Many computer users don't know how to see the files on their computers.  This tip, the first of three related tips, introduces an important "see all" program each Windows user has on his PC.

Why knowing your PC's contents is important

Every computer has programs--the files that let us create text documents, databases, presentations, graphics, web pages, etc.  These files were installed at one time or another.  And we don't really change them much--at least not intentionally.  But, still, you might like to go see what programs you have.  You can.

About the files we create using those programs, well . . . where are yours?  Could you describe them as "well organized"?  Or do you have the feeling sometimes when saving a file that you're at the mercy of the Save and Open dialog boxes?  You don't have to be.

Getting to Windows Explorer

The best program for checking what's on your computer is called Windows Explorer (don't confuse this with the Internet browser called Internet Explorer).  And there are several ways to get to this Explorer for exploring what's on your drive(s). 

• If you go to the Start button on your desktop, then to Programs, you should see Windows Explorer to click on, similar to this::

•  Another way:  on your Desktop, find the My Computer icon.  Click your right mouse button on it.  Pick Explore to go to Windows Explorer:

• A third technique has you right click on the Start button, then choose Explore.  

Examining Explorer's Window

Upon opening Explorer,  a window with two sides or panes displays.  On the left pane, you should see several lines, some having + signs.  Notice that when you click on a + sign, the information "grows" or expands.  In the following insert, notice the + to the left of  the fourth line, [C:]:

Clicking on that plus sign opens or expands that line revealing what is really contained within as shown here:

At that point, you can see that some of the newly-displayed items apparently have hidden items that can be shown by clicking on their + signs such as the plus sign for the Add-Remove folder or the Cybersense folder.

When you select an item in this left pane, notice that the information in the right pane changes.  

Remember:  when some folder is selected on the left side of the Explorer window, you see the contents of that folder on the right side.

The following shows a folder Add-Remove selected on the left with its contents on the right:  a subfolder called Add Remove Plus!; a file named: Readme.txt; and another file SETUP.EXE.

Next, learn how to create your own folders for organizing your files for easier retrieval later: 
Taking Control with Windows Explorer, Part 2.