Q. I'm constantly playing Windows' Solitaire game. Can you tell me how to create a shortcut to that so I can access it from my Desktop? Phyllis in Fountain Hills

A. Thanks for your question, Phyllis, but I’ve got to ask: Don’t you have a job or anything better to do than to constantly play Solitaire? Get a pet, get a hobby -- or get a life, for heaven’s sake!

Okay, enough personal coaching from Mr. Modem. To create a shortcut to any file or program, first you need to locate the "target" file (the .exe or executable file in the case of a program), then right-click and select Send To > Desktop (Create Shortcut). In this case, the filename is sol.exe, so click Start > Find (or Search) > Files or Folders and search for sol.exe.

When the search window displays the file, right-click and create the shortcut by right-clicking, as I just mentioned. You can also drag the sol.exe file kicking and screaming to your Desktop. When you release the button, you’ll be able to choose if you want to move, copy or create a shortcut. Click Create Shortcut Here. Once it’s created, you can start playing by double clicking the Desktop shortcut.

Bonus Tip: When you create the shortcut, it’s going to have a wordy default name like “Shortcut to sol.exe." So highlight the icon, press F2, and type in a new name. Let’s see, what would be a good name to choose? Well, I'm going out on a limb here, but why not be wildly creative and rename it "Solitaire"?



Q. When I download programs from the Internet and it says to close all open programs, does that include my firewall and antivirus programs? How can I feel safe downloading if I disable those two programs that are supposed to protect me? Barry in Philadelphia

A. If you look closely at the wording that appears at those download locations, it tells you to close all open programs when installing the software, not when downloading it. You definitely do not want to disable your anti-virus program before downloading. That’s asking for trouble.

When it's time to install a program, it is recommended that you shut down any running programs and any anti-virus program, in particular. In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve gotta tell you that I rarely shut down anything -- other than open programs I happen to be using at the time -- when I install software, and I have never had a problem.

The easiest way to temporarily shut down programs running in the background is to right-click each icon as it appears in the System Tray (below the time display), and select "Close" or "Exit." The next time you start up your computer, the programs will start up again.




ChocoLocate

http://chocolocate.com

If you're thinking about chocolate – and who isn't – I’ve got a site that will help you locate whatever it is you're thinking about. At ChocoLocate.com, a keyword search functions like a regular search engine, but there's also a series of drop-down "Find by" menus that permit you to find lip-smackin' resources by Keyword, Category, State, and Newest resources.

Categories include Retailers, Gift Baskets, Recipes, and Books. I searched for "bars" (as in "chocolate bars") and received 18 results which included links to a chocolate bar rating system, a British review of 141 different chocolate bars, and Wow-Wee Maui bars, in case you've ever wondered what chocolate, macadamia nuts and banana taste like together. Fortunately, online ordering is conveniently available. Unfortunately, it just can’t arrive soon enough.

Mr. Modem