Category: Windows
by Dennis Faas, infopackets editor
http://www.infopackets.com
Recently,
Cinnamon asked me a question about how to organize her downloaded ZIP files:
" Is there a
guide one can use in attempting to [organize] some or all of them? I'm afraid
I'll remove something that I need! "
My Response:
We've been talking about archived files for the
last few issues of the newsletter. Incase you've missed it:
Zip files are
archived files
and usually contain many smaller files inside. Finding out what an
archived file is (without extracting and utilizing the program) takes too
long to do, so there must be a better way.
I suggested that Cinnamon
change the names of her downloaded archive files to include a quick
description so that the file name will have more meaning.
For example:
- File begins downloads as: iz_setup3.exe [click save]
- Add in a quick description like this:
-->
internet zone iz_setup3.exe [click save]
Unfortunately, this doesn't fix Cinnamon's current problem and there doesn't
appear to be an easy way around it (other than testing/running the
executable files or searching on the Internet for the same filename).
In addition to my solution, many readers sent me their suggestions!*
Side Note: I really do appreciate it when people email
me with their answers. It makes this a very unique publication!
Leo F says:
" Following your suggestion, I prefer to append the identifying words
followed by the version (build) number:
iz_setup3internetzone347.exe
If I choose to download it again in the future, I won't overwrite the
original file. The files stay adjacent if I forget my naming convention from
the last time as well, and make deleting old versions easy, should I choose
to do so in the future. "
Pippie suggested an even deeper level of organization:
" I use a text editor to copy and paste the description of what the program
does, where I downloaded it from and the date.
Then I have a Download folder, with sub folders, in categories. Then I
save it there under a folder name by the program, with the text file, and
the downloaded file. "
Side note: I forgot to mention in the last newsletter
that I also use folders to categorize my files as well. I have 1
master download file on my D drive, called "Incoming" and inside that, I
have Apps, Internet, CD-Recording, Games, Virus, Movies, and Kazaa.
This setup has suit me well for quite some time.
TFAN69 suggested creating a .TXT file with URL / File description and
inserting it into the archive:
" If I download a .zip file, I usually create a text file with the
description (often a copy and paste from the source site) and the url. I
then add it to the .zip file. I call it something like 'ReadFirst.txt '. "
In fact, many Gazette Readers suggested something along that same lines of
TFAN69's suggestion. Renate G. says:
" I also copy and paste the URL from the address bar in the browser, so I
know where I got the software from. I [save the text file in the same area
as the downloaded file]. "
Lastly, Bertil S. suggested FlashGet*
which organizes files as you download them:
" Flashget http://www.amazesoft.com/
is a good solution! "
Side note: I did a quick search of FlashGet on Google
to see if it was Spyware or not and the results were mixed. Searching
SpyChecker.com to see if FlashGet contained Spyware did not produce any
results. Download.com had some users complaining about Spyware in it
and recommended GetRight instead. I tried checking Spyware info on
Getright and the results are also mixed.
