 Cate Eales provides some great computer tips! |
Delete files painlessly
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Jul 17, 2008 / 5:00 am
Jul 17, 2008 / 5:00 am
Are you sure you want to send that file to the Recycle Bin? Are you really, really sure? Also, some tips for laptop users, and ZoneAlarm plays well with Microsoft Update again.
Yes, I'm sure!
One day I realized I was sick and tired of Windows asking me "Are you sure...?" every time I tried to delete a file. I know it's for my own protection, but I've only been using Windows for how many years now? I'm pretty sure I'm sure!
So I turned off the nag...I mean, confirmation dialogue screen.
Here's how: (Same instructions for XP and Vista)
Right-click on the Recycle Bin on your Desktop
Click on Properties
Clear the check mark next to "Display delete confirmation dialogue"
Click OK
That's all there is to it. You'll still get a confirmation dialogue when you empty the Recycle Bin.
If you realize you've deleted something you want to keep ("OK, I WAS sure, but I was WRONG!") you can get it back if you haven't emptied the Recycle Bin yet.
Double-click on the Recycle Bin
Right-click on the item you want to restore
Click Restore
The item will go back to where it was before you deleted it.
Tips for laptop users
Are you thinking of using a laptop as your primary computer? Here are a couple of things you can do to make your experience better.
Get a mouse! Don't rely on the "touchpad" that's built in to the laptop for everyday use. It will drive you crazy. It's fine for every now and then, but a mouse is easier to use and feels more natural in your hand. In fact, I find that a wireless keyboard/mouse combination works best for me. When I use my laptop at my desk, I put the wireless keyboard and mouse on the pull-out. It helps with my posture, and with my eyesight!
Get some ventilation! Now that the summer heat is here (finally!) your laptop needs some space between it and the desk or table. Use something to prop it up. It can be as elaborate as the LaptopDesk (http://www.laptopdesk.net/laptopdesk2f.html) or as simple as two pads of Post-it notes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-it_note) in back.
Get organized! Here's a gadget that has made a real difference in my life: Keep-A-Cable, available here:
Keep-A-Cable
It is indispensable for anyone who uses a laptop at a desk and then unplugs it to go somewhere else. Modestly priced. I wish someone would carry these locally!
ZoneAlarm problem resolved
Last week (http://rlis.com/columns/column154.htm) I wrote that Windows Update KB951748 caused ZoneAlarm users to be unable to connect to the internet. Microsoft withdrew the update, and ZoneAlarm pushed out an update to correct the problem. Check your ZoneAlarm version:
Right-click the ZoneAlarm icon in the system tray
Click on "Restore ZoneAlarm Control Center"
Click on "Overview" on the left side of that window
Click on the "Product Info" tab. If you have ZoneAlarm Free/Basic Firewall, you should see version 7.0.483.00. If you do, close ZoneAlarm it will go back to the system tray.
If you have an older version (lower number) click on the "Preferences" tab
Click on "Update now"
Once you have downloaded and installed ZoneAlarm, you can safely accept the update. If you have hidden the update, follow the instructions here (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525. Or you can download and install the update directly from this link:
ZoneAlarm
Thank you once again to everyone who wrote with questions, suggestions, comments and requests for service calls. You can email your questions, comments and suggestions to me at cate@rlis.com. Don't forget, the archives are always available. Browse to:
Cate's archives
Yes, I'm sure!
One day I realized I was sick and tired of Windows asking me "Are you sure...?" every time I tried to delete a file. I know it's for my own protection, but I've only been using Windows for how many years now? I'm pretty sure I'm sure!
So I turned off the nag...I mean, confirmation dialogue screen.
Here's how: (Same instructions for XP and Vista)
That's all there is to it. You'll still get a confirmation dialogue when you empty the Recycle Bin.
If you realize you've deleted something you want to keep ("OK, I WAS sure, but I was WRONG!") you can get it back if you haven't emptied the Recycle Bin yet.
The item will go back to where it was before you deleted it.
Tips for laptop users
Are you thinking of using a laptop as your primary computer? Here are a couple of things you can do to make your experience better.
Get a mouse! Don't rely on the "touchpad" that's built in to the laptop for everyday use. It will drive you crazy. It's fine for every now and then, but a mouse is easier to use and feels more natural in your hand. In fact, I find that a wireless keyboard/mouse combination works best for me. When I use my laptop at my desk, I put the wireless keyboard and mouse on the pull-out. It helps with my posture, and with my eyesight!
Get some ventilation! Now that the summer heat is here (finally!) your laptop needs some space between it and the desk or table. Use something to prop it up. It can be as elaborate as the LaptopDesk (http://www.laptopdesk.net/laptopdesk2f.html) or as simple as two pads of Post-it notes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-it_note) in back.
Get organized! Here's a gadget that has made a real difference in my life: Keep-A-Cable, available here:
Keep-A-Cable
It is indispensable for anyone who uses a laptop at a desk and then unplugs it to go somewhere else. Modestly priced. I wish someone would carry these locally!
ZoneAlarm problem resolved
Last week (http://rlis.com/columns/column154.htm) I wrote that Windows Update KB951748 caused ZoneAlarm users to be unable to connect to the internet. Microsoft withdrew the update, and ZoneAlarm pushed out an update to correct the problem. Check your ZoneAlarm version:
Once you have downloaded and installed ZoneAlarm, you can safely accept the update. If you have hidden the update, follow the instructions here (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525. Or you can download and install the update directly from this link:
ZoneAlarm
Thank you once again to everyone who wrote with questions, suggestions, comments and requests for service calls. You can email your questions, comments and suggestions to me at cate@rlis.com. Don't forget, the archives are always available. Browse to:
Cate's archives
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