With a new OS comes the need to relearn some of the most basic file management functions. Here is what you should know on how to manage your files on Chromebook.
Opening Files
Chromebooks support all types of files from documents, PDFs, media, and images. You can open Word files, Excel files, and PPT files in a read-only format. You can also open compressed files, TXT files, PDFs, and all common image files. Chromebook can also be used for some of the most common media files like 3GP, AVI, MP4, MP3, and MOV.
To open a file, you only have to select the Launcher and choose Open Files. Select the folder where your file is most likely contained and just double-click it to open. To save a file, you only need to hit CTRL + S and name your file. You can save it directly in Google Drive or in another folder.
Saving Files
The downside of the Chromebook is the limited amount of space available. Fortunately, you have two options when saving large files. You can use external storage via a USB connection, or you can save files through Google Drive. All you have to do is drag the files inside the Google Drive folder and know that it is available through the cloud anytime you want it. Zipping and Unzipping Files is done similarly to that with a Windows system.
Deleting Files
It’s important to be careful when deleting files in the Chromebook. Some deleted files are permanent unlike in Windows when you can check the Recycle Bin for restoration. For example, files deleted from the Download Folder are permanently deleted. You also can’t delete files from the folders Recent, Images, Videos, and Audios as they are view-only. If you want to delete these files, you’ll have to access them directly through their specific folders.
Download Folder
It is important to pay attention to the Download Folder. It is a space where all files can be lumped together if you are not sure yet where they are supposed to go. You can access all these files not just through the Download Folder but also through Recent, Images, Videos, and Audio – depending on what their file type. Note that upon reaching 80% capacity, the OS will delete files randomly in the Downloads Folder. This is why you should arrange the files as soon as possible, perhaps creating multiple backups.
Bottom Line
Chromebooks typically come with just 16GB worth of space, so you will have to watch your file storage constantly. Other than that, however, everything else about Chromebook file management is quick and similar to other OS types that you can find in the market today.
