File management
Open file and folder properties sheets from the keyboard
Some of the most common file or folder operations involve the properties sheet. It is usual to access this dialog box by right-clicking on the file or folder and then selecting “Properties” from the context menu. Another way that may be faster is to hold down the “Alt” key and double-click the file or folder. [...]
Software for less common archive and compression file formats
Although ZIP files are the most common form for archiving or compressing files, there are many other types of file compression that you might encounter. Windows has a native ZIP feature but it does not understand formats like RAR, TAR, or GZIP. If you download one of these or one of the many other archive [...]
Free online file storage from Google
Want some free space online to place files so they are accessible from anywhere? Google has announced an expansion of its file storage at Google Docs:
We’re happy to announce that over the next few weeks we will be rolling out the ability to upload, store and organize any type of file in Google Docs. With [...]
Give a suspicious file the real once-over
Got a file you want to check out? Really check out? How about scanning it with 41 different anti-virus programs? That’s what Virus Total Uploader will do. Lifehacker gives some details:
VirusTotal Uploader automatically uploads any file to online virus scanner VirusTotal, scanning it for viruses with 41 different popular antivirus applications—and now it’s even better [...]
Synchronizing folders between different computers or drives
Many of us use more than one computer. Very often it is desirable to keep the files in certain folders synchronized so that they are the same on different locations. I have previously mentioned the free Microsoft utility called SyncToy. However, I find it extremely slow and I abandoned it after a few tries.
For some [...]
The “undo” function
There must be thousands of keyboard shortcuts in Windows. Many of them are quite useful but a normal human will probably remember only a select few. One of the handiest shortcuts is well known but it’s worth repeating. If you are going to use any keyboard shortcuts, include this one in your repertoire. It is [...]
Supplement Windows Explorer
From its beginnings, Windows Explorer has had deficiencies as a file manager. For example, operations involving two locations such as copying or moving a file are more awkward than they need be. To some extent, the Task Pane in XP or Favorite Links in Vista/7 or Libraries in Windows 7 are a help but the [...]
How to copy a picture from an email or Web page
I received an email from someone who wanted to know how to copy a picture from his Outlook Express mail. I assume the picture is in the body of the email and not just an attachment. It’s very simple to copy a picture from any HTML formatted email as well as from many other kinds [...]
New file extension site
Nir Sofer is one of those public-spirited programmers who provides useful, free utilities for the PC community. Recently he also announced a site for getting information about file extensions. The site allows you to find out which Windows software can open a specific file extension.
Really, really delete a file
As was explained in an older post, deleting a file doesn’t really delete a file. As I wrote previously:
The usual procedure for deleting a file in Windows contains the safety feature of first placing the deleted file in the Recycle Bin. If you change your mind and want the file back, it can then be [...]
Recover lost data
Every now and then, I mention software for recovering deleted files. Recently, Lifehacker came up with a selection of five data recovery programs.
The site MakeUseOf has also recently reviewed several recovery programs.
