Ask Mr. Modem! – January 2008     
www.MrModem.com   


Is Skipping OK, okay?

Q. When I change settings, at the bottom of the screen it has the OK and APPLY buttons. I always click APPLY, then OK, but when I skip APPLY and just click OK, it seems to do exactly the same thing. Can I save a step and just click OK without clicking APPLY?

A. Depending what you're doing, there may be a valid reason to use APPLY versus OK, or both in concert, so let’s take a look at what each button does: APPLY saves any changes you make without closing the dialog box or window.  So you would click APPLY and not click OK if you make changes and need to make additional changes on the same screen. Clicking OK saves any changes and closes the dialog box, so you would click OK if you're making one change and then want to exit.

Most people click APPLY > OK out of habit, as a two-step operation to save and exit, but technically, it's not always necessary -- again, depending what you're doing at the time. 


Q.  I’ve been to the AVG Web site, but I can’t find the free version you’re always talking about.  They must have it pretty well hidden.  Can you point me to it, Mr. M?

A.  The free version of AVG AntiVvirus continues to be my favorite anti-virus program. It automatically updates daily, has a scheduler so you can run full system scans in the middle of then night, and you can’t beat the price. Most vendors do tend to hide their freebies, and the good folks at AVG are no exception, but you’ll find the free version located at http://tinyurl.com/yo9npk. A paid version is also available, and you’ll find a features comparison of the free versus paid versions on the site, as well.


Q.  Can you explain the difference between “Read Only,” “Hidden,” and “Archive” options for files?

A.  When you right-click a file and select Properties, near the bottom of the Properties dialog box you’ll see the Attributes section. The items you refer to are three check-box flags or what are called file attributes that describe various characteristics of a file. Technically, it’s a bit more complicated than that, but for our purposes, and so my head doesn’t explode, I'm going to keep this as simple as possible.

The Read-Only attribute, as its name implies, causes a file to be "read-only," meaning that you can view it, but you cannot edit or delete it.

The Hidden attribute causes a file to be invisible under certain circumstances, such as when lists of files are displayed or when there’s a full moon.  For example, there are certain files within Windows that most of us have no business using, so those are typically hidden.  No good can come from most of us tinkering with hidden files, so to protect us from ourselves, Microsoft designates certain files as “hidden.” System files are generally hidden files, as are files that are critical to the performance and operation of Windows.

The Archive attribute was created by Microsoft to allow developers to quickly determine whether a file requires a backup (archive) copy.  The Archive attribute is established whenever an existing file is either overwritten or modified. The idea, in general, is to signal a backup program that a certain file needs to be backed up. A backup program may not know to save a new or modified file without the addition of the Archive attribute.


Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ‘Em) Sites of the Month

APA Help Center
At varying times, many people experience some form of depression, anxiety, or other psychological challenge(s). The American Psychological Association's Web site provides useful links to help us learn about dealing with anxiety and stress, practice techniques for healing our bodies with our minds, and when additional assistance is warranted, locate a therapist.
http://tinyurl.com/3yljbu

Worst Jobs in History
The Web site behind the U.K. television show “The Worst Jobs in History,” which explores the most miserable professions of the past 2000 years. If you think you’ve got it rough, think of laborers during the free-spirited Middle Ages or the swinging Victorian era. Good times, indeed. Each job is described in humorous and occasionally shocking detail. Fuller, Bog-Iron Hunter, Wattle-and-Daub Applier -- they’re all here.
http://tinyurl.com/2tmf5c

Virtual Vaudeville
Take an entertaining trip back to the 19th Century, where the past meets the future thanks to the convergence of nostalgia and technology. There are many fun features on the site, the highlight of which is the Virtual Vaudeville Live Performance Simulation System. Sounds like a party to me! Learn all about the development and production of this concept, which preserves online live theater for future generations to experience and enjoy.
www.virtualvaudeville.com

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