In response to my post on Managing Multiple Priorities using Project Folders on my Computer (Windows XP) a reader, Layla, asked some great questions and I wanted to share my response with you...so here goes.
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Question 1
How do you assign stuff to folders, that could be in 2 or 3 different folders? (save 3 times, or just in one - which one?:) Answer My answer has many layers. If it's a small file and relates to two or more book projects I'm working on, I might actually copy it twice...and clean it up when I'm done If it's a larger file, I put the original doc in one folder and put shortcuts to the file in the other relevant folders. If it's not that important a file, I put all the keywords I might search on in the title of the file and put it in one folder. Then I use "Search" to find it later! Question 2 Also, do you have a section for 'Archives', or similar? And separate for 'Action files'? Answer Yes - I have an "Archives" section for my important old projects and they are backed up on my webhost and on DVDs. I also use my webhost to back up any important files I'm working on. I just created a folder called BACKUP-Projects on my webhost. (I use Dreamweaver for web development and it has an FTP program built in. You can also use any FTP program like Smart FTP or FileZilla, etc. I don't have a separate section on my computer labeled "Action Files" because most all of them are working files. My "currently active" and "frequently used" folders are linked to on my Quick Launch Bar....I have a 28 inch monitor and a 22 inch monitor sided by side so I have my TASK / QUICK LAUNCH Bar on the right of my larger monitor. MP3s I want to listen or downloads to read are grouped on on my desktop - when I'm done I "file" them. So I guess you could say my desktop is for individual files I need to do something with. Here is a screenshot of my desktop so you can see what my taskbar looks like... you can click it to see it larger. On the left are shortcuts to software, top are my remote desktop connections for taking over other computers in our home. In the middle are files I need to read or listen too. Also, some are text files I use for "reference" like design conventions for my website (html color codes, etc.) and when I have to close my browser and want to come back to a website, instead of bookmarking it I drag it to my desktop...look at it later and then if I really want to keep it I usually file the shortcut in the project folder it relates to. Hope you find something in this article that you can actually use! If you like this tip, you'll LOVE being part of my online virtual organizing and coaching group called Getting Unstuck! On the website, we have several ongoing neat virtual interactive group "workshops" happening simultaneously! Most of them feature audio recordings of classes and/or group coaching sessions along with e-books, powerpoint presentations, discussion forums and more! Not only do you get learning resources, you get to ask questions and share your photos for personal coaching! You can now join for just $67 for the first month and then $47 for two additional months. Currently active workshops within the coaching group include: More are on the way! Click here: Getting Unstuck: virtual organizing and coaching group to learn more!
Virtual organization is an area I need to improve. I have a bad habit of saving stuff to my desktop, and it generally looks like a hot mess.
Posted by: Meredith | March 20, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Organizing things will really save time and energy. Great and very informative. All basic questions -> answered in its simplest way. My thumbs up!
Posted by: Anne Scooter | April 22, 2009 at 01:24 AM
Thanks Anne! I appreciate your note! : )
Posted by: Ariane Benefit, M.S.Ed. | April 23, 2009 at 06:25 PM
use powerful file explorer, forget about the default windows explorer, it's not good
Posted by: Aldohas | May 06, 2009 at 11:43 PM