Q & A: I've recently I received questions from both the Mac and Windows worlds regarding changing the programs that open a particular file (also comonly referred to as "file association"), so I will provide some insight on how this is done.

Q - Every time I download something from the net, it is directed to Imaging as the program to open it and it won't open there. How can i change the opening program to something else other than Imaging and what program will open downloads from the net? [using Windows ME]

A - To specify the program that you would like a file to be opened with you can simply right click on the file. The right click will bring up a menu with the option "Open With" in it. Clicking on Open With will bring up the open with dialog box. Here you can choose which program will open that file. If you would like for that file to be opened with that particular program every time, check the box next to Always use this program to open these files.

The only caveat is that the program you select must be compatible with the file that you are trying to open. (Ie. Selectiing Photoshop to open an image file would be appropriate). If the file and program are not compatible, Windows will let you know and you'll have to repeat the process.

The second part of the question asks What programs will open downloads from the net? This all depends on what type of file you are downloading. Each file should have a file extension that associates it with a particular program.

• .zip will be opened by WinZip, or another zip compression program.
• .mov will be opened by Quicktime
• .wav will be opened by a .wav compatible audio program
• .jpeg (.jpg) will be opened by an imaging program

For more information on files, file extensions and the programs that open a particular file visit the High-Tech Dictionary page on File Types.

Q - How do I change file association on files? I know you posted that answer for MacOS X, but that does not work for OS9. (Ie. a jpeg file from one app to be opened by another when double clicked.)

A - It's a little bit tricky in OS 9. Especially since I don't have a computer with OS9 on it to try it out on. One solution would be to place an alias of the application that you would like to use on the desktop. You could then drag the file onto it to open it. (Ie. Create an alias of Graphic Converter on the desktop and drag a Photoshop file that you want to open, onto the Graphic Coverter alias.)

Q - Is it OK for a boy to shave his legs?

A - Unless you are a World Class Swimmer and are trying to improve your time to make it to Athens, then the answer is unequivocally, NO! Boys (men) should also avoid shaving other areas that are typically shaved by women. Didn't you see that episode of Seinfeld? Whoooo, that feels good.

Unsolicited Advice: If you are planning on doing a reinstall of your Operating System and you have Flash 2004 installed on your computer take this bit of advice.

Launch Flash, click on the help menu, and select Transfer Your Software License. Click here for more information on Transferring a License in Flash 2004. Trust me, this will save you a phone call and some lost productivity.

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