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Question

documents Vs. desktop

Jun 22, 2011 6:15AM PDT

In my iMac, I've been using desktop to store items--some folders, articles, photos, etc. I haven't really used the documents selection. But I see I have several items there. Is Documents a better way to store and categorize things? Would leave my desktop uncluttered.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
It really does not matter where you store your files, BUT,
Jun 22, 2011 6:42AM PDT

it would make sense to store documents in the Documents folder
Pictures in the Pictures folder
Music in the Music folder
Etc.

The desktop is not really a good place to store things, primarily for the clutter factor, because of the way the OS X deals with the icons on the desktop.
A cluttered desktop will, however imperceptibly, slow down the system.

I put stuff on the desktop, temporarily and for ease, and then when I have done with them I put them into their respective folders.

P

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documents vs. desktop
Jun 22, 2011 8:13AM PDT

Thanks P for the good advice.

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documents Vs. desktop
Jun 23, 2011 12:24AM PDT

Hi P.
A couple of questions. Looking further into Documents I have 10,000 items--the amount I have everywhere, in all my folders, pics, etc. How does this happen? Sounds like everything--or almost everything--automatically goes to Document.
And, I see Documents folder in the dock, but are there similar Music and Picture folders or do you need to create them? And put them--where? In the dock?
Thanks for your help.
David

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Folders
Jun 23, 2011 12:54AM PDT

when you double click on the icon of the hard drive, it opens a Finder window.
on the left side of the Finder window you should see a list of folders.
Document, Movies, Pictures, Music, etc.
What you see in the sidebar are alias's (like shortcuts) to the actual folder.
Those folders are in your HOME folder.
Clicking on any of the above will display the contents of those folders.

If you do not have a sidebar, check Finder Preferences and activate it.

To put an alias of anything into the dock, find the original and drag it down into the dock. Folders go on the right hand end of the dock and the applications go toward the left end. There is a dividing line between the two. For instance, find the pictures folder in your Home folder. Click and drag the folder down to the right hand end of the dock. The existing icons will move out of the way. When the folder is on the dock, release. An alias is created in the dock and give direct access to the folder.

As for the 10,000 items, is that a list of 10,000 items or a count of everything that is in the Documents folder?

P

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documents vs. desktop
Jun 23, 2011 3:04AM PDT

Hi P,
It must be the 10,000 is total for my iMac. I went back to Documents and it indicated there are 32 items. I get it someday.
Thanks,
David

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(NT) 32 sound more reasonable
Jun 23, 2011 6:42AM PDT