Organizing your directories and files are just the beginning. I have found I need to use a couple of tools to have the power I need to find the specific document, phrase, number, image (w/tags), etc. I use the following: (1) Google Desktop (not all file formats supported); (2) A database software to catalog and LINK the document (full document path) for those very special items I KNOW I will need to find again [Software program: DBTextworks by Inmagic]; (3) Indexing Software - similar to Google Desktop - more robust and can handle MOST Professional Software Formats [Software Program: ISYS by Odyssey based in Australia]. Yes, I use all of these methods in combination WITH organizing directories and files. Whether you use multiple hard drives, a server system, or a single pc, these tools can make your file organization much, much easier. I use this power tool combination professionally and at home. I can spend more of my time working on the task at hand, instead of searching for "lost" documents. These programs run on PC (Micosoft operating systems) and were not designed for the MAC OS.

As a PC user, I have found one of the best products to manage hundreds of thousands of documents (*.doc, *.txt, *.wpd, *.xls, *.ppt, and email, images, etc.) is Isys by Odyssey. It requires very little work on the part of the endusers. Just searching. For the IT person, it requires very little to be up-and-running. You can set up automatic indexing to run anytime, without restricting usage and searching. This can be done across all hard drives. I found this little company (and their software) about 15 years ago when I was still using DOS. They have, of course, developed their software to match all the Windows versions that have come out, and have Web versions also. I manage a huge library of both physical and digital documents - all that must be located within seconds. Without this software, I would not be able to perform this job in the high-level capacity that I currently do. Yes, Google is a great contender, but it has its limitations. Google desktop, for example, does not index all different types of software that the hundreds of users may have/use/need. I have found the Isys by Odyssey to not only be extremely fast, high quality, but they have great customer service, and their prices are reasonable. You can always start slow - with a low number of licenses, and work your way up, depending on the company's finances and needs. We have 2 licenses, where I work. I currently am the main end-user to the product, and people request documents or information from me, which I can find and email to them in an instant. It's worth the time to check them out. Their home web page is: http://www.isys-search.com/