Abstract: Data files are action tagged by electronic devices as the files are used, and such tags are used to compute a total value for each data file among a group of data files for the purpose of running comparative-type operations, e.g., sorting or organizing the group of data files, or searching for one or more files in the group. The action tags are carried on each data file, preferably in the header, so as to travel with the file as the file is transferred among devices. The action tagging generally involves tracking, and storing as metadata in the data file, each occurrence of each of multiple indirect actions, and one or more characteristics associated with each indirect action occurrence. In setting up a comparative-type operation, a user can select via an interface one or more parameters with which to constrain each input value computation for respective indirect activities. A user-selected weight can be assigned to each input calculation.

Abstract: Data files are action tagged by electronic devices as the files are used, and such tags are used to compute a total value for each data file among a group of data files for the purpose of running comparative-type operations, e.g., sorting or organizing the group of data files, or searching for one or more files in the group. The action tags are carried on each data file, preferably in the header, so as to travel with the file as the file is transferred among devices. The action tagging generally involves tracking, and storing as metadata in the data file, each occurrence of each of multiple indirect actions, and one or more characteristics associated with each indirect action occurrence. In setting up a comparative-type operation, a user can select via an interface one or more parameters with which to constrain each input value computation for respective indirect activities. A user-selected weight can be assigned to each input calculation.