Every Windows folder provides easy access to common file and folder management tasks. When you open any folder on your computer, a list of hyperlinked tasks is displayed next to the folder contents. You can select a file or folder, and then click a task to rename, copy, move, or delete it. You can also send a file in e-mail or publish it to the Web.
In addition to the basic file and folder tasks provided in all Windows folders, there are several folders that provide links to specialized tasks.
My Pictures and My Music folders provide task links that can help you manage your picture and music files.
In the My Computer folder, you can view and select the drives on your computer, the devices with removable storage, and the files stored on your computer. You can use the task links in this folder to view information about your computer, change system settings using Control Panel, and perform other system management tasks.
Use the Recycle Bin tasks to empty the Recycle Bin or restore deleted files and folders to their original locations. The Recycle Bin is displayed on your desktop.
-- from the Windows Help glossary
Back up data
Deleting or creating partitions or volumes destroys any existing data. Be sure to back up the disk contents beforehand. As with any major change to disk contents, you should back up the entire contents of the hard disk before working with partitions or volumes, even if you do not plan to make any changes to one or more of your partitions or volumes.
How does digital media technology work?
Main elements of a multimedia system:
- CPU - A computer that manages the presentation. E.g. Pentium or PowerPC.
- Software - The instructions for the CPU that tell it how to present the media elements and interact with the user.
- Memory - Where the elements of the presentation are temporarily held while they are presented.
- Storage Media - They place where the media elements are retrieved from for the presentation. CD-ROM, hard disk, cartridges, or a network.
- Display System - The audio/video system used for showing the presentation. Can be a television, surround sound audio, VR headset, computer screen and speakers, or a theme park ride.
- Input Device - The final element in an interactive system is the user's input. Input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, a drawaing pad; and in the case of gaming; joysticks, controllers, video cameras, touch pads, and microphones.
Two ways of presenting elements:
- Pre-load. Typically, elements such as still images or short audio clips are first loaded into memory, and then displayed or played back. This approach requires that the entire element fit into the available memory. Once loaded, there is very little delay when the element is displayed.
- Streaming. Elements such as video and long audio clips are usually streamed off the storage medium, because they cannot fit into memory. Plus, streaming enables the CPU to display streamed media without waiting for the entire element to load first.
Reading Assignment:
- Syllabus - Introduction