one diskette drive, A:\, one hard drive, C:\, and one CD-ROM drive, D:\. This is likely how the drives will appear in your computer. But you can add more drives, which will add more drive letters in the Explorer.

And drives, folders, and files are always lined up alphabetically with the exception of "Desktop" and "My Computer" which will be listed at the top. Next is A:\drive, a second diskette drive would be B:\drive, then C:\drive followed with the folders in C:\drive, next D:\drive, D:\drive's folders, etc.

Only drives and folders will appear in the "left" pane. You will note that in the "left" pane, many folders will have on their left side a plus (+) sign, indicating more folders (sub folders) inside. Clicking the plus will continue opening sub folders in the "left" pane. "Left" click any folder or sub folder to dispaly it's contents, files and any further sub folders in the "right" pane. There will never be any files that appear in the "left" pane, only the "right" pane. Clicking any plus (+) sign will change it to a minus ( - ) sign, indicating it is open. Clicking the minus ( - ) sign closes the folder and the plus (+) reappears. Remember that after arriving in the Explorer, if this was too much to remember, you can multi-task right back here and then pop back and forth. Go ahead now on your navigational trip to Explorer. Click "Start", "Programs", and near the menu end (Windows Explorer listed alphabetically). When you are ready to leave Windows Explorer and return here, click the browser icon on the "Task Bar". The Windows Explorer" icon will also remain on the "Task Bar", for easily switching back and forth. Below is continuing information about Explorer.

After selecting the file with the "left" button, a "right" click will present a context menu, offering many options including "Copy", "Paste", and "Delete". You can copy a file from one folder and paste it into any other folder.

In Explorer's right pane, a "right" click in an open area (not on an icon) will offer a context menu including "New". "Left" clicking on "New" will offer a menu including "Shortcut" and "Folder". "Left" Clicking on "Folder" will create a new folder and allow you to name it anything you want.

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In Explorer or in most Windows programs any window that can not make all contents appear in one screen, scroll bars appear as needed, both vertical and horizontal as necessary. Use the little upper and lower arrows to scroll up or down. Or just hold the "left" mouse button down on the scroll bar and drag it up or down more quickly.

Note the graphic is Windows 95/98/Me/2000 WordPad reduced to a small window, showing the horizontal and vertical scroll bars. WordPad is found in the "Accessories" folder, accessed by "left" clicking on the Windows "Start" button or Windows flag, then on "Programs". WordPad is just short of being a full word processor, basically lacking only a spell checker. It writes nice letters or other documents and includes a nice font selection and adjustable font size. It is invaluable when used for keeping notes, using "text "Copy and Pase", which is fully explained in a later step. This particular view of Wordpad is an excerpt from the Windows "Help" file. The little you can read says (The key to using Windows, the "Start" button), a little bit of a misnomer, it should say (The key to running installed programs, the "Start" button), navigation is the key to using Windows or any computer operating system.

You will also note the vertical scroll bar on the Internet browser you are currently using. There is probably no horizontal scroll bar, because all text is controlled to only one screen wide. But often, due to different layout styles, a horizontal bar will appear as needed.

And in this browser, WordPad, Explorer or most windows program screens, move from the top of any page to the page end, or visa versa, immediately, with the keyboard rather than the mouse. Activate the keyboard function for the page first with a "left" mouse click in an open area (not on an icon). Then press two keys at once, "Ctrl/Home" for page top, or "Ctrl/End" for the page end. This function is very time saving, especially on a very long page. With the page activated you can also use the arrow keys, "up or down" or the "Page" keys, "up or down" for a full screen at a time. This very expedicious "keyboard" function is apparently not well known because it is common to find experienced computer users navigating long pages from top to bottom with the mouse and scroll bars. This keyboard feature works with most Windows programs, but not all. It will not work in "Paint" but does work in WordPad. Try it now on this page. You can quickly return here by using the "High Spots" links near the page top. Click on the "Scroll Bar" line.

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A little info on Desktop icon deletions, such as the "Recycle Bin". Try "right" clicking on the Recycle bin, You will note that the context menu has no "Delete" function. This is also true of certain other default desktop icons, such as "Network Neighborhood". These two icons can not be deleted or even moved into another folder. Another, "The Microsoft Network", can be deleted, but not moved. This does not allow for true control of your computer. Of course you could uninstall "Network Neighborhood", delete "The Microsoft Network", and live with the "Recycle Bin". Kind of a compromise, but not true control. Ideally you should be able to do with them as you choose. And you can.

A useful tip . . .

There exists, without Microsoft documentation, a program called Power Toys. It is designed by the Microsoft Windows 95 Team, yet undocumented or supported. It is available from many Internet sources. The Power Toys program contains several nice enhancement features for Windows 95, including "Tweak UI", the most valuable by far. Tweak UI is auto installed in the Control Panel, and includes several means of computer control. One being the ability to store invisibly the "Recycle Bin", "Network Neighborhood", and "The Microsoft Network". Check their boxes and they are gone, uncheck the boxes and they are back, full control. "Tweak UI" contains several other useful features, such as ridding the shortcuts of the little lower left arrow, or replacing it with a very tiny arrow. It also includes a function for setting main program menu appearance speed. You will note that when accessing any program menu from "Start", "Programs", when the mouse cursor touches any menu, it immediately opens, leaving little time for selection. This is annoying to some. "Tweak UI" includes a feature for adjusting this speed, from it's ultimately immediate response to slow enough to require an actual click in order to open a given menu. You can download Powertoys free from many Internet sites, including http://www.microsoft.com Use the search function and look for "Powertoys".

Note there is a newer version of "TweakUI" for Windows 98 with different functions. Currently there is no such program for Windows Me/2000.

Continuing with navigation, applied to using most Windows software programs that create file types, such as word processors, spreadsheets, drawing programs, accounting programs, etc.

First become aware of various "file types". As mentioned earlier, all computer data consists of "files". And all programs have their own unique file naming system. All files have a first name and a last name. The last name, known as an "extention", separated from the first name by a period or dot ( . ) . . . the first name is not unique to the program, it can be any thing, and in Windows 95/98/Me/2000 long file names, it can be from one to 256 characters, and it can contain spaces. The last name, or "extention" is unique to the program, and designates the "file type". In older Windows all file names were restricted to an 8X3 name. First name max 8 characters, and extention max 3 characters. Now even the extention can be as long as you desire, but extentions longer than 3 characters will soon lead to confusion about just what file type it is.

A few unique program file types, Microsoft Word, Wordpad, and Notetab, by default all use the .doc extention. Wordperfect uses .wpd. These programs are each word processsors, and within certain limitations, can convert to each other's file type. They each, also can be changed to use the .txt (plain text) extention, and others.

Windows Paint program uses .bmp (bitmap). Internet picture files are commonly .gif and .jpg . . . the Internet site pages are .html and .htm . . . .zip (PKZipped, or several files compresed into one file that may be unzipped back to it's original state of several files). They are compressed for convenience of transport, placed on diskette, downloaded from the Internet, etc. For example, a standard 3 1/2 " diskette holds 1.4 MB, a group of files totalling 3 MB, could not fit, but with zipping or compresssing, the single file size could easily be under 1.4 Mb and would fit.

And there are hundreds of other programs that have their own unique file name extention. Whether or not you can process and use any particular file depends on the file type and if you have the necessary software program. Many programs will have a mutual file type conversion feature, but many more will not. You can navigate through Explorer and discover many other file types, such as .dll (Dynamic Link Library) which are the main files that operate Windows programs, and they are placed into the Windows and Windows\System folders. Another file type is .vxd, a critical Windows system operational file. The .dll and .vxd file types are often the reason for Windows crashes, either from being corrupted by unknown reasons or deletion. A very common "file type" is .exe ( the "file type" that is the command file for running most programs. There is no reason at all to be concerned with the .dll, .vxd, .exe, and certain other "file types", except "deletion", in which case, precise identification must be made to avoid a possible main Windows operating system, or other program "crash".

The point here is to help you become aware that "file types" are defined by their extention. To be successful in computer navigation it is necessary to at least recognize the "file type" you are looking for. You will commonly only use a few "file types". Word Processor files are probably the most commonly used files, it depends upon your interests. Swiftly gaining in popular use are Internet download files. They are commonly .zip and .exe "file types", what ever the actual program may be . . . they are many files compressed into a single file. The extention .exe, is not only for executing programs. Although confusing it is also used for a type of compressed file. The .zip compressed file must be uncompressed or unzipped, with a utility program, such as PKunzip, by PK Ware, or one of the several Windows Winzip utility programs. The .exe compressed file is self decompressing, just "double click" it in Explorer and it will uncompress into it's original number of files. Some times it is difficult to predetermine if an .exe file is a compressed file or an execution file. If it is an execution file it will execute and do it's job, install software or run the program. For this reason it is always a good idea to handle all possibly compressed files in an "empty" folder. After uncompressing into numerous files, they won't be intermingled with a number of unrelated files, which can cause obvious confusion.

Thus now with a knowledge of "file types", and how it fits into computer Navigation, we will advance to the area of navigation from various software programs. Too many new computer users use programs, Wordperfect for example, and never know any thing about where the stored files actually reside. Wordperfect, as do many programs, auto creates folders for file storage upon installation. This storage location should only be used by "choice", with full knowledge of how to move the storage to any other folder on any other drive, making new folders and deleting old ones as desitred. When you understand "computer navigation", it is unnecessary to even discuss where these "default" folders are located. You will find out in two or three mouse clicks.

Notice the word "clicks", which will be mostly used in continuing these lessons. "Left click", left double click", and the "right click" functions should now be understood. If not, it is time to back up and do further review rather than proceeding. Go to the page top and use the "High Spot" link menu if necessary.

Used very extensivley and commonly, among most Windows programs is the upper "Menu" line. It begins with "File", upper left, with "Edit" following". More buttons will appear to the right and will vary to some degree among programs. In navigation, we are only concerned with "File" and "Edit". To fully learn and understand any program, the other buttons must be explored, for the individual program's personal features, options, and peculiarities. These areas are where you quickly review any program's quality, and make the decision that it is worthy, or should be deleted or removed. There are hundreds of software programs that fit in this frivolous category, either poorly designed or undully difficult.

Continuing with using the "File" menu in program navigation. The "Edit" menu, although closely related, will be directly covered in the next lesson, following with our ABC123 method which will be lesson "1".

All programs use the "File" menu for creating new files, assigning names to new files, opening existing files, saving modified existing files, providing navigational abilities for selecting any folder on any drive, printing, and other varying options. Most better software programs provides the way to change the default opening folder to any folder on any drive. So in this way the need for continous navigation in order to open existing files is greatly diminished. To open a file in the default folder, original default, or to the folder you changed the default to, you simply click on "File", "Open", then if necessary use the scroll bar, high lite your chosen file with one click, then click on the "Open" button (double clicking the file name eliminates the need to click on "open").

Being it is an existing file it already has been given a "file name" and "Saved". If you make additions or changes to the file, it must be "resaved", just click on "File", then on "Save", finished, that simple. It is resaved and left in it's original folder location.

Wordperfect, the "Open" box, note the upper "Look In"
dialogue box, the lower "File Name" and "File Type" boxes.

The next step directly relates to navigation. For a newly created file, it has no name and doesn't actually exist, except in computer memory. If the power goes off all is lost, the reason to "save your work very frequently"To "Save" the new file, click on "File", then on "Save As". A menu box will appear, the lower portion of the box will provide a dialogue box for typing in a "new name". Below that is another dialogue box with a tiny arrow on the right, provided for scrolling the box, which is named "Save As Type". This "file type" box wll most often be left "as is", but it is your option to save under any of the available "file types".

Here is where computer navigation is directly involved, and offering you full control of where you want to store the file. In the upper part of this "save box" is another dialogue box, entitled "Save In". The right side of this "Save In" box also has the tiny arrow, this time for "navigating" your drives and folders. Clicking this tiny arrow will provide a mini view of the Explorer, with at least the drives showing. Click any drive to open it and display the folders. Click any folder for sub folders. When you have selected your folder of choice, it's name will appear in the "Save In" dialogue box. If you have already typed in the new name below, and made any preferred "file type" changes, just click the "Save" button. Again, finished, and all these instructions are not nearly so complex as they first appear. Every thing covered so far is very basic, in understanding and controlling the Windows operating system. They are not complex, because 99% of what has been covered applies to nearly all Windows programs, the same procedures over and over, the only real difference is program purpose and function. A few repetitions and they become second nature.

Wordperfect, the "Save As" box, note the upper "Save In"
dialogue box, the lower "File Name" and "File Type" boxes.

Both The Wordperfect "Save As" box and the "Open" box are very similar, the only real navigational differences, the terminology of "Look In" and "Save In". Other program similar boxes will have their unique differences, but these navigation tools will be the same. For any program that doesn't have these tools, it is a sign to examine very carefully before deciding to spend much time on the program.

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How can you determine good software from bad software? Only by trial or trustworthy referral. New software is being massively developed world wide, and it is not all good. Other signs of poorly compiled software . . . installation problems and errors, very complex or very defficient menu systems and help files, and simply too confusing to understand. Most software that installs without a hitch, and contains the typical Windows menu system beginning with "File", "Edit", and followed with it's own unique menus is worthy of continued research. Price is not a good indicator of quality. Many inexpensive programs are high quality with ease of use, and many very expensive programs are commonly hard to understand. A good beginning in aquiring good software is following older and proven name brands.

This is not to say that new companies can not produce good software. But if the new software is not available in shareware (try before you buy) use caution. And it is becoming more true that caution is advised before upgrading to newer versions. They sometimes are not really better. Free market place competition guides the manufacture of all products. All companies strive to increase or at least maintain their market share. Occasionally this causes haste in creating upgrades to a newer version with the spirit of competition ahead of assuring a better product. Logic dictates there should be a "good as it gets" point in the future of any product. This logic is blended and varies with the development of new technology. Thus there will always "be some thing better" on the horizon. Common sense says that all new things are not necessarily better. So it can not just be taken for granted. This subject address computer software and hardware, but in the software field the option of offering or not offering free shareware trials is a signal.

Many programs can be set to auto open in any folder of choice, also eliminating the need for excessive navigation. Some programs do not have this option, and some programs will auto open in what ever folder was last used. A very convenient and time saving feature of true Windows 95/98/Me/2000 programs, in either the "File Open " box", or "Save As" box the "right" click menu provides for deleting, copying, renaming, etc. Although most Windows 3.1/3.11 programs will run fine in Windows 95/98/Me/2000, they do not have this option.

"Windows Explorer", the all important source in Windows 95/98/Me/2000 for computer navigation. Like functions can be accomplished by using "My Computer", but much less direct, requiring more separate windows being opened. The Internet Explorer's "Desk Top Effects" do offer certain options, but the Windows Explorer is the "one stop" source for easy complete computer file and folder mangement. And for the ultimate in efficiency, even the Windows Explorer has options that improves the default settings. By default certain areas such as "Hide Certain Files" is checked. Others like "Don't show Known Extentions", and "Show File Attributes in Detail View", can all be set according to your wishes. You can make settings to show files as "Icons, Large or Small," "List" or "Details". Navigation being leaving one point in order to find another, logically dicates that the new point be as well defined and identified as possible. But the final decision about the Windows Explorer appearance, is ultimately your choice. The only real trick . . .

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Be aware of how to find and excercise your options.

It is not hard to do, click "Start", "Programs", Windows Explorer" and you are there. The options are only a couple more clicks away. Click the upper left "View" menu, then the "Folder Options" line, and finally what else, another "View" tab. Experiment with the various options. You can easily go back and change them.

Next to this last "View" tab you will note a "File Types" tab. This is where file "association" is made. Association means only "what program runs what file type". Normally when software is installed that has it's own unique file type this "association" is configured during the program setup installation. But the entire association process is user configurable. Old associations can be removed, new ones added, or old ones can be edited and changed. Normally this section requires little attention from the computer user. But to maintain full control of your computer you need be aware of the possiblities.

For example, in editing certain graphic files, such as .gif and .jpg files, both common Internet picture files, a certain program will be associated to load these files. There are several programs capable of handling these files, Corel PhotoHouse, PaintShop Pro, and Adobe, to name three. If you should have all three programs, one will be associated with the .gif and .jpg files, when you might really prefer another. Just look for the associated extention in the line up, find it, click on "Edit", then on "Browse", go to your preferred program and select it, and the "association" has been changed.

You can add "New" associations with the "New" button. Experiment with the various buttons while observing the options. You can pretty much determine the "New" requirements by studying some of the "Old" ones. By now you are fully aware that you only click on "Delete" or "Remove" with an informed click.

Notice in the picture above, clicking the Windows Explorer "View" menu item produces a context menu containing "Folder Options" (not shown), then a second "View" tab, along with a "File Types" tab. Appearances between Windows 95 and Windows 98 will vary, but all functions are very similar. In Windows Me/2000 these functions are found in the Windows Explorer "Tools" menu.

By now you should have aquired a full understanding of the computer mouse, have a basic knowledge of computer terminology, and be familiar with some of the more common computer types and components. You have just finished your initial review of computer navigation and other related subjects.

The next lesson "1", Data Manipulation, the management of your computers drives, folders, and files will require frequent trips to Windows Explorer where you will engage computer navigation in it's practical use. The thing to embed deeply in your personal memory is the procedure used, which entails only a few different functions. The functions do not change, only the drive name , folder name , or file name changes. In working with a few programs or hundreds, a few megabytes, or several gigabytes of data, whether on your diskette drive, A:\ and maybe B:\, your harddrive which is C:\ and maybe a D:\ and E:\, your Zip drive which will be the next letter following your last harddrive, or your CD-ROM drive which will be the next letter after your last harddrive or Zip drive; the only thing that will change is the name of what you are looking for. All the Drive letters and folder names will appear alphabetically in the "left" Windows Explorer" window pane. Clicking on any drive letter or folder name will make it's file contents appear in the "right" window pane. The "right" window pane is where all management functions originate. Making new folders, making new subfolders within folders, renaming, or deleting folders. It is where you will delete files or groups of files and rename files. In the "right" window pane you can copy single files or groups of files and paste them into any other folder. And you can permanently move files from one folder to any other folder.

After a short "hands on" experience, you will realize how simple the procedures can appear. There is never a good reason to become overwhelmed. Before that happens, quit for a while and think about it. Soon things will fall into place.

Quick Review Clickable Index

Navigation, Literally

The Computer Operating System
The Task Bar related to Computer Navigation
Direct Segment Access
Understanding the mouse, takes you to many areas and functions Using the mouse, and adjusting for efficiency
The mouse buttons, is it a left, right, or double click?
Navigation begins with Windows Explorer
The Windows Explorer is devided into two panes, which side is for what? "File Association" at least be familiar with it's function
Multi-Tasking, switch among open programs with the click of the mouse
In making a Shortcut, what does "Browse" mean? What happens if you do delete an important file? Scroll bars, the mouse, and the keyboard
You can be rid of any unwanted, yet undeleteable Desktop icons
How can you determine good software from bad software?
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