Having access to technology like computers means having to learn how to use said technology in the most effective and efficient way. Between managing your files properly to using Lo-Fi technologies such as markup languages like HTML, there are a range of skill sets that are being taken for granted.
Into the Trash Bin
Monica Chin wrote a piece called “File Not Found” and in it she explored the way file management is having to be taught to the modern day student including the ways that different people perceive and approach it.
Based on her article, I can’t assume now that people know what it means to manage your files. How many people actually know how to read the directory or file path of something on their computer? Apparently most people don’t. Or rather, most people don’t bother to learn or even care.
It’s a little scary to think that there are people who decide to leave all their files in whatever folder computers naturally decide to stick them in. Your downloads section should not have over 1000 files. Even if you don’t do it for school or work files, this is still relevant to things like your game files or even photos. (I have almost 2,000 mods for the Sims 4 and when the game breaks I have to know which ones are doing the damage.)
Good luck finding what you need if you’re not organized.
HTML, Much Fun, Much Wow
Okay, markup languages are hard. There is no denying that. There’s certain rules the different elements follow, and then when you don’t want that HTML document to look boring you have to then learn CSS. So why is this important?
HTML is the backbone of everything on the internet. Going back to the mention of Lo-fi tech, these languages are also generally better to know then to know really specific Hi-fi things. (Confused about what I mean? Check out Karl Stolley’s “The Lo-Fi Manifesto”, but it might not make sense.)
Knowing the bare minimum of how HTML works can go a long way. You don’t have to be an expert, but understanding how certain things will look when HTML is translated into, for example, a proper website can help you in the future. Knowing this language could even be the reason why you get hired to do your dream job.
Think About It
You can decide for yourself if you think learning these two skills are worth the trouble or not, but at the end of the day, you don’t lose much by gaining new skills. In fact, you lose more opportunities by not taking the extra step to do better.
Comments
One response to “To Manage Files and Use HTML”
You’ve got some great points about file management and HTML. Listen, I know it’s crazy to think how many people just let their files pile up, but I have a method to my madness I swear. Most of my stuff that has yet to be organized is luckily sorted alphabetically, so finding my files isn’t too hard but definitely needs some work. Meanwhile my screenshot picture folders are spiffy as can be. HTML is intimidating and I can understand how it is a valuable skill. However, hopefully when we start getting more into it we’ll get the hang of it (I’m at least hoping so on my end because I don’t know what I’m doing. HTML is scary). Learning new skills always has some sort of payoff but if not, you’ve learned something new and are wiser or more skilled now.