Finding the Gifts When You’re Under Attack By A Computer Virus!
Published on 9 Dec 2007 at 9:30 am.
1 Comment.
Filed under Feature Articles.
I learned a while back that it’s very useful and time efficient to write posts in advance and have them scheduled to post on different days. Good thing I do that because last Tuesday, December 4th I learned a few things.
I admit I have a bad habit of going upstairs and getting back online when it’s time for me to relax and prepare to go to sleep. I promise to stop doing that! Last week, after a very successful interview in which I talked about Transforming Your Fear in the New Year with Anita Pathik Law, I decided to go online for a few minutes (yeah, right!) and check email and my blog.
While at my blog dashboard, I noticed an incoming link from another blog. I occasionally click on those links to see what they wrote. Boy, was that a big mistake! Within seconds of being on the site that linked with me, I could see I was under attack. My antivirus was sending up notices every few seconds. Of course I ran a full scan immediately but I was unsuccessful in stopping this nasty Trojan from infecting my computer.
I wondered why it was able to get in. Last year I downloaded Norton Internet Security as an upgrade and fully expected to be notified when it was due for renewal. They always let you know! Not this year. The notification never came - perhaps an error at my end in registering or at theirs in losing my email address . Who knows? So, for the last 6 or 7 weeks, my computer has been vulnerable to attack without my knowing it.
Now, I’m lucky because I have a computer whiz named Larry who can wipe your system clean and restore it to the original factory condition operating state, reinstall all programs, and return it to you pretty much ready to go. So, after my radio show on Thursday, Larry picked up my computer and got busy.
Boy, when you have no computer or a laptop for a few days, you can really see how attached you have become to using it! It was a very strange feeling.
You might be wondering how something that is a negative can actually have positive value? Yes? It’s all in your viewpoint. Every experience, regardless of the outcome, provides opportunities to learn and grow.
So, where were the gifts?
1. My computer had been running funny for months, maybe even before Norton expired. I really can’t recall. I had been feeling it was time to call Larry and I procrastinated and tolerated how poorly it was operating. I didn’t want to spend the money and I was afraid I’d lose a key program because I no longer had the software or the proof of purchase to reinstall the upgrade program. Great excuse, right? Amazing what we put up with!
So, the blessing in having this virus has given me back a computer that is running great - just like it used to run. I kept thinking it was time to get a new computer because it wasn’t running well - the whole life expectancy thing. Oh, and the program I thought I’d lose? Well, I would have lost it temporarily if the customer service guy named Victor hadn’t helped me out with the serial numbers I needed to reinstall. Victor, you rock! (At least 3 gifts here!) I’m so gratefull! The virus gave me the kick in the pants to have my computer restored. Some of the things programs that were working poorly are now working great - like having a brand new computer.
2. I went to the movies on Friday. I saw The Golden Compass which is part of a children’s trilogy, The Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman. I loved the books and the movie just opened locally. I realized how much I was in need of more fun and going to the movies is something I really enjoy. It was a perfect thing to do to decompress and chill.
3. I now have a note in my 2008 calendar to remind me to renew my virus protection in case the reminder email falls through the cracks again. I’m going to be sure to set up reminders on any important program so that I stay on top of things and not depend on companies to keep me up to date.
4. I’ll be on the lookout for a great price for an external hard drive to backup all of my important files. You never know what might happen! Right now all files are consistently backed up on CDs and getting an external hard drive is a smart decision. Even though I just picked up a 2GB flash drive, I have over 4 GB of info on my computer. The one I will buy is by Seagate (Larry likes them). They have a FreeAgent, 250 GB, 3.5″ External USB 2.0 Hard Drive I’m keeping an on. Having that extra drive will give me peace of mind.
5. I’ve got Larry. I am so grateful I have someone I can call who knows his stuff and provides that kind of service for me. If you don’t have a good computer person in your data base. I suggest you add one. Larry was given to me as a referral and has been on my team for about 5 years. If you depend on your computer for your business, you must have a competent computer whiz to keep you running at your best.
Your invitation is to look at a current situation you find challenging. Rather than focus on all the things that upset, anger, or depress you about what’s happening, look for some of the gifts and blessings that are part of the experience. They are always there if you are willing to see them! Are you?
I’d love to hear what happens. Won’t you come and leave me a comment?
Have a terrific Sunday! It’s great to be back. 
Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz
Gamy Rachel on 10 Dec 2007 at 1:13 am: 1
Hi there Lorraine,
Welcome back. Good advice and tips in keeping our computer healthy.
I like your attitude. Always looking for the good in every situation. You know why I respect you now?
That is what I see in you.
Yes, I do have things I am thankful for..but it is too long to write here
so read it at my blog
http://www.mindthinksuccess.com/brainwave-technology/how-beautiful-is-that-picture-after-the-storm
Warm wishes
Gamy