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Are you now fully aware of just what computer "data" is? Remember . . . no matter what the purpose, operating system folders and files, program folders and files, or folders and files for any computer purpose, is computer "data". The term "folders" is used here to help emphasise that "files" are most commonly stored in "folders", once described as "directories". Technically folders are not "data" but rather a stroage place for "data' or "computer files". The folders are stored on media such as the common computer harddrive, the diskette of different types, the CD-ROM disk, Zip drive disks such as the Iomega and other types, the tape backup cassette, or any other data storage media.

Folders are not truly needed just for data storage, just for organization. Compare with a filing cabinet, a drawer full of loose papers, or full of "folders" with the papers organized and stored neatly in the various folders.

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Manage, a simple yet complete definition; control. Control in the form of moving, copying, pasting, deleting, renaming, all included in a more commonly used word; edit. Thus the two very common beginning menu buttons on Windows programs, "File" and "Edit", where along with the Windows Explorer, complete "data management" is achieved.

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We will now begin with some serious data management. It is quite common in the learning process to take notes. Where are you keeping yours? The best place, on your computer. After becoming familiar with this method, your notes will become an increasingly valuable resource. Important notes, passwords, important dates, registration serial numbers, addresses, phone numbers, no limits. We will create a personal notes file using Windows "Wordpad", found in the "Accessories" Program Group.

Find and open Wordpad, it is almost a full word processor minus only a spellchecker. Place a title and date at the page top. Use the tool bar for font size, type and color, bold or italic, left or center justification etc. Now we will multi-task and create a place to save it into. For now just let it sit unsaved and waiting.

The notes need not be kept in any highly organized manner, chronologically will do just fine. Each note being dated and placed above the last note, separated with a few blank lines. Search your note page using Wordpad's upper "Edit", "Find" function.

It will become so valuable it should be backed up (saved) outside the computer, along with any other personally created data that can not be replaced. Save it and your other non replaceable data on any media it will fit on. On diskette, Zip drive, tape backup, recordable CD-ROM, etc. A computer "crash" caused by who knows what, can destroy all data stored within the computer. Not likely, but always possible. In the event of a crash, the only real loss is personally created data, existing no where else in the world. Later, within this main "Personal" folder, sub folders can be created for all other categories of personal data. Your word processor, e-mail, and any other programs can be configured to save their files in these "Personal" sub folders. This will be covered in depth in the next lesson; Installation Management.

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Prior to saving your note file, we need a drive, probably C:\drive, and a folder to store it in. We will create a folder named "Personal" with out the quotes on C:\Drive (or you could use your name in case others are using this computer). It could be named "Personal Data" or any other name. But the shorter the name the easier to type etc., specially when only 8 characters will spell the complete name. For more advanced and special folder and file names you can use up to 256 characters and can use spaces. "Long file names" can be confusing when not fully understood. For example, it is not uncommon for various MS-DOS programs to access file or folder names created in Windows, and MS-DOS can not read long file names. Windows accommodates MS-DOS by compiling an abbreviation for long file names. For example, "Personal Data" would be converted to "person~1" (limited to 8 characters). As your knowledge advances, this will cause no problem, as long as you can recognize an abbreviated Windows long file name, always ending with ~1 (tilde1) or other number. This will also happen with the file name extension if more than 3 characters are used. . . but we will keep this simple, please use "Personal" or "your name".

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We will create the new folder, leave this page "as is", go to Windows Explorer, click "Start", "Programs", then Accessories and finally "Windows Explorer"(it can also be placed in a Quick Access folder). The browser icon for this file will remain on the "Task Bar" for easy return, Just click it when ready. After returning here the Windows Explorer icon will be on the "Task Bar", making it very easy to go back and forth. You pop back and forth, writing new notes, saving and reading as necessary.

In Windows Explorer, if necessary scroll up in the "left" window pane locating the folder icon titled "My Computer", click the plus (+) and it will open showing the internal contents. Do the same with (Local drive C:) . . . then "left" click it (double click) if necessary, making all the contents of C:\Drive appear in the "right" window pane. Now move the mouse cursor to the "right" pane.

"Right" click an open area (not on any icon), bringing up the context menu. "Left" click on the "New" menu item, bringing up many options with "Folder" and "Shortcut" on top. "Left" click "Folder". A new folder will appear, named thus far "New Folder", with the mouse cursor blinking inside the name box. It is waiting for you to type your "New" folder name. Just start typing, Personal (or your name) , the "New Folder" name will disappear and your new folder name will replace it. Now "left" click out side the name box in an open area (not on any icon). Your new folder is now finished. If you misspelled the name, "right" click on it, now you can rename it or delete it and start over.

Your storage folder is ready and your new note file is waiting in Wordpad to be saved ito the folder. Note the Wordpad icon on your task bar (the little pad and pencil image), click the image returning to Wordpad. Now save your note file into your new folder . . . click the upper left "File" menu button, then click "Save as", type a file name, probalby My Notes, into the filename box. One step to go, find your new folder that you just made. Click the tiny navigation arrow at the right end of the "Save in" box. This will give you a mini Windows Explorer view. Find "My Computer" clicking the plus if necessary, then find Local Drive C, clicking the plus if necessary which will open and expose the internal folders.

Find your new "Personal" folder, they are listed alphabetically, and "double left" click it. It will now appear in the right pane and will be empty. Now simply click Wordpad's "Save" button and you are finished.

Now we will make a Shortcut to your note file, it will be placed on the Desktop for easy and quick access. Go the Desktop now . . . you can do it by minimizing all neccessary programs by using the minus sign ( - ) in their upper right corner. But a better way is to use the "Desktop Access Icon" located in the Task Bar "Quick Launch" section located next to the Task bar "Start: button. It is an square icon with a small regtangular outline inside the square and contains a pencil pointing to the center. Note that older Windows versions do not have this feature.

When you arrive on the Desktop "right" click an open area (not on any icon) then "left" click the New menu item. Follow this by selecting "Shortcut" near the menu top. You will then see a "Browse" button. Click the Browse buton and navigate to the folder you just made on C drive (named Personal or your name). Double click this folder opening it, then select your note file followed by clicking "OK" and clicking "Next". Now type in any name you want to call your note file and click "Finish". Your Shortcut will now appear on the Desktop. If the icons are not set on "Auto Arrange" you can hold down the "left" mouse button on the icon and "drag" it to your desired Desktop location. If the icon will not move, "right" click an open area of the Desktop then choose "Arrange Icons" and uncheck "Auto Arrange". Your personal notes file is now ready to go. Add any needed notes to date.

That probably seemed like a lot of details to remember. But with a little practice it will become second nature. What you really want to remember . . . the concept. You just learned how to create a file and name it, create a new folder to store it in then create a shortcut to quickly open the file with. The concept (procedure) will never change, all that will ever change are file names and types (your note file is a .doc or .rtf file type and file types are decided by the program that creates the file, in this case Wordpad or Microsoft Word), finally folder names and drive names will change but not how you find them. In all, creating your personal note file covers most of what you need to learn about "Computer Navigation" and "Data Management". Now please return and continue with the Course Introduction.

Later when you have advanced to this lesson make three more folders, Name them . . . Work, Download, and Storage. These folders are for later use. Follow the exact procedure used in making your "Personal" folder.

Note this is one of the procedures that does not change. Just names change. To make a folder in any other drive, select the drive in the "left" pane making it appear in the "right" pane. If you want folders on a diskette drive, make them. If you want folders within folders (sub folders) select the main folder in the "left" pane making it appear in the "right" pane, the make your new folder. Notice the plus ( + ) on the left of many folders in the "left" pane. Click any plus, exposing it's inner (sub folders). If the sub folders also have more sub folders within, they also have a plus ( + ).

All selection is made in the "left" window pane and most management is done in the "right" pane. There will never be any files appear in the "left" pane. But from the "left" pane, you can "left" click any folder producing a context menu for deleting and renaming folders and several other functions. Study the menu items and their use will become obvious. For example, you can "Copy" or "Paste" folders from either the "left" or "right" pane, or from one to the other. Although "files" must be copied from the "right" pane, they can be "pasted" from either pane. There is no great effort needed in remembering these rules. A "right" click in either pane, on a "drive", " a folder", a "file", or in an open area (not on any icon) produces a context menu displaying your options.

A word about renaming files or folders . . . why would you want to rename them? First, it is important to remember that the computer finds all necessary folders and files by following a prescribed "path". When programs are installed this information is automatically recorded. So what happens when you simply rename a critical folder or file? For all practical purposes the original file is no longer there, the computer can not find the designated folder or file and an error message is the result. In this case the only difference between renaming and deletion, the folder or file can be renamed again back to the correct name.

The renaming option, used properly is very valuable. The only reason for renaming is better organization and is most commonly used on "personal data" files, or files of your own creation, the same files that should always be "backed up". You can always reinstall any software program, even the entire Windows operating system, but your "personal data" files can be lost forever if not safely stored in some form. Renaming "personal data", such as your letters, business records, personally created images, or any other personal creation, for better organization; suppose you had a series of word processor files, file1.wpd, file2.wpd, and file3.wpd, all WordPerfect files. Microsoft Word files would have the (.doc) extension. You decide they would be better named by month and year . . . rename them, Jan-98.wpd, Feb-98.wpd, and Mar-98.wpd. These files are not "path" dependent. As long as they stay in the same folder, your word processor will find them under their new name.

We now have the new "Personal" folder residing in C:\Drive, awaiting files of your choice, the first being your "personal notes' file. This operation can be handled equally well while viewing this lesson file in your browser, or while viewing Windows Explorer (or almost any other program). Create it now with "Wordpad". Click "Start", "Programs", "Accessories", and finally on "Wordpad". It will load in front of all other screens. You can refer back to these instructions by "Minimizing" Wordpad. Click the upper left minus ( - ) sign. Now icons for your browser, Windows Explorer, and Wordpad will all three be visible on the "Task Bar" Click on the desired icon to bring that function to the front screen.

With Wordpad open as the front screen, type in a heading, such as "My Personal Notes". "Left" click the mouse at the beginning of this sentence, then press the keyboard "Space" bar, pushing the sentence over about "center" screen.

Now become with familiar with some of the other keyboard functions. First the "Home" and "End" keys. Your "My Personal Notes" line should now be center screen with the cursor blinking at the left of the "M". If not, click it there with the mouse. Now press the keyboard "End" key. The cursor immediately jumps to the "right" end of the sentence. Now press the "Home" key and the cursor immediately returns to the "left" end of the sentence. Use the keyboard "left" and "right" arrow keys to move in smaller increments. Now experiment with pressing the "Enter" key with the cursor on either end of the sentence, and in the middle of the sentence.

You will note that with the cursor on the "left" end of the sentence, pressing "Enter" moves the whole sentence down one line, leaving a blank line above, create as many blank lines as desired. With the cursor at the "right" end, pressing "Enter" simply moves the cursor down one line and to the screen left, leaving your sentence as is.

With the cursor in the middle of the sentence, or any where between the sentence ends, pressing "Enter" moves all text on the cursor's "right" down one line. If this is done in error, place the cursor back where it was and carefully press the keyboard "Delete" key, bringing the bottom broken sentence back up and into place. A lot of instruction for one simple sentence, not really, these procedures work through out Windows and quality Windows programs.

Now a little more advanced uses of Wordpad. Keep in mind that Wordpad is nearly a word processor, missing only a spell checker. Quality word processor, such as WordPerfect and Microsoft Word will work nearly the same, the only real differences being more features, a little variance in menu styles and options, and slower loading speeds. Wordpad is a much smaller program, loads much faster, and is an excellent tool when all the features of a full scale word processor are not needed, and being an integral component of Windows, it is free. Note that also found in the "Accessories" Program Group, is "Notepad', a still smaller program that is limited by file size.

Some of Wordpad's more advanced features . . . font type, font size, bold font/no bold, italic font/no italic, font colors, and justification, left, center, etc. These items are all found on the upper tool bars. And the option for various visible tool bars is yours. In the Wordpad upper main menu bar, click "View" and check out your choices. You will also find an "Options" menu item. A more useful item in "Options" is the ability to check "Wrap to window". Use this when a document's text continues to the right side, off the screen, requiring horizontal scrolling the read all text.

Continuing with your "My Personal Notes" file. Click Wordpad's upper "View" button and make sure all the "Tool Bars" are checked. You will find "Toolbar", "Format Bar", Ruler", and "Status Bar". Checking them, unchecking them, and a little experimentation will make their uses obvious. The one we will mostly be using now is the "Format Bar", containing the font controls.

If you are not already aware, you will find that many computer functions require some form of "select". For example, on the Internet and in many programs that have a text entry box, before you can type in the box, the box must be "selected", by clicking it with the mouse or using the keyboard "Tab" key. Here we will use a different type "select".

Selecting the text you want to "manipulate". Whether it be changing the font size, type, color, bold, italic, copying it, or deleting it, it must first be "selected". It is easily selected with the mouse. Click the spot where you want to begin "selection". "Hold down" the "left" button and "drag" the direction of selection. Stop "dragging" where you want to stop the "selection", and release the mouse button. You will note the selected area by the change in color. If your selection isn't quite correct, click the "left" mouse button anywhere and your selection is cancelled. Reselect as necessary, knowing any further mouse activity on the page will unselect your work.

With your sentence, "My Personal Notes" properly "selected", you are ready to make desired changes. Notice the above "Format Bar" beginning with the font type, probably the default showing is "Times New Roman" followed by the "Size" box, probably set at "10". Notice the tiny "down arrow " at the right end of each of these boxes. This is a "navigation" arrow found through out Windows for different types of navigation. In this case we want to navigate to a particular font type and size. Click the "type" arrow and scroll "up" finding "Arial Black" and "left" click it. Now click the size arrow, and click "14". If you would like to make your title bold, italic, or underlined, you will note following the size box is "B", "I", and "U", just click on your choices. If you don't like any choices, reselect the subject text and make new choices, unclick buttons, etc. Next click the tiny color palette showing the "A" icon, Click on "Blue".

Next past the color button are the "Justification" buttons., "Left Justified", "Center", and "Right Justified". We have already centered the sentence manually, this is another way. The last button is the "Bullet" button. When done making your font attribute choices, click anywhere on the page and all changes will be in effect. Your line should look similar to the following:

Currently it is a new unnamed file so we must use "Save as", click "Save as" producing a menu much like the one just below . . .

First assign the "Save in". Click the navigation down arrow, opening a mini view of Windows Explorer. Click on (double click if necessary) the C:\Drive icon, which will display all the folders in C:\Drive. Scroll right (if necessary) and locate your "Personal" folder. Click on it (double click if necessary), making it appear in the "Save in" box.

In the "File name" box it says "Document.doc", the default file name until you change it. Type in your new file name "Notes". If you just start typing the entire old name will disappear. You don't need to type in the extension (.doc), Windows will do it for you.

A note for the future, if at first you had pressed the keyboard "Home" or "End" key, or an arrow key, the selection coloring would have disappeared, preserving the old name. You could then maneuver with the keyboard arrow keys, use the "Delete" key and delete just the necessary portion of any existing name in the box. This rule also applies through out Windows, often saving much repetitive typing. A good example is the usually long addresses in your browser location box which often only require a minor change to specify a new URL Internet address.

Before "Saving", notice the "Save as type" box. This option is common in many Windows programs. There is no need to use it unless you want to change the default file type that a given program uses. In Wordpad the default file type is (.doc). An example file type change in Wordpad could be to a text file with the (.txt) extention. However you should be aware that a text file will not carry your formatting, the text type, size, colors, etc., click the down arrow to view the file types then click off the box to close it with no changes.

To become more familiar with all these options, experiment with practice files of no real value. We are now ready to save your new file . . . click on "Save". Note that when you reload this file and add to it or modify it, there is no need to use "Save as", unless you want to "Save" it to a different drive or folder, such as possibly to your diskette drive for a safety copy or "backup". Do that now, insert a formatted (ready to go) diskette into your A:\Drive. Click on "Save as" and navigate to A:\Drive and click on "Save". Had you chosen to do so you could have assigned a new file name first, in this case that is not desirable.

So if it is an existing file and you only want to save your changes, simply click "File" then "Save". A good rule specially on a long file, "Save" often in case of a power outage or any other problem.

How do you find and load your new file after Wordpad has been closed? As mentioned earlier we will soon have a "Shortcut" for loading this file. But first the typical way, with no "Shortcut", the situation we will have prior to making the "Shortcut. First step, load your program, in this case Wordpad, after you have closed it by clicking the upper "right" ( X ), or clicking "File", "Exit". You now have your personal notes file safely saved on your harddrive and backed up to a diskette, so close Wordpad now or later. When you are ready, after reloading Wordpad, again, click on the upper right "File" button, then on "Open", producing a menu similar to the "Save as" menu. The main difference, the first box, rather than being titled "Save in:", is named "Look in:" and also has the tiny navigation down arrow. Use this navigation arrow, click on C:\Drive, find your folder named "Personal", click or double click it placing it in the "Look in:" box and the contents of your chosen folder will appear. Currently you will have only one file, "Notes.doc". Eventually you will have many files, requiring you to scroll and search (alphabetically). When you find your desired file, in this case "Notes.doc", "left" click it to "select" it and then click on "Open".

A faster way, instead of selecting with a left click, "double left click" it, eliminating the need to click on "Open". And in true 32 bit software designed for Windows, in this "Open" menu windows you can also perform most functions with the "right" click context menu. It is very close to the full control you have from the Windows Explorer. Try it.

In describing the menu produced by clicking the upper left "File" button, was included the options for "Print", which will print to your default printer. Next was "Print Preview", which will do just that, let you examine your document prior to printing, with a "Next" button for multiple pages, and a "Zoom" button for close examination. Finally there was a "Page Setup" button where you can set page margins, set for "Portrait or Landscape" style, and choose between printer sources, fax, etc. .

In this lesson thus far we have explored general manipulation of computer files and folders using one simple file and Windows Wordpad. Our examples being very basic, but the procedures being nearly the same while using any Windows program. Managing all the drives, folders, and files on your computer is considered by many to be very complex. Yet it can be achieved with such simplicity.

So the trick, if there is one, is to realize the similarity of all Windows operations from program to program. The basic methods vary very little. We are in the process of understanding computer basics, which is at least 90% understanding the Windows operating system. In all worthy software programs this common perspective is true. It is also true that individual programs have their own learning needs. Too many computer users never learn the correct computer basics, and are continuously delving into a given programs personal learning needs, and are never ever able to recognize or separate the large group of Windows common factors, and the individual programs peculiarities. Once these Windows common factors are learned, most program's personal peculiarities are not that difficult.

And it is wise to remember there are highly specialized fields out side the computer world. If you are to write well, you need an understanding of writing, computer graphics, can you draw well on paper? Photography and photo enhancement require not only knowledge in that area, but also the proper eye. Music, architecture, engineering, and accounting, all require an educational background. The computer can only be a tool for enhancing an existing knowledge. Except . . . many of us are in it just for the fun, and there is no limitations on that.

Keep in mind this procedure also works for any "Shortcut" in any "Folder" or on the "Desktop". This one will require a new folder first, located in your "Start" menu. Also keep in mind that this is the procedure you can always use to manage the "Start" menu and the Programs" menu, the same "Start" and "Programs" most often used for running Windows programs, normally accessed by "left" clicking "Start".

Managing these menus require beginning with a "right" click on "Start". This produces a context menu with "Open" at the top. You then "left" click on "Open", opening the "Start" menu and placing you inside the menu you see when normally clicking on the "Task Bar's" "Start" button. Although we will not go there yet, you will also see the "Programs" folder, again the same "Programs" you see when normally clicking on "Start". At this point, inside the "Start" menu or folder, before opening any further folders is where we will create the new folder. Making a new folder here is identical to the way you made your "Personal" folder on C:\Drive. Remember the "right" click in an open area (not on any icon). Do this producing the context menu, choose "New", then "Folder" and name it "Quick Access" with out the quotes. This time we are using more than 8 characters and including spaces for a properly spelled Windows long folder name. As you become more familiar with the folder and file naming concepts, use any name you may choose. Now click outside the new folder in an open area closing the name box and making your "Quick Access" folder permanent (unless you decide later to delete or rename it).

Now you need to open your new "Quick Access" folder. You can "right" click and click on "Open" same as entering the "Start" folder, or you can simply "double left click" it, same thing only faster. In the future open any other folders in the "Start" folder the same, such as the "Programs" folder or those folders inside the "Programs" folder. This is how you will later work within the "Programs" folder, making master folders placing like programs in like folders.

You should now be inside your empty "Quick Access" folder. Time for another "right" click context menu, only this time choose "New" and "Shortcut" rather than Folder. A menu with a "Browse" button will pop up. Clicking on "Browse" will again place you in a mini view of Windows Explorer. Use the same navigational procedure as when "Saving" or "Loading" files. You must navigate to your C:\Drive and select your "Programs" folder, placing it in the "look in:" box. "Browse" is looking for an executable file, so your "Notes.doc" will not be visible. This time you must click on the navigation arrow on the lower "Files of type" box, then click on "All Files". This will expose the non executable ( executable files, for the typical Shortcut have the .exe extention) internal files of your "Personal" folder, still your lone "Notes.doc". You now can click or double click your "Notes.doc", bringing up another menu specifying the "Command line", on this menu just click the "Next" button, bringing up a last menu offering you the opportunity to name the function any thing you wish. Name the function "My Personal Notes" with out the quotes. Now click "Finish" and you are that, finished.

You will be returned to your "Quick Access" folder and the new function, "My Personal Notes" will appear with the "Wordpad icon".

Icons . . . you are not stuck with the default icon. There are a limited number of other choices. And you can download or purchase icons and icon editing programs for designing your own. Changing the icon is not hard, Again use the "right" click on top of the new "Shortcut" bringing up the context menu. This time choose "Properties", clicking on "Change Icon", taking you to your present selection choices of about 80 Windows icons. Choose one and click "OK". You will have noted the "Browse" button, just in case you do have an icon source elsewhere on your computer, diskette, CD-ROM, etc. This "Browse" button is also and only for, navigation.

Now click the upper right ( X ) on all folders, closing all and returning you to your "Desktop", or to any other programs that may be running such as your Internet browser. You now can click "Start" the normal way with the "left" mouse button and view your new "Quick Access" folder. Clicking it will expose your "My Personal Notes" file icon. The third click, on it, and you can edit, make changes or additions to it, save it , or back it up etc.

An interesting note, let it not confuse you. Your "My Personal Notes" file is actually Notes.doc, a file type of Microsoft Word. So depending when and how "Word" is installed, when clicking this function, Microsoft Word may take over and handle the file, sort of telling Wordpad to stay out of the situation. This is no problem , Word will handle it fine, but it can be rectified. We will come back to this issue after the following "Copy and Paste" session.

"Copying and Pasting" has been around since the earliest days of computer use. Not just the types of copying and pasting with entire folders and files that we just completed reviewing, but copying text, from a single character to to a paragraph or many pages, and pasting it in a different location in the same document, or a new or existing document in any folder on any drive. The same exact procedure is used for copying images, the entire image, or just a portion, and pasting into any suitable application in any folder or on any drive. Each of these functions are often achieved simply by copying from one program file to another program file. Such as from Wordpad or a word processor to an e-mail note or other text file. Images, or a portion of an image can be copied from a graphics application, such as Windows Paint and pasted into a word processor for various effects, or a print program while making cards, posters, etc.

It is not difficult to see this would be virtually impossible with out a good knowledge of computer navigation. Shortly, after a rundown on the various procedures, we will practice each of these processes, copying and pasting text, then copying and pasting graphic images.

So . . . "copy and paste" is easy . . . if you understand computer navigation. Before any thing can be copied, it must first be "Selected". If you want to copy an entire document, just click on the upper left "Edit" menu, then on "Select All". You will see the shading of text to a different color, indicating the "Selection" process is complete. Note this is only "Selection", another step is required for "Copy". Now that "Selection" is complete, click on "Edit" again, then on the function "Copy". Now the "copy" is ready for "pasting".

Before going to "Paste" though, now is the time to learn how to copy only a single character, or only part of a document page. Using the mouse it is quite easy. Just "left" click on your starting point, and "hold down" the button. Now "drag" the cursor, you can go from "right to left" or left to right". If you are copying more than one sentence, while you are "dragging" the mouse "right or left", also move it down ( or up). When your desired area is "Selected", release the mouse button, and the "selection color" will remain. Now "left" click on "Edit", then on "Copy". Your copied information is now on the Windows clipboard, ready to paste to any location of your choice, in another program, a new document in the existing program, or a different location in the same document. You must of course realize that logically, you can't paste to an Internet page that is not physically in your own computer. But you can "copy" from all most any information that appears on your screen, then "paste" into all most any program that is in your computer.

The keyboard can be a great assistant when copying. Find your starting point with the mouse cursor or the keyboard "arrow" keys. Then "hold down" the "Shift" key. While holding down the "Shift" key, use the "arrow" keys, the "Page Up and Page Down" keys, the "End and Home" keys. With a little practice it is easy to determine the most useful keys given the copy need. For example, in copying one very small character, set your starting place with the mouse or keyboard, then use the "Left Arrow" or "Right Arrow" key while holding down the "Shift" key.

All that is left is "pasting" to a new or existing document using a program that is in your own computer, such as "WordPad" or "Notepad". After your copy has been made, open the other program. It will open to a blank, new, un-named document. If you have an existing document, such as a note file, etc., use "File" then "Open", navigating to it. Your "My Personal Notes" file will require no navigation. You will find Windows "WordPad", by "left" clicking on the "Task Bar's" "Start" Menu, then on "Accessories", and finally on "WordPad", and now you can also find it in your "Quick Access" folder. There is no need to "Minimize" anything. WordPad will open and what ever other program you are running, Netscape for example while you are on the Internet, will place it's icon on the "Task Bar". When you are finished "pasting", for safety you should click on "File", then "Save" your new work if it is an existing document, or for a new file, click on "File", then "Save As", giving it a new name and a folder to reside in. If you might use it again just leave it open and click on the "Netscape icon" in your "Task Bar", opening Netscape again and placing the "WordPad" icon on the "Task Bar" for future use. Just clicking it brings it to the front once more, etc. Use the same procedure for any other Windows program you care to open and use.

When your target program for pasting is open, all you do is choose a location in the document and "Paste". In an existing document choose the location for pasting, maybe the end of the document, the beginning, or somewhere between. If it is to be a "new" document just paste as is. After choosing the paste location, the final step, just "left" click on the upper left "Edit" menu, then on the "Paste" function. Finished . . . except for "Saving" as described above.

Becoming adept with "Copy and Paste", will greatly enhance your abilities to take full control of your computer. You will be able to perform many functions much easier, such as compiling e-mail letters in WordPad or any Windows word processor, then copying and pasting directly into the e-mail. On many Internet sites the pages contain various text and graphics that are often unneeded when compiling your notes and records. When you simply "Print" the page, you must print everything. By using "Copy and Paste", you can be as selective and personalized as you care to.

Our first effort in copying and pasting text . . .

Now for changing the default reader of your "My Personal Notes" file from "Microsoft Word" back to "Wordpad". If you don't have "MS Word" installed, no problem. Follow this excercise any way, it will prevent "MS Word" from taking over if you should ever install it. First, you must open your "Quick Access" folder again, using the same methods described above when we created it. You then must again "right" click on your "My Personal Files" icon, and again click on "Properties". The difference now is to note the upper "Target:" box. It will be shaded (already selected). Prior to going there, copy the next line precisely:

Then follow the above instructions for opening "Quick Access", leaving the "Target:" box selected, (shaded) "right" click on it, and "left" click on "Paste". That's it, you are finished, click on "OK" and close all windows. Keep this procedure in mind, use it in the "Shortcut" to almost any program that you want to open a specific file each time. You only need to know the paths, first for the program and then for the file name. Use care for precisely placing the quotes and spaces as listed on the above copy line.

Now we will create three more "Shortcuts" in your "Quick Access" folder. One for Wordpad (blank) one for Windows Paint, and one for Windows Explorer. So again open "Quick Access" and begin, first for "Wordpad" and a second "Shortcut" for "Paint". This time use the Shortcut "Browse" button" and navigate to C:\Program Files\Accessories. Both Wordpad.exe and Paint.exe will be easy to find in the "Accessories" folder. It will take two trips, one for each Shortcut.folder. Remember, in the menu that offers the Shortcut naming option. the extention (.exe) is unnecessary, use any name you want.

Why two Wordpads in "Quick Access"? Just speed and convenience, the first will always open your "My Personal Notes". The second is the standard Wordpad, blank, ready to use for pasting, a new file, etc. Remember how to "Change Icons"? To avoid confusion pick a different icon for each Shortcut.

Now for your Windows Explorer Shortcut. If you have closed "Quick Access", open it again and make a new "Shortcut". The file name is explorer.exe located in C:\Windows. You can use the Shortcut "Browse" or just type in the file name . . . Windows is already in your computer "path", so just the file name will do, explorer.exe. Type it into the "Command line" box , just above the Shortcut Browse button, and click "Finish".

By now you probably have realized there is usually more than one way to do most things. There are ways that we will not cover, but as you become more familiar with the various procedures, you will discover many of the "other ways", and develop your own personal techniques. The object is always the same, efficient and complete computer control, with the most possible speed, and the least amount of effort. That is the idea of the "Quick Access" folder. It should contain only functions that are used very frequently. It is self defeating to aquire such an excess number of files in "Quick Access", as to make any icon hard to find. Instead, why not make a "Quick 2"? Only a small number of folders will always appear in the "Start" folder. When you reach the limit, usually your last creation will not appear. No problem, just reorganize. There is nothing wrong with creating "Shortcuts" right on the "Desktop". Create them the exact same way, with the "right" click on an open area (not on any icon) producing the context menu . Too many icons on the "Desktop" will also cause confusion.