Phone: 250.764.7043
Email: help@computercarekelowna.com

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Getting  Along With Your Computer Column Archive

Missing Links, Missing Recycle Bins, and Antivirus Tips
by Cate Eales

Appeared December 3, 2009 on castanet.net
 

This week, I answer readers’ questions on what to do when your email forgets how to handle a link, how to restore a missing Recycle bin to your Desktop, and how to change from one antivirus program to another. Keep the questions coming, folks!


Clicking a link in my email doesn’t open my browser anymore!
When things work properly, you can read your email, and click on a link in it to open your browser (usually Internet Explorer or Firefox) and view the linked content. When Windows forgets what to do when you click on a link in your email, you can easily fix it:

If your default browser is Internet Explorer:

If your default browser is Firefox:

I deleted the Recycle Bin from my Desktop! How do I get it back?
I don’t know how this happens, but I get a lot of mail asking this question. In Vista, it’s easy to fix:

(click to enlarge graphic)

If you are still running XP, download TweakUI here. Install it and open it. In the Desktop section, put a check next to “Recycle bin” and OK your way out. If that doesn’t work, follow the instructions here.

XP and Vista users can also check the Microsoft Knowledge Base article here for more information.


Do I have to uninstall my old antivirus program when I install a new one?
Yes, absolutely. Here’s how:

Quite a few emailed asking about Microsoft Security Essentials. I loaded it on my XP netbook, and so far I am impressed. It installed properly, it was easy to configure, and it is easy on system recourses when scanning.

Because it’s so new, we don’t yet know how effective it is at stopping bad things from happening.
Tests on the Beta version show it comparing favourably with Avira, Avast, and AVG Free, and testing continues now that MSE has been released. (More here.)

Note that there is no “email scanner” included in MSE, but every file that comes into your computer, even via email, is checked. MSE won’t let you open what it knows is an infected file. Make sure your settings are:

Settings | Real-time protection
“Scan all downloaded files and attachments” should have a check mark

(click here to enlarge graphic)

And:

Settings | Advanced
“Scan archive files” should have a check mark

(click to enlarge graphci)

Microsoft Security Essentials is free, and available here. (Your computer must be running a legitimate version of XP, Vista, or Windows 7.) I’m going to keep using it, and I’m going to keep my eye on the reviews and test results.


Links
Internet Explorer http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Internet-explorer/default.aspx
Firefox http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html
TweakUI http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/Downloads/powertoys/Xppowertoys.mspx
Registry fix for missing XP Recycle Bin http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/rec_bin.htm
Microsoft KB article on Missing Recycle Bin http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810869
Microsoft Security Essentials http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
Avira http://www.free-av.com/
Avast http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
AVG Free http://free.avg.com/ww-en/homepage
One thumb up for MS Security Essentials in early tests http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/01/ms_security_essentials_review/
Computer Care Kelowna http://computercarekelowna.com
Getting Along With Your Computer Column Archives http://rlis.com/column.htm
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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, 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 help@computercarekelowna.com.

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© Cate Eales 2009 – All Rights Reserved

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