File Management
It is critically important that you know how to manage your computer files. This task becomes a bit more difficult considering you must also learn to navigate the De Smet network.Anytime you save a file you should Stop and Think!!! Double check these two questions have been thoughtfully answered. If you have questions ask!
- Where should I save this file? (double check the save in: dropdown)
- What should I name this file? (double check the filename entry box)
The above picture shows the typical save dialogue box. First let us examine the "Where should I save my files?" question. There are typically three places you will be saving your documents.
- In "MyDocuments": This location is where all your school work will be saved. It is also where all your notes will be saved. This location is also very unique because it is the location that exists on your local computer and gets backed up or "synchronized" to the De Smet network. Because of this you will not want to store any non-school related material in this location. (for example, movie files, music files, large graphic files etc.) Anything non-school related will slow down your logon and logoff times and irritate your teachers! (Not a wise thing to do).
Be careful because many programs store files here by default. See one of your computer teachers or Mr. Talken to check this out if you are unclear! If your computer has software problems the IT guys "Mr. Guptil, or Mr. Tom Burr" may need to "reimage" your computer. Only files in MyDocuments will be kept on your computer. All of your OneNote files will automatically be saved in MyDocuments. You may want to create folders to help you organize your files (for classes etc.). You should keep a copy of files turned into your teachers in MyDocuments as well. - In your local "Data (D:)": The Local "Data (D:)" is the physical hard drive inside your computer. Unlike the "MyDocuments" area these files are not synchronized. You may want to create a folder called "home" on your "Data (D:)". Any files that are not school related like music, games, video files, graphic files etc. should be stored here. These files will not slow down your login or logoff times but will not get backed up. You may also want to store files here that you will not need to modify or change and that you can easily replace. (Notes or large files from teachers that you will only be reading but not modifying). This way they will not need to be synchronized.
- Submitted to Moodle: Moodle is a Course Management System designed to help manage digital content as well as offering several learning activities. If your teacher is collecting an assignment using Moodle you must first get to their Moodle course site. Next you will click on the appropriately named assignment. Be sure you follow all directions the teacher may have given you. Be sure to name the file correctly. Once you have completed this, double check that the assignment and the correct file have been submitted by checking that you can see and open the file!