Ask

Ask Mr. Modem! – April 2010     
www.MrModem.com   


Temp Files: To Delete or Not to Delete?

Q.  Is it safe to delete everything in my Temporary files folder?  I notice that some of the files are several years old, while others are only a couple of days old. Can I delete everything and wipe the slate clean?

A.  C:\WINDOWS\TEMP is a folder set aside for files that a program creates while it is running. If you open a document in Microsoft Word, for example, the program creates a number of temporary files to keep track of editing changes so you can undo them later, if necessary.

It's safe to delete everything in your C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder, except files that display the current date, because those might be in use or needed while a program is being used. Anything older than the current date is fair game. To delete your temporary files, using Windows Explorer (Windows Key + E), navigate to your C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder and click View > Details. Click the "Modified" or "Date Modified" column headings to sort the files by date.

Select files that are dated before the current date by clicking the first file you want to delete, holding down the SHIFT key and clicking the last file. All files between your first and last selections will be highlighted. If you need to delete non-contiguous files, meaning files incapable of spreading disease -- no, wait, that would be non-contagious files. Sorry. If you want to delete files that aren’t next to each other, hold down the CTRL key, instead of the SHIFT key, and click only the files you want to delete. Once your selected files are highlighted, press the DELete key.


Q.  I bought an external drive that requires a USB 2.0 port. I’m not sure what my computer has? How can I tell?

A.  A quick visit to your Device Manager will let you know if you have USB 2.0 or USB 1.x, so right-click My Computer > Properties > Hardware tab > Device Manager button.

Scroll down and click the little plus (+) sign in front of “Universal Serial Bus Controllers.” Look for “Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller." The wording may vary, but the key word is "Enhanced." If it's "Enhanced," it's USB 2.0; If it's not, then it's USB 1.x. As a low-tech alternative, plug in your device and see what happens.
At best, it will work; at worst, it won't.


Q.  I bought a new printer so I need to uninstall my old one. Can you explain how to do that? I’m using Windows XP, if that matters.

A.  To remove your old printer, click Start > Printers and Faxes, then right-click your old printer icon and select Delete. You'll be asked to confirm the deletion.

Removing your old printer may not remove extra drivers and/or support software, so you may need to remove those items manually. To do that, go to your Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs, and look through the list for anything that relates to your old printer by name. If you find something, click to select it, then click Remove. If anything fails to budge, use the free Revo Uninstaller (www.revouninstaller.com).


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

Online Einstein
No, this isn’t my new Web site, but thanks for thinking of me. Those who  are interested in learning more about the man behind the Theory of Relativity and E = MC Hammer, will enjoy this informative site. Be sure to visit “The Gallery,” a virtual tour of Einstein's personal papers, notebooks, diaries, and other documents that reveal major influences in his life and work.
www.alberteinstein.info

Palabea
An online educational Web site and social community that provides the opportunity to learn and practice foreign languages. Palabea users can access video lessons, podcasts and multimedia educational material, plus information about language schools. Users can also engage in online conversations in a foreign language and either play teacher or assist others. The three “official” languages of Palabea are English, German and Spanish, but you can connect with individuals speaking everything from Afrikaans to Vietnamese, but sadly, not my native tongue, Tagalog.
www.palabea.net

Whichbook
If you have ever had a hankering to curl up with a good book that aligns with your mood, here’s an unusual and innovative way to locate just the right match. The process begins with a few questions to help narrow down what it is you're looking for in a main character or setting; are you looking for a story that is both unpredictable and a little sad, or perhaps a challenging book that's inspirational -- but not so inspirational that you'll be inspired to get off the couch? Recommendations are accompanied by each respective book's availability in libraries throughout the U.K. Non-U.K. readers need not despair, however. The recommendations are excellent, regardless of your location.
www.whichbook.net

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