How to find the Filepath of a file

If you don't know where you are how will you know when you get there?

If you are used to a graphic interface may find the idea of a path confusing since the graphics interface is there to hide the ugly reality. The fundamental unit of computer organization is the file. Folders are containers that can hold files or other folders which hold more files and folders which can hold more files and folders etc. Everything in the computer lives in one master folder which in windows is called "C:\". It may be confusing to you but it's simple to the computer and conversely all that drag and drop, point and click stuff you are used to may be simple to you but it's a lot more work for the computer. There are times when it's really handy to talk to the computer in its own language and that's where the "path" comes in.

My name is Bob Smith and my desk is L14 in room 104 in the Patterson Building

Path is another word for location. To find the location, use explorer, finder or whatever to find your file, click on properties and that will tell you the location aka "path". If you are entering a file name into the address bar remember that another hidden reality is the file extension. Unless you force explorer to tell the truth it will tell you that the filename is "mypicture" when really it is "mypicture.jpg". And then you will be frustrated when you put "file://C:/Documents and Settings/me/My Documents/mypicture" and the browser says "404 file not found".

Good luck,
Dave Driscoll