Mastering A Skill
One skill that most people do not have, but could benefit from learning, is some of the more advanced computer skills. The average computer user knows the basics of getting onto the internet, checking emails, and browsing their favorite web sites. Most users also know how to use word processors, and how to work in spreadsheets. However, many users cannot venture far beyond that. At the rate technology is changing, it would be beneficial to all computer users to know how their systems operate, and how to troubleshoot when things go wrong, or require attention.
In today’s world, most users would not know what actions to take to protect their files. Viruses and spyware are a constant threat to any systems connected to the internet. Microsoft Windows PC’s are among the most unsecure systems in the world. Every day, the average user could run into spyware and viruses embedded on web sites, Microsoft Word files attached to emails, and even embedded in (seemingly harmless) custom MySpace layouts. Some of these infected files require a user to open them before it can unleash its malicious code, while others simply require you to visit an infected web site (such as the case with most infected MySpace layouts.
There are many consequences of not having these skills, and many users may consider anti-virus or spyware protection software to be too expensive to justify purchasing. These are usually the users who have not yet run into a problem, either because they haven’t used a computer long enough, or simply have not noticed there is a problem yet. Usually these users learn the hard way. By the time they have realized that something has gone wrong, either their files have already been infected and/or destroyed, or their personal information (credit card numbers used for online ordering or bill payment, or even passwords typed into their bank’s website) has long been compromised. In reality, there are many free programs available to combat viruses and spyware. Many...
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