My Computer Got the Flu

This is the third time.

I’m surfing the web, specifically a social network site, when there appears a so-called “antivirus” software insisting to scan my computer and finding anywhere from 25 to 87 “infected areas.” Usually I can retreat, but this time, the Trojan advances, pushes, and crashes through Window’s Firewall in its “antivirus” disguise and makes itself the opening host at the start up ceremony.

So I sit here, refusing to activate “real time protection” from one software, and acknowledging random pop ups that tell me files ending in .exe are infected, not knowing which program is legitimate and which is a liar.

What happened to my genuine antivirus software? I don’t know.  I’ve been missing one for a few months now because every time I tried to upgrade, my browser would inexplicably kick me out.

Yes, I knew my computer has been vulnerable to a runny nose, sore throat, cough and sneeze attacks for a while yet I was hoping its immune system was strong enough to fight the allergies of cyber world, but alas, it is evident my five-year-old computer is a frail, creaking, slow thing in need of some vitamins.

So what will be my next step? Considering I could not find a “self-destruct” application on my desktop, and that the decision to drop my CPU from three (preferably more) stories high as satisfaction of being the one to crash my computer was judged “impractical, extreme, and unnecessary” by Common Sense, I now have only the names of two people to call.

Putting a sweater on my CPU is probably too late now, not to mention ineffective. Lamenting for something I know very well I could have prevented goes against that wise saying: Mas vale prevenir, que lamentar, my apologies.

The computer’s side of the story:

My User’s Got Issues

And I’m not just talking about the ones in the “Journal” folder… I mean technological discrepancies! She keeps me so outdated it’s a miracle I’ve survived this long! Apologies! It seems her motto is more along the lines:“Es mas fácil lamentarse que prevenirse.”

The third time really, what’s she blaming me for? The true victim here is me; coping with both hackers and a faulty user. I only obey her orders, and I don’t think she knows where her cursor blinks or her arrow points because she falls for those usurping icons like she’s got an IT degree weighing her down. And then freaks out. She doesn’t have much intel inside, if you ask me.

How long does she think this aging brain can process? Not much longer with the type of maintenance she’s been giving me.  As far as dropping me from her rooftop, I’d drop myself at the first opportunity—

I wish her luck finding a machine that will put up with her carelessness and neglect!

Allow me to save a computer and share tips on how to stay protected. Simply type “how to avoid computer viruses” on a search engine and countless pages such as this one will appear: http://www.nospysoftware.com/spyware-articles/avoid-computer-viruses.php

And, it’s a little late for my user, but the University offers a free McAfee Anti-Virus download here:  http://www.uh.edu/infotech/php/software_downloads.php