Since I am currently working part-time for BYU (well, actually, I teach three classes, so I am working full time), the computer became a paramount problem. The information on my computer, aside from personal worth, was of great professional worth for me to finish off the semester! After the virus maintained signs it was not giving up without a good fight (i.e., its symptoms increased after I'd installed three anti-virus programs), I called BYU to see if their IT people could help me. I wasn't sure they'd be able to since I'm a part-time employee using a personal computer, but they agreed to help me. I left my laptop at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the Marriott School's IT Support office and got a call at 4:00 p.m. that said the virus was of the trojan horse variety and was unlike any virus that had been seen by the office: it mutated upon being found by anti-virus software! (Joy, oh joy.)
So, my computer was wiped clean and I was left in doubt as to whether my files would be saved. I will save you the suspense: my files were saved, but each step of the re-install of Windows ran into increasing problems, so I didn't have a computer until Monday afternoon.
I have learned a few lessons from this little experience:
- I like BYU, but now I'd like to hug and kiss BYU. Since "BYU" isn't a strictly tangible item that can be hugged and kissed, I will settle for unashamed praising of BYU (and its IT support!).
- I will not download stuff from the internet unless I'm ABSOLUTELY sure I trust the source.
- I will back up my files responsibly. (Responsibly = once every two weeks)
I hope this new-found wisdom will carry me through the end of the semester--a mere 12 days from today. Wish me luck...
1 comment:
that's why mac's are better! ( i guess)
-mik
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