Computer Hints and Tips

1) Virus Hoaxes
SeniorNet Napier newsletters have previously strongly advised members to ignore virus warnings (usually sent by well meaning friends). If you receive a virus warning it is probably a hoax, and the best thing to do is delete the message.
It's not a good idea to send these warnings on, as the message inevitably urges you to do.
In recent weeks the value of this advice has shown up with one of the latest hoaxes, which warned recipients about a "virus" file called sulfnbk.exe and gave detailed instructions on how to remove this file and get rid of the "virus". Trouble is, the supposed "virus" file is actually part of Windows 98 operating system, and is required by Windows 98 for handling long file names. People who were tricked into deleting this file were sabotaging their own systems.

2) Having Trouble Double-Clicking?
Some people find it difficult to hold the mouse still whilst trying to double-click the left mouse button. In many cases this difficulty can be easily overcome if you just remember that the same result can usually be achieved by clicking once, then tapping the ENTER key.
This works fine when clicking on buttons and icons, and settings in dialogue boxes.
There are a few instances where the substitution isn't effective, but it works most of the time so it's worth cultivating the habit.

3) Removing a "Stuck" Floppy Disk.
When you press the release button to eject a floppy disk from its drive, the disk is pushed out by a small internal spring.
Sometimes the disk will get stuck inside the drive and the internal spring will not be enough to eject it. Sometimes the corner of the label will curl up and be bent over, exposing a small amount of the label "sticky side out". This can be enough to jam the disk inside the drive.
If you have to remove a stuck floppy disk, there are two important things to remember:-
1) Be Gentle.
If you can't grip the exposed part of the floppy disk with your fingers, use a pair of tweezers. Grip the disk gently so you don't crush its casing, and remove it with a rocking motion rather than a straight pull. Be patient; it's very easy to wreck a floppy drive.
2) Use the Release Button.
Hold the release button in, all the time you are trying to withdraw the disk. If you fail to do this you will be fighting the drive's locking mechanism, and you won't be able to get the disk out without wrecking something.
Precautions:-
Check your floppy disks - make sure you fix any with peeling labels. Either remove the offending label and replace it, or cut off peeling label corners with a razor blade.
John Selby

First printed SNN Newsletter June 2001