Computer implemented methods, apparati, and computer-readable media for quickly and safely opening computer files over a network. In a method embodiment of the present invention, a local computer (10) initiates a test open of a file (14) associated with a remote computer (12) that is coupled to the local computer (10) over the network (15). When the test open discloses that the remote computer (12) has an acceptable malicious code scanning means (13), the local computer (10) performs an actual open of the file (14).