Getting Started, Not sure what's next

[Mistrtim]

I'm feeling a little silly here, perhaps I've missed something in the process...
My desktop was such a mess that there wasn't even room for the "shortcut" of the IM program, so that was the first order of business for me.
Ok.
So now I've got bunches of files dropped into the "In Folder". I also deleted things that were not worth keeping, some I didn't even recall how they got there.
Sure is nice to see some empty space on my screen! And what a RELIEF!
Of course this is just the beginning though.

I used "Windows Explorer" to take the files from "desktop" to "In Folder" and my immediate question would be:
"Is this the intended procedure (using Windows Explorer) for moving files already on my system into the IM-Index?"
I have a LARGE number of reports, ebooks, programs, documents, images, videos, audios, and other files yet to be dealt with, and just want to be sure I'm doing things correctly.

I assume that whenever I now download files, that I direct them to the appropriate folders in the IM-Index.

Now perhaps I've missed it, but if not, then my first suggestion for any improvements would be a Step by Step, 1, 2, 3, how ya do it explanation just to reduce confusion and frustration.

Thanks in advance for your help (and Happy Memorial Day to all our US friends! 

[Alex Goodall]

Mistrim

Windows Explorer is the only way to move files around in the IM Index folder structures (apart from when a DAO Installer does it for you - but that's a special case).

You may have forgotten, but the training videos recommend the following when downloading files:

1. Download into the In Folder.
2. Open the Mind Map, and then open the In Folder (if not already open).
3. "Cut" the file you want to store away
4. Use the Map to navigate through the topics to determine the best place to put the file.
5. Open the folder associated with the topic best suited to your file
6. "Paste" the file into that folder.

The reason to do it like that, rather than directly downloading into the relevant folder is that it's much less effective to search through the folder structure than to search through the topics in the Mind Map. The Mind Map provides a lot of help for deciding on the best place to store a file, including:

- "Related" links to help get the most specific topic
- "See" links where there is more than one name for topic
- The Nine Disciplines (when you can't find your topic in the A-Z)
- The "Notes" associated with most topics that suggest what to store there, and other places to consider
- A Search facility

Also, once you've downloaded into the In Folder once, your next download will default to the In Folder, so you don't have spend time selecting where to download into.

I'll consider your suggestion for a step-by-step "getting going" guide - although I think the training videos cover all the topics.

Any other views on this?

Alex

[Mistrtim]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for responding so quickly.

I"m clear now on moving files, I guess I should perhaps review your video again, but getting to them could be greatly simplified by creating a special page with the videos and written steps to follow. It will take you a bit of effort, but in the long run save time by making it simpler for people to access the info.

Tim

[Essie]

Hello,  I just wanted to add a vote for those written instructions -- here where it was brought up. Not all of us like videos for all that they are the biggest thing on the net now. I did watch some pre-sale videos to make the decision, very helpful for that. It's really cool to get a feeling for the person behind the product, too, but that gets taken care of in pre-sale for me.

For instructions, however, I will do almost anything to avoid having to sit through a video! I can read hundreds of times faster than the speed that anyone speaks instructions and it drives me mad. I'm also rather a techie going way back, so I know I am not utterly typical. But then, we are out here in this business.

I am happy-happy with this product!

Essie