I'm here - really, truly I am! Over the past few weeks I've been aware that my desktop computer was having some issues. My knowledge of the inner workings of computers is limited and I didn't know what to do about it but suspected I might need professional help. Several times lately my computer has been 'taken over' by a program that says it has checked my computer and it is infected - would I like to correct it? If I said yes I was immediately taken to a website where I found I would have to pay for more than one program that would, supposedly, fix the problems and all would be well once again. If I said no, it wouldn't let me into any of my programs, check emails or get online. I was able to find a solution the first time or two so I could get back in business but the problems continued and got worse and worse as time passed. Yesterday it all came to an end! My computer is frozen - locked up - and the only possible solution was to take it in for repair to have the 'junk' cleaned off. I was on the phone with a technician with my internet provider several times through the day. He was wonderful and helped me install a program (malware) to rid my computer of the junky stuff and attempts from malicious software programs that tried to take over, get my credit card number and then produce no results. He called them 'scareware'. It scared me, alright! When it appeared that the problem went deeper than what we could handle over the phone he suggested repair. So, that's where I went first thing today - my computer is in the hospital for a few days. In the meantime I'm using my laptop so I can keep checking in with you to see what you have to share.
Don't give up on me - I'll be back in full swing soon. If you have emailed me over the past couple of weeks, or have left comments on my blog, please be patient with me. I will get back to you. You can make comments and email me now and I'll be able to connect with you while on my laptop.
Have I learned anything from this situation so far? Yes! Back up your important documents and be sure you have a good antivirus program that includes protection from spyware and malicious sites. Another lesson learned: make sure that important email addresses are stored with my internet provider (which most of them are) and that I have my favorite sites bookmarked on the laptop!
I have things to share with you and I will share them soon. I'm not going to let a little thing like a computer stop me!
Adrienne, we've all been there at one time or another! We are here when you return ...
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely summer's eve ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
I have had those messages pop up and they can be convincing! It didn't take me long though, to realize that they were bad. I NEVER click on something I didn't initiate anymore. If something like that pops up I actually shut down the computer pronto and reboot because sometimes they freeze you up and I suspect they are viruses and malware that are installing themselves. I hope your technician can get it all out and fixed. DOn't worry, I think all of us are enjoying the summer and spending much less time on the computer. I know I am!
ReplyDeleteI hate when that happens Adrienne! When my computer starts to slow down I panic - and call my grandson to come fix it. :) blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking recently I am getting too much on my computer and need to do a better back up. This is a good reminder, but when? Now I must schedule some time.
ReplyDeleteHope you get everything fixed soon!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny