File management was once a big deal when using computers. But what about file management on a cell phone?
Today’s operating systems are very forgiving for those folks who forgo file management. Basically, you can pile your files anywhere and who cares? As long as the system has a powerful search command, you’re okay.
I’d prefer a bit more organization, which is the key to file management.
Still, face it: It took a decade before Microsoft developed the smarts to have and use a Pictures folder in Windows. That’s pathetic.
Today’s super cell phones, the smartphones, are not really computing devices. They are data gatherers that store pictures, music, video, and contact information. Your PC is a workstation, which you use to organize projects, create stuff, and do things that would be ridiculous to accomplish on a mobile device.
Because cell phones are data gatherers, file management isn’t really an issue. The apps that use files organize them automatically.
For example, the Music app on an Android phone creates folders for artists. Into those folders it creates folders for albums. And into those folders it places songs. A database is then run to organize all the music so that you can sift and sort things by artist, album, or song. As far as file management goes, you don’t need to do a thing.
When you copy files over to the phone, again the apps take over, find and index whatever you’ve copied. Sure, copying over files without organizing them is haphazard, but the phone can deal with it. There is no sane reason for anyone to delve into organization beyond that.
Even though file organization is kinda moot, there are apps available that let you peek at your phone’s files. The apps may even let you manipulate the files, but only in a limited manner.
Some Android devices come with a Files or My Files app. There’s also the Linda Manager, which can be used to organize your files. Further, any time you mount your mobile gizmo into the computer’s storage system, you can access and manage files. In fact, mounting the device into the computer’s storage system is the best way to manage files because you have access to all the operating system’s file management tools.
In Friday’s blog post I’ll go over the standard structure of an Android mobile device, showing you how the files are organized and what some of the key folders are used for.
