Klarinet Archive - Posting 000294.txt from 2001/12

From: "Buckman, Nancy" <nebuckman@-----.us>
Subj: RE: [kl] virus warning (and moan)
Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 10:52:58 -0500

Mark,

This is what I was just saying. I am one of those unsavvy types who doesn't
understand the "lingo". That may make me appear incredibly dumb, but it
doesn't change the fact that "systems update home and patches" haven't quite
made it to my vocabulary list for computer use. My technological vocabulary
is strictly limited to water chemistry and swimming pool mechanics. While I
use a computer to help run my facility, like I said, the folks at work will
take care of any problems or conflicts that I might run into on my computer.
I just let them know when there is trouble and, blink, they appear with
their magic wands and fix everything. That's what they are paid to do.

I really wish I understood all the lingo. While I realize how fortunate I am
to not have picked up any viruses from the net or e-mail, I am aware that
they are there and waiting to infect anything they can latch onto. I do
make a point of not opening any attachments unless they contain info that I
am waiting to receive. I also don't use Outlook at home because of the
problems associated with it. If someone is willing to show me how to find a
"systems update home" or make a "patch", I am willing to learn and if I have
the time to spend hunting down these things on my own, I do it. But that
time is pretty spare. I work 8 hours as a pool technician and another 8
hours as a semi-professional musician. I also sleep 8 eight hours, have
children and grandchildren, a husband and a house, so that makes up my life.

I depend on the kindness of others to help me deal with computers and I'd
wager many others do the same. I am MOST appreciative of the efforts on
your part to protect the likes of me, and those like me, from the ravages of
cyber illness. My computer came without any instructions to do anything.
All the software was already installed and half of it I don't use or even
know what it's for, and I don't have a manual that I can read. The read-me
section in Help doesn't explain anything well enough to assist me either.
If you want to tell me how to acquire the virus shield updates, I'm ready to
listen. If I am dependent upon downloads though, I can tell you this much.
Everytime I have tried to download from the web to my laptop, some
application already in use is compromised. I don't know if it is me or the
system, but it has caused enough problems that I usually try to find a guru
to sit with me when I do it, so I can fix the inevitable problems that
occur.

Please believe me when I say I am not trying to be smug, just honest. There
are more of us out here who don't know squat about computers or else we know
just enough to get us in trouble. And certainly, no one wants to infect
anyone else's computer knowingly. If you have the means to enlighten those
of us who are a little on the slow side where computer savvy is concerned,
then we are waiting for class to start. You have always been accessible to
me in the past and for that I am most appreciative.

Best wishes always,

Nancy

Nancy E. Buckman, Technical Assistant
School of Health Professions, Wellness and Physical Education
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD 21012-1895 USA
Phone 410-777-2316 Fax 410-777-2233
E-mail nebuckman@-----.us

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