August 21, 2014

How to remove 'Permanently shred with AVG' from your context menu

By Mike Lewis

If you have recently installed – or upgraded to – AVG 2014, you might have noticed a new item on context menus in Windows Explorer. The item reads 'Permanently shred with AVG', and it does what its name suggests: It completely destroys the file or folder you are pointing to, without any chance of recovery.

Now, it could be that you will find this feature useful. If you want to place some confidential information beyond the reach of the Recycle Bin or a file recovery tool, this is a good way of doing it. But if, like me, you are worried about accidentally shredding an important file, you might prefer to remove this menu option. Here's how to go about it.

August 8, 2014

How to stop the Samsung Galaxy from vibrating

By Mike Lewis

One of the things I dislike about my new Samsung Galaxy tablet is the way it vibrates at every opportunity – whether I want it to or not. It does this when I switch the device on, press the Home button, press and hold the Power button, and at several other times too.

This is irritating, not least because it’s unnecessary. I could understand it if the vibrations alerted me to an important event, such as an incoming message. But there is no reason to have this kind of haptic feedback every time I press certain buttons. (It’s also adds to the drain on the battery.)