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Delete Files Painlessly
By Cate Eales
Appeared July 17, 2008 on castanet.net

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 dialog screen.

Don't you hate it when that happens?

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 dialog"
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 or as simple as two pads of Post-it notes in back.

Get organized! Here's a gadget that has made a real difference in my life: Keep-A-Cable, available here,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 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. Or you can download and install the update directly from this link.


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. Point your browser here to go there.  If you'd like to subscribe to this column by email, please visit this link.  It's easy, and free. If you'd prefer the RSS Feed, click here.


Links
Computer mouse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_mouse
Touchpad http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchpad
LapTop Desk http://www.laptopdesk.net/laptopdesk2f.html
Post-it Notes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-it_note
Keep-A-Cable http://keepacable.com/index1.html
XP: Restore declined updates http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748) http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=ed989a33-7a9e-4423-93a8-b38907467cdf&displaylang=en
Getting Along With Your Computer Column Archives http://rlis.com/column.htm
Get Cate's column by email http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?Sub=20618
RSS Feed: http://rlis.com/rlis.xml

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Cate Eales has been helping people make online computing safe, accessible and fun for over 20 years. She lives in Kelowna with her husband, Eric, and her dog, Sandy. Cate is a partner in Real Life Internet Solutions, helping individuals and small businesses with virus, spyware and malware eradication; personal computer training and management; digital image management; music transfer; and website design, hosting and management. Email Cate at cate@rlis.com with your comments, suggestions, or questions. To browse the column archives, visit the Real Life Internet Solutions website at www.rlis.com.

© Cate Eales 2008 – All Rights Reserved
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