Q. I can’t decide how I should go about organizing my computer data so I can later find things I saved. Any suggestions, Mr. M?

A. One of the best things that you can do to increase your computer productivity is to create a logical filing system so you can find things quickly. For example, in your email program, create subfolders (called mailboxes in some programs) so that your saved email doesn't reside in a single Inbox. Then move messages from your Inbox into your various mailboxes, based on topic.

Think of a folder as a file drawer in a filing cabinet, with computer files being manila folders within that drawer. With that in mind, create specific folders for various work projects, hobbies, correspondence, etc., and organize your data accordingly, creating subfolders within folders for additional organization. If you keep most of your document files in the My Documents folder, create subfolders within My Documents. For example, you might have a Correspondence folder, with subfolders for business and personal correspondence.

To create folders in My Documents, click File > New > Folder. If you're not familiar with the process of creating folders, practice makes perfect, so create some folders and subfolders, then delete them, just to become comfortable with how it’s done. To delete a file or folder, simply right-click and select Delete.

Q. How can I back up my address book in Outlook Express? Your weekly newsletter has great information in it. Thanks.

A. To back up your Outlook Express address book using OE itself, as opposed to third-party software, you’ll need to export the address book to a file, then save the file to a folder, disk, CD, external drive, or other storage medium.

To export your address book, from your OE Inbox, click Tools > Address Book. Click to select the address book you want to back up (if you have more than one), then click File > Export > Address Book.

Use the down arrow to the right of the “Save In” field to select a destination folder for your backed-up Address Book. Give your backed up address book file a name by typing it in the “File name” field. A clever name such as “AddressBackup” will work nicely, then click the Save button. A confirmation dialog box will appear announcing, “Your Address Book has been successfully exported to (the location you selected).”

For an even easier software solution, take a look at the award-winning, Outlook Express Backup Genie at http://tinyurl.com/2cwwmp.

Mr. Modem’s Tip of the Week:

Read the Fine Print

It’s a good idea to get into the habit of double-checking check boxes when you sign up for anything online or when registering software. Many times these boxes are pre-checked, giving the company or vendor permission to send spam or allowing it to share your email address with third parties. Sometimes check boxes are not in plain view, so you may have to scroll up or down to make sure you don't get more than you bargained for.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

And the Bride Wore…
It’s difficult to determine which is more amusing, the hideous bridal fashions you’ll find here, or the commentary written about them. The one question all visitors to this site are compelled to ask is, “What were they thinking?”
http://tinyurl.com/3d8mb4

The Human Clock
An unusual site that displays a photograph of the current time, with photos that change every minute. If you have a full-time connection to the Internet, The Human Clock can double as an unusual and semi-entertaining screensaver.
www.humanclock.com

For plain-English answers to your questions by email, plus useful PC tips, subscribe to Mr. Modem’s Weekly Newsletter. For information, visit www.MrModem.com.