If files are put in the wrong places, this can also cause problems with the way the computer works. This is especially true of program and system files, which need to be in the correct place (I.e. the correct folder) for the computer to work properly.
If the information on a computer is well organised, it's much easier to back up the information. Backing up means taking a copy on another storage medium (such as a tape or a removable disk) in case of accidents. If the files are well organised it's easy to pick out which ones need to be backed up.
These files should be kept separate from your program and system files. If you get them mixed up, you may cause problems. For example, you may accidentally move or delete a system or program file when deleting or moving some of your own files. You will also find it harder to keep track of your files, as they will be mixed up with the other files.
Some programs by default save their files in the "C:\My Documents" folder. This is a good place to choose, as there should be no program or system files in that folder. Alternativley, you could create one or more folders such as "C:\Andrew's files" and "C:\John's files".
Wherever you choose, it's a good idea to further divide up your files by creating sub-folders inside the main folder. This doesn't matter to the computer - it won't affect how it works - but it will make your life easier. It's a bit like putting dividers in a filing cabinet. You can then, if you wish, create more folders inside those to further sub-divide your work - as many levels of folders as you need.
Some programs by default try to save the files you create with them into a folder inside the program's own folder. This is not a good idea, as it means that your files start to get mixed up with your programs. It's much easier to see what you've got, and to back it up, if the data files are completely separate from the programs.
We first need to look at where files are normally saved. Consider opening a file which already exists This could be either by double-clicking the file, or by starting a program and using the "Open" menu item or button. If you now choose "Save " from the menu or click the save button, it will be saved to the same place as you opened it from. The latest version, with any changes you have made, will replace the previous version.
Now consider starting a program and creating a new file. For example, you could start the program from the start menu or from a program shortcut on the desktop. If you now do some work (for example typing a letter into a word processor) and choose "Save", where will the file be saved? This depends on the program. Most programs will ask you to choose a name and a folder, but that is not guaranteed, and they may by default choose an unsuitable place.
If you are not sure where a file will be saved, always choose "Save As" from the "File" menu, instead of "Save". You then get a chance to choose the correct folder.
The "Save As" dialogue box will allow you to type in a name for the file being saved, and choose what type of file to save (the latter should not normally need to be changed). It will also allow you to choose the folder in which you wish to save the file. Newer windows 95 programs have a window which looks and acts much like a "My computer" window for choosing folders, whilst older programs may have a different style of window, possibly with separate boxes for choosing the disk and the folder. However, all of them give you the ability to choose which folder to save your file in.
With most Windows 95 programs, it's easy to save to the desktop. When you choose "Save As", look at the box next to the words "Save in:". If it does not say "Desktop", click it and a list will appear with "Desktop" at the top. Click on "Desktop" and that will select the desktop as the place to save the file. The next time you choose "Save As" from that program, it should by default say "Desktop", so you will simply have to type in a name and click "Save".
Don't save them in the "Windows" folder, or any folders inside it. These folders belong to the Windows system files, and you risk messing up the system if you save files here. You also make it more difficult to sort out problems if they occur.
The same applies to the "root" level of a disk, particularly "C:\" The "root" means the lowest level, in other words not inside a folder. Always keep your files in folders - don't just save them directly to "C:\"
Finally, don't get your data files mixed up with program files. Keep your programs and data separate and it will be much easier to maintain your system. You can the safely uninstall programs or install new versions without a risk of losing the files you have already created.
However, most programs also give you the choice of choosing a different folder. You may wish to do this, for example, if your hard disk is split into several partitions and C: is too full. You might then choose to install the program onto "D:"
You should not use "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" to move or delete programs unless you really know what you are doing - you could corrupt the system! To delete programs, you have three choices. Firstly, the "Add/Remove programs" item on the control panel may list the program you wish to remove. If so, you can use that. Secondly, there may be an "Uninstall xxx" item on the start menu (where "xxx" is the name of the program. If so, you can use that.
Finally, you can use an "uninstaller" program. This is a program which (as it's name suggests) uninstalls other programs. Such a program is a good investment, particularly if you intend to install a lot of trial versions of software. Most uninstallers also include other useful features which help you to organise your disk.
In the end, it all comes down to your way of working.