I've been taking a closer look at DEVONthink Pro Office and like the search capabilities that OSX can't match. I've typically store all my files (PDF, Pages, Word, RTF, etc.) in my own folder hierarchy. I always thought that Database apps we're more prone to corruption than Finder folders. From what I've been reading, the opposite might be true. It mig take a while and a bit of bravado for me to move away from my present pattern, but I do like the search function within DEVONthink Pro Office, along with scan import, etc.

I know that it's possible to index my original files into DT, but inevitably, some files will end up in the database as well.

With that, maybe someone else can chime in here on how they manage their files and what works best for them.

I was trying to use my external HD on a Mac at school, but I have a Windows laptop. I've looked on some other forums, and would I really have to format my entire drive? And would it still be compatible with Windows?

You posted in the wrong section, Pennguy. Try the Help & Troubleshooting section.

I think I've decided to go with Indexing my files. Seems to be the best way to organize along with the Update Indexing in DT when adding new files to folders. I purchased the Take Control book for DevonThink 2 and it has a lot of good help.

I'm interested in learning more about what you're trying to achieve. Better search capabilities? Putting all of your file types (web history, emails, RSS, documents) into one place, or just your documents?

I can see some advantages, but it seems like a drastic change would be required to ingrained ways of thinking and workflows. Wondering what is the payoff?

For one, I like the database-wide search. Not sure yet if you can do cross-database searches. Maybe there's other apps that can accomplish the same. Since I've decided to Index rather than import, the changeover isn't really much at all. Any changes I do on the original files will be seen in the Indexed files in DT. I'm not a researcher at all, although I do like grabbing various links and websites when doing some research. That's another reason to use DT. Hmm. I'm sure, over time, I would find lots more to add here.