QL for the 'average' computer user

Delete IE's temporary files automatically............

You can have Internet Explorer delete all those old unnecessary files by following these steps:

1. click on 'tools' in the browser toolbar
2. click on 'internet options' in the drop down menu
   
3. click on 'advanced'
4. scroll down to 'security'
5. check the box beside "Empty Temporary Internet Files Folder When Browser is Closed"
   

We have all recieved those emails that tell you about something terribly awful that is happening or that you can win a prize just by forwarding it to all your friends. You can check if these things are true. Go to About.coms Urban Legends and Folktales page. Then don't forget to email the page back to whomever sent it to you!

Looking for Trashable Email?
For free trashable email that is reportably similar to Mailinator that is recieve only and lasts a longer 7 days try dodgeit.com

It has been a long hiatus... But, I am back. The main site of Quantum-Links.com is under reconstruction at the moment and is undergoing a transformation.

Want Different sounds for opening and closing programs on Windows XP?
Go to 'Start' menu on your browser bar
Open the Control Panel
Double click on Sounds and Audio Devices.
Click the Sound tab
Under Program Events, highlight the task that you wish to assign a sound to like opening or closing a program
Under Sounds, click the down arrow and select the sound
Test it by clicking the play arrow key.
You can also use a sound you've downloaded onto your computer by clicking the Browse button to retrieve it off your system

As always, protecting your computer while out on the web is a must in this day and age. The more you have, the better you are. I was looking at some software and found one that I liked. It blocked hackers & intrusions as well as reporting them. It offers an intrusion detection system plus a firewall. Prevents worms & Trojans. It works right out of the box and as well as with dial up, DSL or cable modem. What I like is that it is all in one and works on email, instant messaging and through the web browser. Pretty much makes life alot easier and less worrisome. Check it out for yourself at "BlackICE PC Protection"

Critical WINDOWS Patches have been released mid-April. There are 20 vulnerabilities that they cover of which 8 are considered critical. This is one of their largest releases of patches and their report card gets marked with 'needs improvement'. Check what systems need the updates at MS Security Bulletins or you get them right off at Windows Update. For another point of view, the Dept of Homeland Security's Computer Emergency Readiness Team will give you information on this without all the corporate hype (albeit in tech talk) at Technical Cyber Alert. MS has named security their number one priority. To read their corporate take on this check out MS Executive Email for an 'interesting' read.

Everyone loves to scan and email photos. Have you ever wanted to scan a 3D object to send? Smaller objects can be scanned. Set your scanner to >high resolution > use a plain opposite color cloth to cover the object so you can leave the cover open (dark object = light cloth & vica versa) > scan<. You can use the preview option to make adjustments if the auto doesn't cut it. Don't forget to clean the scanner first as that dust will show up!!!

Looking for sensitive government documents or hard to get studies? You can access hard to find documents on 9/11 and more at The Memory Hole". They deliver alot more than the local newspaper ever will. Take a read, get informed & make up your own mind.

Have Kids using the internet?
A friend of mine showed me a site with a contract for kids using the internet. It does a great job spelling out what is their responsibilty, what they can and cannot do. As a teacher, I think it's a great tool to keep kids safe and secure out on the net. Check it out at kids internet contract

Best Places to Live in 2004
Money Magazine allows you to search 1200 cities on criteria like housing, weather, safety and more. See what their top picks are for cities to live in at Best Places To Live. Use the internet to your advantage as a consumer

Tired of information being gathered about you without your knowldge out on the internet via spyware, adware and more? These nefarious practices compromise the security of your computer! You can complain to the FTC. They are holding hearings April 19th, 2004 on this subject. They are accepting comments until May 21, 2004.
Get more information and email your thoughts at Federal Trade Commision Workshop

I am always up for a good laugh.... Check out the welcome from this site....
"Welcome. Primate Programming Inc. is dedicated to the advancement and gainful employment of non-human great apes within the United States information technology sector."
My only question is where do they get the time to do something as complex as this?

Watch your Internet Explorer Tool Bar

There are three important reasons why you should watch your toolbar:

1. It lets you see exactly where a link leads. By putting your mouse over a link, the toolbar will tell you
to what site the link leads to. I check as sometimes the link will say one thing and the site has
nothing to do with it.
2. It will show the little gold “lock” symbol that shows it is a secure site. In this day and age, it is important
to see that symbol before doing a transaction for your own security.
3. Lastly, it will tell you the status of a download. Face it, why sit there if the download isn’t going
anywhere. Also, it will tell you if you have time to go grab that cup of coffee.

If your toolbar ever changes without your doing it, you can lock it to your preferred settings:
1. Close all your browser windows except for one.
2. Go to view & click status bar to make sure it’s the settings you want.
3. Place the cursor over one the blank spots on the toolbar. Right click and a menu should pop up &
check the “lock toolbars” option.
4. Close the window to set your selection.
5. If you ever want to change your selection, repeat the process and uncheck the “lock toolbars”. Make
your changes and lock it again.