Remove Unwanted Programs Correctly

Q.  This is probably a stupid question, but what does OEM stand for? I see it all the time in computer magazines.

A.  There are never any stupid or silly questions here in Mr. Modemville, so you’ve come to the right place. Short for Original Equipment Manufacturer, an OEM, within the context of computing, is a company that produces computers, but adds hardware, software, documentation, and/or other components to make the computer a complete package. The company then sells the product under its own name and supports the computer to the best of its ability. Bonus Tip: It’s a good idea to be leery of any warranty that includes the phrase “to the best of our ability.”

Q.  What is the correct way to uninstall a program? I’ve heard and read about various methods to the point that I’m now thoroughly confused. I love your weekly newsletter, Mr. M. Keep up the good work.

A. If you’re like most users, the first place you turn to remove an unwanted application is your Control Panel and the Add/Remove Programs utility. Good thinking, but that’s actually the second place to turn. 

The first place is a program’s folder, by clicking Start > Programs (or Program Files). Click once to display any sub-folders under a program and look for an Uninstall option. If it’s there, double-click it to start it.  If you don’t find a built-in uninstall utility within the program, then you can turn to Windows.

Go to your Control Panel and double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. From the list of installed programs, locate the program that you want to remove, click it once to select it, then click the Remove (Uninstall) button.

If the program is not in the Add/Remove programs list, try to locate a ReadMe file in the program’s folder and look for uninstall instructions there. If you can’t find anything, go to the program’s Web site and look for a FAQ file or support assistance.

For super-stubborn programs that just won’t take a hint and leave, you can deploy a heavy-hitter, third-party program such as the free Revo Uninstaller (www.revouninstaller.com) which removes programs and all related Registry entries and hidden files. When all else fails, Revo should get the job done.

Q.  When I receive an email with an attachment, I get a message that says, “OE removed access to the following unsafe attachment.”  Is there any way to avoid that so I can see the attachment?

A.  There sure is. Start Outlook Express, then click Tools > Options > Security tab. Under Virus Protection, remove the check mark beside “Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus.” Click Apply > OK to save and exit. Close then reopen Outlook Express and the problem will be resolved.

Mr. Modem’s Sites of the Week:
Cute Overload
This site scours the Web looking for the cutest images imaginable. The site is teeming with images of bunnies, puppies, kittens, birds, and hundreds of other endearing and/or gag-reflex inducing photos. All together now: “Awwwwww…”
http://cuteoverload.com

Forbes Fictional 15
This list, developed by Forbes employees with far too much time on their hands, ranks the 15 wealthiest fictional characters. Affluent personae include Ebenezer Scrooge, Daddy Warbucks and, of course, Richie Rich. The site is frequently slow-loading, so be patient if it doesn’t pop right up on screen or click to bypass the initial advertisement.
http://tinyurl.com/bpj7n

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