Vitaliy wrote:

> I too still find myself putting things in categories. 

As long as you can assign multiple "categories" -- which would make them
more like keywords. I find fast (indexed) searches most useful. You just
need to make sure that the words you associate with a context are there,
somewhere. This usually also includes the word that you would usually use
for alphabetical filing.

> I don't know what's different about the computer world... for some
> reason, a lot of times I find it easier to scribble on a piece of paper,
> and file that in a paper file, than do the same thing with Notepad.

Again, an efficient search helps a lot. You don't have to worry about where
to file -- just file all the scribbles in a single location, but make sure
that it's part of your index and that you use the words in the scribble
that help you find it later.

> Do you imagine the strict alphabetical system working on a computer, even
> in theory?

No. And not in a filing cabinet, either, as many items belong to different
"words" and you can only file them under one. A receipt for example may
belong to a device (which has been bought), a manufacturer (of the device),
a project (for which it was bought), a client (who contracted the project),
a credit card (that has been used to pay it), a period (like a month, when
it has been bought)... you get the idea. 

A good search is the answer for many issues.

Gerhard

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