How to Navigating Files and Folders on a district Mac computer

Keywords: Navigating, Files and Folder, Mac OS

Aliases:

(updated Spring 2021)

Video Transcription:

The YouTube video titled "Navigating Files and Folders on a Mac OS Device" by Angela May, uploaded on June 21, 2021, provides guidance on managing files and folders on a MacBook Air or using the Mac operating system. The key points covered in the first part of the video are:

Using Finder: It's the primary tool for file management on Mac, typically found as the first dock item. Finder helps in copying, moving, and checking file properties.
Locations and Drives: The tutorial covers navigating through various locations like Desktop, Documents, Downloads, and different drives. It highlights the phasing out of certain drives in the Peninsula School District and the importance of moving files to Google Drive.
Google Drive for Desktop: The speaker advises installing Google Drive for Desktop (previously called Google Drive File Stream) for efficient file transfer and saving. It integrates regular and shared drives on the computer.
Finder Interface and Features: The tutorial is based on the Finder as of the Big Sur operating system, pointing out the changes in the interface and features. It describes different view modes like picture, details, and list view, and how to customize these views, including adjusting column widths.
Adding Columns and Getting Info: By right-clicking on the header, you can add more columns for details like 'Date Created'. Right-clicking on a file and selecting 'Get Info' provides detailed information about the file, including type, size, and location.
File Sizes for Email and Schoology: The video emphasizes considering file sizes for emailing (recommended to keep attachments under 10-15 MB) and for uploading to Schoology, where it's advised to keep files under 200-300 MB, considering the varying internet qualities students might have at home.
File Downloads and Sharing in Schoology: When dealing with Schoology, it's preferable to provide links to online resources rather than uploading large files. This consideration helps with faster access and downloads, especially for students who might have limited internet access.
View Options and Sharing Files: Finder offers different ways to view files, including a preview mode. The 'Share' button in Finder allows for easy sharing of files. You can share files with various applications and services directly from Finder.
Organizing and Sorting Files: In the details or list view, you can sort files by clicking on column headers like 'Date Modified' or 'Name.' This feature is useful for organizing files either alphabetically or by date, making it easier to find specific items.
Using Search Functionality: Finder’s search function can be utilized to quickly locate files. If you remember a keyword or part of the file's name, you can use this feature to find the file among numerous others.

The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to ask questions about using the new Mac Finder. This tutorial offers a comprehensive guide to efficiently managing files and folders on a Mac OS device, particularly highlighting the usefulness of Finder in organizing and accessing files.