Table of Contents
File→Save where? (and also) Fun tech gifts!
This week’s column has two parts.
First, a question I hear all the time: where does a file actually go when you click Save?
Second, a bonus section with a short list of tech gadgets I genuinely love and use every day, just in time for your last-minute holiday shopping.
Let’s start with files.
Part 1: Where Does My Stuff Go?
Once you click File → Save, where does that file actually end up?
Even people who consider themselves tech-savvy sometimes get tripped up, because today’s default save locations can vary widely. A file might be stored locally on your computer, saved to a cloud service like Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, or Google Drive, or sent to something external like a USB flash drive or an external hard drive.
At the most basic level, there are two main categories of storage:
- Internal storage – the hard drive that came with your computer
- External storage – anything not built into the computer (cloud storage, USB drives, external hard drives)
If a file is saved internally, the next question becomes: which folder is it in?
Operating systems try to help by creating familiar folders like Documents, Pictures, and Downloads. Over the years, many people have also used their desktop as a catch-all saving place, which is why desktops often end up looking like a sea of icons. Before cloud storage, at least you knew your file was somewhere on your computer.
Today, things are less obvious. Cloud services may quietly redirect files away from your computer and into the cloud, which leads many people to ask the modern version of an old question:
“Where did my file go?”
One final point of clarification: people often use the words file and document interchangeably. In this column, I’ll use document to mean a typed text file, and file to mean any single item such as a photo, video, or audio clip. All documents and files live inside folders.
Next week, we’ll take a closer look at cloud storage—now offered by nearly every major company, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, and even Amazon—and why it isn’t always easy to tell where your files actually live.
Part Deux: Fun, Last-Minute Tech Gadgets (One for Them, One for You)
Everything listed here could easily arrive before Christmas!
I personally own every item on this list, and they’re here for one reason only: they’re useful, dependable, and genuinely make everyday tech easier.
If you have questions about any of these items, or want help setting them up, I’m always happy to help.
Electric Arc Lighter
Windproof, waterproof, and USB-rechargeable, this lighter works reliably even outdoors. A surprisingly practical upgrade from traditional lighters.
https://a.co/d/7iCiv3p
Magnetic Leather Bookmark (or Cord Clip)
Sold as a bookmark, the magnetic “paws” hold pages securely, but I love using it to keep cords tidy in my bag. You can even add a monogrammed initial, which makes it a great small gift.
https://a.co/d/3cDzdDz
Blue-Light Blocking / Anti-Glare Glasses
I was skeptical at first, and I’m not convinced they block blue light from screens—but they do make a noticeable difference when driving at night. They reduce glare enough that I feel safer in them when driving after dark.
https://a.co/d/6Xi2qQm
Mini Mouse
When I’m traveling, a trackpad works for quick tasks, but for heavier work I rely on this tiny, corded mouse. Bluetooth mice are great, but I love the no-fuss reliability of a retractable cord. It may be small for larger hands, but its size makes it ideal for packing.
https://a.co/d/hexcCO2
Self-Watering Plant Stakes
Not exactly a tech gadget—but when I’m away from home for more than a couple of days, these work wonders. There’s no electronics involved, which somehow makes the simple “technology” behind them even more impressive.
https://a.co/d/guaDaDo
USB Wi-Fi Adapter for PC
Have an older computer that still works well but doesn’t have Wi-Fi? This plug-and-play adapter solves that problem instantly and works with both Windows and Apple computers.
https://a.co/d/a1DjQLd
Ring Light with Overhead Phone Mount
As I’ve started recording video with my phone, I’ve found this setup to be extremely sturdy. The flexible arms bend easily in every direction, and stay exactly where you put them.
https://a.co/d/fbUzujU
Wearable Mouse Wrist Rest
I don’t love stationary wrist pads because I need support that moves with me. This lightweight wrist rest is comfortable enough that I forget I’m wearing it, yet it has significantly reduced wrist fatigue during long work sessions.
https://a.co/d/0QqQp7a
Tempered Glass Screen Protector
I drop things, and often. Tempered glass screen protectors (skip the plastic ones) usually cost under $10 and are absolutely worth the small investment of time and money.
https://a.co/d/dalZ6th
Amplified Microphone Headset
When I give tech presentations, I need my hands free and the ability to move around. This lightweight headset makes my naturally low voice clear and audible, even in larger rooms with mixed hearing levels.
https://a.co/d/5SnX4gl
USB-C Smart Hub
If you have a laptop with only USB-C ports, this is a must-have. I carry one with me and keep another at home. It lets you connect HDMI monitors, SD and micro-SD cards, and older USB devices like mice and keyboards.
https://a.co/d/9qYbnVU
Happy holidays, y’all! If Santa brings you or a loved one a tech gadget that looks useful but a little intimidating, I’m just a phone call, email, text, or smoke signal away.
