Digital Basics

Desktop, Downloads, and Documents

Your computer has common landing spots for files. Knowing those spots makes files less mysterious.

Desktop

The desktop is the screen you see behind your windows. It is useful for temporary files, but it gets messy quickly.

  1. Use it for things you need today.
  2. Move important files into Documents.
  3. Delete shortcuts or duplicates you do not need.

Downloads and Documents

Downloads is where files from the internet often land. Documents is better for files you plan to keep.

  1. Check Downloads after saving something from a website.
  2. Move keepers into Documents.
  3. Rename files so you can recognize them later.
Try this: A file is not gone just because it is not on the desktop.
Final takeaway: When in doubt, check Downloads first, then Documents.

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