Note that storing files directly in your C: drive (called the “root”) is like dumping documents into the bottom of your file cabinet without putting them into a drawer. While there are some files in the root that need to be there to keep your system running, it’s best to just leave them alone and not store anything else in there.
Know the difference
Simply put, there are two different types of electronic files on your PC – application files and data files.
Application files run your PC & its programs – like Windows, Word, PageMaker,
Photoshop, Quicken, etc.
Data files are the documents you create with those applications.
It’s good practice to keep your application & data files in separate drawers to keep them from getting mixed up. I like to think of my application drawers as “locked,” and only access them when I install programs or fonts. That way, I won’t risk accidentally deleting, moving, or overwriting them.
Location, location, location
So let’s talk about how you might set up the folders that will store your data files.
I like to start at the highest level by creating “drawers” for personal files and business files – but I take it a step further by keeping project files separate from other business files like marketing, accounting, and other administrative tasks. So, because I work for myself, I have electronic drawers called Clients, Business Admin, and Personal. If you’re an employee, the department you’re doing the work for might be considered an internal client, or you might replace the Clients drawer with a Work or Projects drawer.
