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Getting-Along-With-Your-Computer

Quick tips

Is that file safe? Why does your mouse have two buttons? Where is the “No to all” button?

 

Check a file or a website with VirusTotal

When you visit the VirusTotal website (https://www.virustotal.com/en/) you’ll see a very clear explanation of the site’s purpose:

VirusTotal is a free service that analyzes suspicious files and URLs and facilitates the quick detection of viruses, worms, trojans, and all kinds of malware.

Not only that, it does it quickly, efficiently, and with a high degree of accuracy. VirusTotal aggregates information from 50 or so antivirus engines and checks files, URLs, and IP addresses. When you search on any of those, VirusTotal returns a result that shows how many of the AV engines returns a positive result. You can then decide if the file/site is likely to be harmful.

It’s dead easy to use, but if you need help, check the excellent documentation here: https://www.virustotal.com/en/documentation/searching/.

 

Learn to right-click

When I’m fixing a computer, setting up a computer, or tutoring a computer-user, I find I can amaze a lot of people by using the right mouse button. By “right” I don’t mean “correct.” I mean “the opposite of the left button!”

People are used to doing things by clicking or double-clicking the left mouse button. When you click once, you’re selecting something that you want to act on, or in a browser, you’re selecting a link that you want to go to. When you double-click the left mouse button, your are doing an action on the thing you’ve selected with that first single click.

Here’s what I mean. You have your Pictures folder open, and you double click on a picture. That causes a program to open in which you can view and/or edit your picture.

But if you right-click on that picture, you’ll see a context menu with a list of actions you can do. It’s called a context menu because right-clicking on different items brings up different things --- the list is context-sensitive. Move your mouse cursor over the action you want and click again to make it so.

Right-clicking has been around in every version of Windows, and is still largely unrecognized. It’s a powerful tool, and will make your life easier in whatever version of Windows you are running.


Just say no

Sometimes it's a good thing that Windows protects us from ourselves. For instance, when you try to copy a file from one place to another place, and there is already a file of the same name in the destination, Windows politely asks if you are sure you want to replace the existing file with the new one. The same thing happens --- only more so --- if you try to copy a bunch of files to a destination full of files with those same names. And this is annoying, because you have four choices: Yes, Yes to All, No, and Cancel. What? Where the heck is No to All?

It's a simple trick...once you know it. Hold down the SHIFT key and click on the No button. Windows then assumes you mean No to All.

 

Got a quick tip that impresses people or makes your life easier? Email [email protected] and I’ll share it with everyone!

 

Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or business computer get along!

Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna (http://computercarekelowna.com/) a mobile service helping home users and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and suggestions. Send email to [email protected].

You can read previous columns here: http://rlis.com/column.htm . If you'd like to subscribe to this column by email, please visit this link: http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?Sub=20618 . It's easy, and free. If you'd prefer the RSS Feed, click here: http://rlis.com/rlis.xml.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

The Technology Shaman, Cate Eales, has been helping people make online computing safe, accessible, and fun for over 30 years.

Cate lives in Kelowna with her husband, Eric. She owns and operates Computer Care Kelowna, a mobile computer business providing on-site service for home and small business customers.

Cate is here to help you and your home or business computer get along.

E-mail Cate at [email protected] with comments, suggestions, or questions.

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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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