Computer Files Client File Folders Computer Subdirectories File Cabinet Drawer Computer Subdirectories Table 1 illustrates a simple comparison between a manual system, such as a filing cabinet, and a computer system. Client documents, letters, complaints and other correspondence can be represented on the computer as files. For each file cabinet drawer, such as a drawer for Bankruptcy clients or one for Real Estate clients, you can have a subdirectory for Bankruptcy and another for Real Estate. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a simple hard disk organization using this approach. All directories below the root directory are called subdirectories.
All subdirectories have a parent directory.
These two directories hold the master forms and documents, similar to a file folder in the file cabinet. Another subdirectory under WPF contains the law firm's clients. Notice that each client has an individual subdirectory, similar to a client's folder in the filing cabinet. Each client directory contains the complaints, documents, letters and all other correspondence for that particular client. By following these techniques, you will find it is much easier to locate files in directories, especially if there is more than one secretary in the office.