File Management

Tutorial: Methods of File Storage for Community College Students

Welcome to the file storage tutorial! In this guide, we will walk you through different methods of saving and managing your files. By the end of this tutorial, you'll know how to save files to your college-provided OneDrive account, store documents on your computer using both macOS and Windows, and back up files to an external USB flash drive.

 
Saving Files to Your College-Provided OneDrive Account

OneDrive is a cloud storage service provided by Microsoft, allowing you to access your files from any device with an internet connection. As a student at GFCMSU, you have access to OneDrive.

Steps to Save Files to OneDrive From Your Web Browser:

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to https://login.microsoftonline.com.
  2. Enter your username in the format NetID@gfcmsu.edu. Use the same password you use for Brightspace to log in.
  3. After logging in, click on the "Upload" button at the top of the OneDrive interface.
  4. Select the files or folders you want to upload from your computer.
  5. Your files will be uploaded and stored securely in your OneDrive account.

Saving Directly from Microsoft Word:

  1. Open your document in Microsoft Word.
  2. Click on File > Save As.
  3. Choose OneDrive - GFCMSU as the location.
  4. Name your file and click Save.

Advantages of Using OneDrive:

  • Access your files anywhere, anytime.
  • Files are automatically backed up.
  • Collaborate with others easily by sharing links.

 
Saving Files on macOS and Windows 10/11

Saving Files on macOS:

  1. Open the application (e.g., Microsoft Word) and create your document.
  2. Click on File > Save As.
  3. The Finder window will appear, allowing you to choose where to save your file.
  4. Select a folder, or create a new one if necessary.
  5. Name your file and click Save.


Saving Files on Windows 10/11:

  1. Open your application (e.g., Microsoft Word) and create your document.
  2. Click on File > Save As.
  3. The File Explorer window will appear, allowing you to choose where to save your file.
  4. Navigate to the desired folder or create a new one.
  5. Name your file and click Save.

 
Saving Files to an External Drive (USB Flash Drive)

Saving files to an external USB flash drive is a great way to have a physical backup of your important documents.

Steps to Save Files to a USB Flash Drive:

  1. Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer.
  2. Your computer should automatically recognize the drive.
  3. In your application (e.g., Microsoft Word), click on File > Save As.
  4. Navigate to This PC (Windows) or Devices (macOS) and select your USB drive.
  5. Name your file and click Save.

Copying Files to USB Flash Drive:

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
  2. Locate the files you want to copy.
  3. Drag and drop the files to your USB flash drive.

Safely Ejecting the USB Flash Drive:

  • Windows: Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray, then select your USB drive.
  • macOS: Drag the USB drive icon from the desktop to the Trash/Eject icon.
  • Wait for the message that it’s safe to remove the drive, then disconnect it.

By following these steps, you'll be able to save, organize, and back up your files effectively across multiple platforms. Remember to regularly back up important files to your OneDrive or an external drive to avoid data loss. Happy studying!

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