Q. What is a context menu? I was reading some instructions that kept mentioning context menus, but I don’t have a clue what they are. Can you help, Mr. M?

A. To view a context menu, right-click an icon or other object and you’ll be presented with a list of options you can implement at that location. That list is called a context menu because the options will always be presented within the context of the object or area clicked.

If, for example, you right-click the Recycle Bin icon, you’ll be presented with a list of options that pertain to the Recycle Bin. Just about everything in Windows (including software running under Windows) has its own context menus. Try right-clicking just about anything you encounter, anywhere in Windows, and you’ll see what I mean.

The most frequently accessed item on any context menu is the Properties option. As an alternative to right-clicking and selecting Properties, you can go directly to the Properties of any object by clicking once to select (highlight) the object, then press ALT + ENTER.

Try it with the My Computer icon on your Desktop. Click it once to select it, then press ALT + ENTER and you’ll be face to face with the System Properties dialog box, which contains information about your computer. Impressive, ain’t it?

Q. I recently changed the operation of my mouse to eliminate double clicking. After using it in single-click mode, I decided that I liked the old way (double-clicking) better, but I have forgotten what to do to reverse it. Can you help? I look forward to your newsletter every Friday, Mr. M.

A. I’m delighted you’re enjoying the newsletter. I should mention for all other readers that I’m having special mid-summer trial-offer in which you’ll receive a free seventh month with your six-month subscription, if you use the promotional code MODEM when you subscribe. To view a sample issue or subscribe, go to www.MrModem.com.

Turning to your question, all you need to do is go to your Control Panel > Folder Options. At the bottom of the Folder Options dialog box you’ll see “Double-click to open an item.” Click to select that, followed by Apply > OK and you’ll be instantly back into double-click mode.

Q. I’ve been thinking about switching to the Firefox browser that you have recommended, but my ISP (Earthlink) tells me that it only supports Internet Explorer. They made it sound like I'd be asking for trouble even if I used Firefox on occasion. Is that true?

A. When any Internet Service Provider tells you that you must use a particular browser or email program, it's for their convenience for support services, so they don’t have to be familiar with multiple browsers. According to Earthlink, Internet Explorer is needed to install Earthlink’s “Total Access” software, but once it's installed, you can use whatever browser you wish, including Firefox.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

Einstein’s Big Idea
Filled with fascinating facts about the legendary E=MC2 genius and his life's work, you’ll also find interesting articles about Einstein's personal life, as well as some interactive features that make the science behind the famous equation more accessible to the non-scientific public at large. Bonus Trivia Question: What two words will you never hear in the same sentence? The answer is "Einstein” and “Mr. Modem”—with the possible exception of the phrase, “'Mr. Modem is no Einstein."
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/Einstein

Montage-a-Google
As its name suggests, you’ll be presented with a montage of images based on keywords you enter. Type in a keyword and click the “Search” button. Montage-a-Google will harvest 20 images, using your search term. When the images are collected, click the “Create Montage” button. Montages created can be printed and are suitable for framing or gift-giving, if you’re truly desperate.
http://tinyurl.com/5uxos

For plain-English answers to your questions by email, plus useful PC tips, subscribe to Mr. Modem’s Weekly Newsletter. For information, visit www.MrModem.com.