RE: folder/directory on Windows NT

["Brady, Joy" <JBrady -at- alldata -dot- net>]

Jane,

Jon makes a good point about using the correct term for each OS, instead of
worrying about consistency between the two. That said, here's what the
Microsoft Manual of style has to say about "Folder" vs. "Directory"  :

Folder
In general, for graphical programs from Windows 95 and later, use folder to
refer to what used to be called a directory or subdirectory.  Folders are
represented on the interface by a folder icon, and the term is based on the
analogy that a folder stores other folders and documents of various types.
Reserve directory for specific references to the structure of the file
system, particularly in nongraphical programs such as MS-DOS and in
programming documents.
Note Not all folders replace directories. For example, the Printers and
Control Panel programs are also folders. Describe the nature of the folder,
if necessary.
Correct 
You can find the file on your hard disk in \\Windows\System\Color.
You can find the file on X:\\Windows\System\Color.
You can find the file in the Color folder.
The system files are in the System subdirectory in the Win95 directory.


Directory
In general, limit use of the word directory to references to the structure
of the file system. Use folder to refer to the visual representation or
object in the interface. You can include directory as a synonym for folder
in indexes and search topics.