Q. What option should I choose when downloading programs, Save or Run? What is the difference?

A. I always select the “Save” option and save any downloaded file to my Windows Desktop. That kills two birds with one stone -- not that Mr. Modem is in favor of harming airborne creatures, of course. First, by saving a file to my Desktop, I can easily find it after the download has completed. Then, after installing the program, I move the downloaded file into a Downloads folder so it will be close at hand, should I ever need to reinstall it.

Selecting the “Run” option will instruct your computer to download and immediately run (launch) a file or program. If a problem arises during the installation, if you didn’t save the file, you’ll have to download it again. I also like to double-check files for viruses, so saving them to my Desktop allows me to scan them again, before execution.

Q. I've got two computers networked (connected) at home. I use Windows Explorer to drag files from one computer to a destination folder on the other computer that I named "To Be Filed," until I can figure out where they belong. Is there an easier way to move files from one computer to a designated folder on my other computer?

A. There sure is. Since you initially move your files into your "To Be Filed" folder, I'd suggest adding that folder to the "Send To" menu. In that way you’ll be able to right-click and select your destination folder, without all that exhausting dragging.

To accomplish this, using Windows Explorer (right-click the Start button and select Explore), navigate to the Send To folder. Depending on the version of Windows you're using, you'll find it in the C:\Windows folder or under Documents and Settings, in the User folder (C:\Documents and Settings\User\Sendto). You can also click Start > Run and type “sendto” (without the quotes) followed by OK.

Right-click the Send To folder and click New > Shortcut. When the Create Shortcut wizard opens, use the Browse button to navigate to your destination folder. Select (highlight) the folder and click Open, then follow the prompts to the next screen where you can provide a name for the new Send To item, such as “To Be Filed.”

To use the shortcut, locate a file you want to reside on your second computer, right-click, and select Send To > To Be Filed, to send the selected file to your destination folder.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

MonsterMoving.com
Few things in life are as stressful as moving from one house to another or to another city. Tying your life's possessions to the back of your Uncle Rudy's pickup truck is no way to do it. This site makes the entire process of moving easier and more cost effective. Here you can find a mover, estimate your costs, purchase insurance, create a "moving day" check-list, and even turn utilities on or off. There's also a semi-helpful glossary, e.g: "Truck: (See Uncle Rudy.)"
www.monstermoving.com

Daily Kitten
Macho, testosterone-fueled guys like me, when we're not busy brawling in barrooms, participating in tractor-pulls or eating steel, hang out at rough-and-tumble sites like the Daily Kitten. What better way to start a day full of mayhem and chaos than with the picture of a little kitty. (Puppy lovers, don’t get your kibbles in an uproar: Check out www.dailypuppy.com)
www.dailykitten.com

The Smithsonian
An excellent site that covers everything from museum exhibits to historical trivia. Plan your next visit to the Smithsonian Institute or search the comprehensive list of topics from aeronautics to zoology.
www.si.edu

For plain-English answers to your questions by email, plus useful PC tips, subscribe to Mr. Modem’s Weekly Newsletter. For information, visit www.MrModem.com.