This is something I struggle with too. Not only is there a plethora of files to clutter things, backups can get complicated to.

I want to make semi-regular backups, but then that complicates things even more by introducing the issue of what has been backed up, etc.

I also found it to be very complicated when I need to restore some stuff, and then I have to wonder what backup has the particular verison of the file that I want.

I think I need to hire an assistant.. lol :)

Seriously, though, there must be some way to better organize things on a computer.

Hey, my computer has 370 gigs of crap on there and the other week I wanted to start cleaning house on there. I got an excellent program called WinDirStat. Really… get it… take a lil time to figure it all out and start cleaning up. I cleared up 5 gigs on just 1 out of 5 drives. I have my drives seperated by
C: – programs / my documents etc
D: – Video Media (tv/cartoons/music vids/ unsorted mp3s)
E: – Movies (dvd backups to be burned)
H: – Music
I: – Downloading
J: – Final Scratch (more mp3s dj stuff)

ok 6 hardrives… but regardless, Check out WinDirStat, it will allow you to see what’s taking up hardrive space (by percentage of each folder), in a organized color coded manner.

Good luck, I’m with you though I really think I just need an assistant.

Mac OS X makes it easy to find files using Spotlight or Quicksilver!