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 AntiVirus
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
the 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. For
most of us, no good can come from 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 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
This is 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
Treat yourself to a
subscription to Mr. Modem’s award-winning, weekly computer-help
newsletter! Helpful PC tips, great Web sites and personal, plain-English
answers to your questions by email. To view a sample issue or subscribe,
visit www.MrModem.com.
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