BACKSTORY/INTRO:
I recently installed Linux Mint 18 Sarah because I was essentially forced to, but I already love linux. When I was doing my reading I realized that I would have to partition my drive and stick Linux in its own partition. This meant, or so I thought, that I wouldn't be able to access files in my Windows OS as that would be a different partition. However, when I was playing around making directories and such, I noticed that my Windows 8 C drive was not only accessible, but also considered removable media like a USB. I then went through my C drive looking at text files bc I was confused as to why I could see them. A few hours later after coming back from being in Windows, my C drive and another drive I've never seen before were on my desktop, however, when I used cd Desktop
and then ls
neither drive was visible in the Desktop directory. When I'm in Windows I can't see Linux Mint at all.
QUESTION:
a) How was I able to access files from another partition and then magically have them be on my Desktop while not being in my Desktop?
b) Did I screw something up when I installed?
Beyond this I haven't had any real issues with bugs so far. Linux is cool.
EDIT: I've asked/answered questions on other Stackexchange sites and each seems to have a preference for formatting and how you ask a question. Please let me if there are any issues with formatting or how I've asked my question.