Cerebral Combustion
The friend, the virus and the late-night random musings
My computer screwed up recently so I have sporadically written my articles the past weeks and much to my dismay. I felt that I have lost a friend and the only consolation I carried out through the darker days is the thought that he will be back soon -- or perhaps maybe much longer. I certainly have established a kind of connection to my computer, a kind which respects confidentiality and uncommonly reliable alliance; so lately, without it properly functioning, my thoughts are rammed up in miasmas of solitary confinements. It was found to be permeated with an unknown virus, something only geeky computer whizzes can totally understand. I thought it was cancer, I forgot that the poor thing is not human. It was only a thing which can do more than a real friend who talks, so I have often depended my life on it.
Computer viruses come in different forms. A single virus according to the Wikipedia can modify the copies, to which then the copies may modify themselves and spread from one computer to another when its host is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance by a user sending it over a network or the internet, or by carrying it over a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive. Meanwhile computer viruses can spread to other computers by infecting files on a computer file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer.
Perhaps, this was what the technician was trying to tell me. He was trying to tell me everything, and all I remember was nothing. All I asked him to do was to bring the old chap back to life.
While I'm waiting, my husband told me some days after that the system might need to be re-programmed to fully eradicate the virus. Everything that was in it, all the files that I have, including photographs and precious personal and family mementos will be doomed to eternal damnation. My dear old chap was corrupted so he needs to be cleaned up so the next time it works, it will no longer interfere with the whole computer operation system.
My computer has gone a long way. Together we have been through many things -- wonderful voyages and sad. So I guess next time, it will be a matter of precaution on my part as a friend.
To help avoid the bug always remember these easy simple steps. It is essential that you keep your computer current with the latest updates and anti-virus tools. Stay informed and alert about the latest threats that go around and it is imperative that you follow a few basic rules when you surf the Internet, download files and open attachments. It is important that you use an internet firewall. Never open an e-mail from someone you don't know or avoid opening attachments unless you are certain of its content.
By keeping these simple practices in mind, you can reduce the risk of infection and improve your computer's security.
Meanwhile, here I am musing random infected thoughts on somebody else's computer. Hey chap, it is not a betrayal of disclosure but a tribute to you. You know I cannot wait for you to get home and be where you truly belong.
(share your thoughts at du_minatrix@yahoo.com. Violent reactions are preferred. Advance Happy 78TH birthday to my beloved grandmother, Lorenza Descaya.)