Computers Again?

By: Kimberly Salter

        Have you ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong? Wishing you hadn't gotten out of bed? Well, I've had a few. They have a special design on them. I usually say: "My day has bones in it" as if I'm eating fish and keep running into a bone or something. These types of days almost inevitably seem to have, "Computer Problems" written all over them! Yes! You know the day, you turn on your computer and somehow it has a mind of its own! In the faint distance of your memory, you hear the cry of "Young Frankenstein" and the theme music to "Twilight Zone"! Here we go again!

        First I want to clear something up; I'm in no way a "Computer Genius". But, I'm not an idiot either! I have a handle on things and have taken computers apart as well as put them back together. 

        One day in particular was fraught with oddities. I was typing a letter and all of the sudden, my curser converted to an arrow, closed down my letter, went to my start button and then… FROZE! Because I have a cable modem, the computer is always on line. I was under the impression that the server protected us from any outside intruders. After turning off the computer and realizing the possibilities that I might have lost everything, I hopped on the phone and called my "Computer Genius" son. He answers his phone and I cry out: "HELP"!!! He starts laughing at me! I guess I sounded frightful. Once I calmed down and explained how serious I was, there was a cold dead silence from the other end of the phone. This is not good! My son goes into his "Geek" mode and starts by saying: "Mom! What did you do this time?" No way was this my fault! I proceed to explain that the computer did its own thing. After consulting with the true Computer Genius (his boss) and conferring with others in the office, he explained that it seemed like a "Hacker" had somehow taken control of my computer! I ask "Why?" I had no idea someone would find me interesting enough to "MESS" with! You've got to be kidding! Me, it's laughable right? Well we can giggle now but at the time, I was very upset. He explained; 'It probably has nothing to do with who I am or the information I have on the computer. There are nerds out there that love to cause havoc and practice on the less suspicious easy targets. The ones that think they are not interesting to other people in cyberspace.' Yes, you and me who have enough knowledge of the computer and the Internet to visit all our favorite sites, but who don't have "firewalls" and special programs to protect us from the criminal element in "Cyber" life. Oh my! My son continues: "Don't worry Mom, I'll see if I can fix it for you when I get home. But what ever you do, don't turn it on till I get there"! Phew! Here comes the Calvary! 

        The clock ticks on. I stare at my helpless computer with the blank screen. I feel like "Dennis the Menace", I want to push the button so bad, but remember I am not supposed to. So, I'm off to other projects. 

        5:30, the door opens and in comes my "Knight In Shinning Armor!" Actually, he's looking more like James Dean in his leather jacket and shades. He looks at me and shakes his head with a big grin on his face. I must look pretty pitiful. Out of his pocket come a slew of discs he will use in an attempt to correct the problem. Trying so hard not to pounce, I am kind and say: "It can wait till after dinner." He looks a bit surprised and says: "So, you don't want me to fix it?" At this point I am beside myself and say: "Of course I want you to fix it, but thought you might like to have some supper before you start". "Nah" he says, and sits down at the desk. He turns on the computer… the deadly blue screen error and then black. His first comment was: "This is bad!" As I watch in amazement, his fingers fly on the keys like Speedy Gonzales! Screens flash up and down and he is searching code that looks like some type of cryptic message. Finally after all the tools have been used, the diagnosis! "Ok, Dr. what's the verdict?" He says: "We have to wipe the entire hard drive. It looks like when the "Hacker" gained control he then inserted a strand of code that shows you have the dreaded "Red Worm" virus! It has corrupted most of your files. It keeps re-routing and that's why you have a black screen with an insertion point! Did you back things up before this happened?" Oh dear, I knew he was going to ask that! Back Up you say? The beeping sound on a truck in reverse should stand as a constant reminder that; "You should always back up your files regularly"! You guessed it! I hadn't done a back up in 6 months. Stammering, I explained this to him. Shaking his head, he says: "Tisk, Tisk! Well, like you always said, we learn from our mistakes!" Ok, now I'm getting the counsel. (Just a reminder to all the parents in the world: There comes a time in all of our lives when our children teach us a thing or two!). So, the hours of wiping, reloading and installing begins.

        I am left with the agonizing process of figuring out what needs to be kept and what doesn't. We have become so computer dependant. I never write letters in pen any more. I e-mail my family and friends, and most of the time, cards are even sent from my computer. How have we come to this place? I remember the days when everything was done by hand, (no there's no wagon story) the many accounting ledgers with records at your fingertips. Processing insurance forms, contracts etc. all done on typewriter or written by hand. Now everything is done by the use of the computer. We even do our travel plans and tickets on line. It seems to be faster and easier, but at what price have we paid for this modern technology? Is it the convenience of having things done quickly? Have you noticed; when there is a power outage, you can't even buy groceries. Is that convenient? Don't get me wrong I love my computer. We have a wonderful relationship and I really don't relish the idea of life without it. Granted it has provided me with tremendous freedom in creativity, discovering things that would have been out of my reach before. What price do we pay for it? The question still haunts me.

        I have learned that, with technology, we have a whole new breed of cyber criminals. Thinking we are safe, using the Internet with secured servers and such, unknowing that there are ones who could use this information to our detriment. In life we see the criminal walking behind us waiting for an opportunity to strike. Yet, here in this vast place, the criminals are faceless and seem to have nothing to lose. At least the criminal element in real life can be ran down by the police, captured and prosecuted for their acts. But "Cyber" criminals have a whole different playground to pick from, the un-informed novice who finally has made it to the "Computer age", and are spending happy days on line investigating things of wonderment never before imaginable. 

        My lesson from this whole experience, is this simple but true thing: No matter where or what we are doing, we should educate ourselves to the dangers around us. Realizing that, in every dark corner, lies ones that would be happy to lift your wallet and scamper off un-noticed. 

        I now have a "firewall", "virus scan" and other features to protect the computer and my information. Remember, just because you think no one is interested in you, it does not mean it's true. Any one can become a victim of "Cyber Crime".