How many times have you created a file or downloaded one only to lose it? You know it's there but you have no earthly idea where it went. Happily there are some easy ways to avoid this problem and some easy ways to resolve it, even if it does happen.

If you are using Windows 95 or 98, the first step is to make some changes in the way your computer shows you the files. By default, Windows assumes you are a total moron and don't want to be confused by long lists of directories or complete file names. So it simply shows you a window filled with colorful little icons to represent the files. Dumb idea.

To fix this, double click "My Computer" and then double click the C: drive. Now choose the "View" option and then click "Options." Click the "View" tab and click "Show all files." Then be sure to unclick the "Hide MS-DOS file extensions for the types that are registered." Then click OK.

Now, go back to the top of the page, click "View" again and select "Details"

Congratulations. You can now easily browse directories and files with much greater ease. Notice under the menu options, at the top of the page, you have four little boxes: Name. Size. Type. Modified. These are more than just labels. They allow you to determine how the files are displayed. Click "Name" and all files and directories are sorted alphabetically. Click "Modified" and they are sorted chronologically. Click "Type" and the files are sorted according to their function. This means all programs with an *.exe extension are all grouped together. Ditto for all document files created by Word (*.doc), which makes it much easier to find them in a directory with a lot of files. To reverse the sort (Z-A), click on the heading again.

Here’s another handy tip. Notice how some directory names and file names are so long, they abruptly end with a tilde? You can fix that by simply expanding the viewable field using the same name, size, type and modified buttons. Just move your mouse to the boundary between two fields. The mouse pointer should change from an arrow to a cross. Hold down the right mouse button and drag the mouse left or right to expand or contract the field. It's amazing how many people don't know about this.

All right. Here's another basic function that can help you keep track of downloaded files. In Windows Explorer – with the C:\ folder open, point to a blank space on the right side of your screen. Right click the mouse. Click "New" and then "Folder." A new folder will appear. Name it "Download" and press the enter key. The next time you download a file from the net, make sure the file is deposited in that folder. (You always are asked for a destination folder when you download). This will make it much easier to find those files in the future because the folder is always on your desktop. And if you use the sorting trick

mentioned earlier, using the "modified" sorting option, the last file you downloaded will appear at the top of the list.

Of course, if you are really lazy, the easiest way to find lost files is the "find" function in the "Start" menu. Click "Start," then "Find," then enter the file name or today's date.

Here’s a web address that gives you access to Used Car Prices – New Car Prices – Motorcycle Prices – Insurance Rates.

http://www.kbb.com (Kelley Blue Book)

How about searching for information on your favorite movie.

http://www.imdb.com (Internet Movie Database)

Need a driver for your video card, sound card, CD, scanner, etc. Here’s a good place to find a driver for your old or new piece of hardware.

http://www.driverzone.com (Driver Zone)

DATABASE – A collection of data that is organized in some logical manner. Typical databases include telephone books, dictionaries, mailing lists, real estate listings, etc.

TABLE – A table consists of rows and columns of data. Access is a relational database which allows you to connect two tables when they both have fields that contain the same data elements.

FIELDS – A table consists of columns called fields. A field is where an individual piece of data is stored.

RECORDS – A table consists of rows called records. A record is a set of related data (or fields) that identify a complete entry.

Name the field and determine the data type. Add a comment to help explain the field.

Data types ----

Text

Number

Date

Currency

Yes/No

Determine how many characters are needed for each field. In text fields, Access uses only the space necessary to store the data entered, even if the specified field size permits a longer entry. Number fields, however, reserve a set amount of storage space for that field in every record in the table.

A primary key is assigned to ensure that duplicate data is not being entered into the database. The primary key must contain unique data. An index is created on this field – this speeds up the search-and-sort process.

This is where you can view the data that you have entered into your database or where you can enter new information. Your information is viewed in a columnar format. If you wish to adjust the width of the columns, place your cursor of the light gray line between the heading of two columns (your cursor will change to a double headed arrow) – hold your left mouse button down and drag until you have your column the width that you want.

Click on the binoculars and you can search for special information in your database. Click on the icon for "Filter by Form" if you wish to use multiple criteria to choose records. Then you must choose the "Apply Filter". At the bottom of the screen, you will see a notice of how many records you will be now be borrowing.

Notice the controls at the bottom where you can go forward a record, backwards a record, go to the first record, go to the last record, or enter a new record.

Click on the column that you want to sort, and press the A-Z or Z-A icon to sort your database by a certain column.

This is where you make changes to the database that you have highlighted.