Malicious software exists that allows computer hackers to commandeer your webcams and turn them into bugging devices. At the very least, that means your private life becomes public.
To avoid that happening, take the lead from Mark Zuckerberg and James Comey (yes, they do this): cover your webcams. And do the same with your teenagers’ computers.
For details, read more here:
One day prior to leaving on vacation, two clients of mine (husband and wife) had a relative visit. While asking if all was set for their trip, this individual sat down at my clients’ computer and determined there was “a much easier way” to access their e-mail while travelling. Their relative made some changes on their computer and promptly left. Later, while on-line, my clients realized they couldn’t open their e-mail. In a panic, they called and asked if I could help ASAP.
While at their home trying to ascertain the problem, I heard comments such as, “We never should have let them do this,” and “We don’t need that kind of help.” I explained to them that they had just received what I call, “Hit-and-Run Help.” Over and over again I hear stories about high school and college students who “help” family members with computer problems or who just decide that a program needs “tweaking.” With permission or not, the kids dive in, type or click a few things, declare the project “done,” and leave the scene. While they might have just fixed a problem or added a great new feature, the older folks have no idea what was done or why. In short, no learning took place.
After assuring my clients that everything was working again and after having them actually access their email accounts, the subject changed to how they can avoid such frustration in the future. We developed three simple conditions that must be agreed upon prior to any “help” that is offered. Here they are:
To help you, your family and your friends begin working with these steps, I’ve prepared an infograph for you. Use it as a screen saver or show a copy to anyone whenever they ask, “May I see your computer?”
It was supposed to be simple. Just 3 easy steps, my client was told, and she’d be up and running:
After going around and around with these “simple” steps, I was called to help. They didn’t work for me, either, so, being an investigator, I started looking for the set-up program. Immediately I discovered there was no mip share folder.
Then I began to look for “setup.exe.” Well, in a Windows system, there are many set-up programs — 50, 60, maybe 70. After a fair amount of searching, I located the right one: c:\sageFR50\setup\setup.exe. Now that I was armed with the all the correct information, yes, the installation was “simple.” One hour’s worth of my time (not to mention all the energy my client first invested), led to an uncomplicated, 10-minute installation of software. No thanks to the developer or manufacturer.
Many people reading this post probably won’t understand the computer jargon, and that doesn’t matter. What is important is that they see themselves in this story — beginning a computer project with an expectation of “easy going,” only to end up worse off. Not only is the project incomplete, but nerves are frazzled. What adds the real sting, however, are the notions that it’s your problem, you’re not smart enough to figure it out, you’re the only who’s had an issue, you’re not patient enough, etc. Banish those thoughts! Seriously!
Always remember that the World of All Things Tech is brimming — overflowing — with bad communication. Poorly written methods, disinterested customer support, experts who make a living exploiting the word “simple,” techs who only use “geek-speak,” etc. No wonder your frustration level is high. You’re trying to learn something new and you’re facing barriers all along the way.
The next time you decide to start a computer project of any sort (and you’re not an IT person), first pat yourself on the back. You’ve not been scared off by previous disasters. Second, allow yourself plenty of time to learn what it is you’re attempting to do. Set a deadline, as in, “It says it’ll take 10 minutes; I’ll give myself 2 hours.”
Once you’ve reached that point and have had little or no success, step away from the keyboard. Take a break, research the problem through on-line sources (a Google search is one of my favorite tools), call a friend. If you still haven’t had any luck, call a trusted computer consultant and let them tackle the issue. You have better things to do with your time (and your family). It doesn’t include stressing about a problem you weren’t ever going to solve in the first place.