pjp wrote:
> I think one could debate the merits and faults of almost any organization
> I'd first like to see everyone who uses a pc at least have some basic "plan"

Hi PJP,

I agree.
So others can benefit from what I've practiced for a decade, here is
the two-step "plan" I offer the masses for PC organizational strategy:

1. Determine an organizational strategy you are comfortable with!
- For example, organize all programs by task as shown below
2. Then, apply that organizational strategy to the FIVE key areas:
- Applications (e.g., your program files)
- Application data (e.g., your settings & personal files)
- Application shortcuts (e.g., your start menu)
- Application installers (e.g., your downloaded initial installers &
updates)
- Send-to menu

It matters not what organizational strategy we choose; I merely offer
one which has been in use for more than a decade and which has served
me well (see prior posts). The point is you always know, even before
you save or install any application, exactly where every application
belongs, e.g.,
C:\My Archivers\PDF Writers\PrimoPDF
C:\My Browsers\Firefox
C:\My Calendars\Meeting Maker
C:\My Databases\Maps\MetroGuide USA
C:\My Editors\Text Editors\Lemmy
C:\My Finances\Tax Programs\TurboTax2006
C:\My Games\Flight Simulators\MSFS2006
C:\My Hardware\DVD\Rippers\DVD Shrink
C:\My ISP\Dialup\NetZero
... blah blah blah ...

While the benefits of the mindless approach of piling all applications
into a single flat directory are debatable, notice the huge benefits of
this simple two-step organizational process:
- Backing up data is nearly trivial (back up C:\My Data & you're done!)
- Recovering all programs from a system crash is nearly trivial
- Managing & utilizing multiple machines is extremely consistent
- Locating & updating applications and files is tremendously logical
- Migrating to new systems over time reinforces & strengthens your
original strategy

Again, I agree with all of you that having an organizational strategy
(any organization you are comfortable with) is the right approach ...
all I do above that concept is to offer one that has been working for
me for more than a decade on Windows-based PCs (all operating systems
up to and prior to Windows XP).

I hope this posts continues to add to our general knowledge,
Susan