High Wired: Free yourself from WinZip with FreeZip

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BY ERIN PHEIL
special to the daily
December 22, 2007

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Download of the Week: FreeZip
WinZip is not free. If you know what I’m talking about, you’re either one of the folks who has purchased a license for WinZip or you’re one of the folks who has continued to use the trial version of the program, ignoring the “You have been using this program for x days now” message that shows up each time you use it.

If you happen to fall into the latter group, listen up, because there’s a free alternative. It’s called FreeZip and you can download it from www.PCWorld.com at: http://tinyurl.com/2pue6g. It uses no windows and no icons or pictures to usher you through the zipping and unzipping process; it simply gets right down to business by adding commands like “Zip” and “Unzip Here” to the menus you see when you right-click files and folders.

FreeZip is basic, free, simple and effective. So stop waiting for WinZip to load if you’re never going to buy a license, and go download FreeZip now.

Q& A of the Week:
Yes, Yes, I’m Totally, Totally Sure! Delete the File!

Reader-submitted question:
Hi Erin, I’m hoping you can help me out with an annoyance I experience regularly with my PC. Basically, I clean out the Recycle Bin on my desktop a lot, and when I do it I want to do it. I hate it that every time I go to empty the Recycle Bin my computer asks me “Are you sure?” Can I turn that confirmation message off somehow???? If so, where do I do it??”

Answer:
Yes indeed you can shut that confirmation pop-up off.
All you need to do is right-click the Recycle Bin and choose Properties from the menu that opens up. Look for the “Display delete confirmation dialog” check box, and make sure there’s no check mark in the box before you hit the OK button below.
That’s all there is to it. And of course, if you ever decide you want that confirmation dialog box to start showing up again when you empty your Recycle Bin, just check that box and hit OK.

Grab Bag: Five Links of the Week
• www.updatestar.com — Stay up to date on all your software upgrades; this free program alerts you when updates are available for any of your freeware, shareware and commercial software programs.

• http://tinyurl.com/2mu78o — A great Mac OSX tip that will help you avoid misdirected Mail messages.

• http://tinyurl.com/2zzedc — A how-to video that details a great method for taking holiday lights photos.

• www.suitcasesforkids.org — Through public donations, this organization provides children in foster care with suitcases for their personal belongings.

• www.rebateshare.com — Sign up with RebateShare and whenever you shop at one of the company’s partner stores (there are hundreds), you’ll receive cash back. Simple and convenient, especially if you’re a regular online shopper.

And that’s it for today, everyone. Happy, happy New Year.

Based in Frisco, eRin pheiL is the primary creative force behind timeforcake (www.timeforcake.com). She can be reached via phone at (970) 668-0709 or e-mail at info@timeforcake.com.