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Have you ever uttered the phrase “I’m not a computer person.”?
What does that mean?

I spoke with a co-worker about this (we both work in I/T) and he said that this is equivalent to a carpenter saying that he is not a hammer person.

A computer is a tool used to do your job. Well, not everyone needs to use a computer to do their job, but you get the point.

If you abuse or misuse the tool it will stop working correctly for you. Use a screwdriver as a pry bar and you will bend it, which will make it hard to screw in screws. You MUST pay attention to how you use a tool. If you don’t pay attention you can smash your thumb with that hammer.

This idea works with computers too, stop paying attention and you will get viruses, spy ware, and other malicious software. That can lead to identity theft or performance issues with your computer.

When on a company computer, read the AUP (Acceptable Use Policy). It will likely state that you are NOT to do ANY personal business with company resources. Every time you work computer gets infected it takes up resources to get it cleaned up, and puts your company at risk. What do you think your boss will say about that?

Don’t click on every pop-up that comes up on your computer.
Don’t give out personal info, just because someone, or something, asks for it.
Don’t install that Toolbar. (do you really need it?)
Delete that suspicious email (even if you are curious). DO NOT open it!

Read privacy agreements, when signing up for web pages, emails, ring tones, and other so-called freebies.

When in doubt, don’t give the info out!

You are responsible for your actions. Software does not get magically installed. Viruses don’t magically appear.

Perhaps I will compile a list of DO’s and Don’ts for computer use, but if you’re not a computer person…you won’t pay attention anyway.

Peace, and safe computing.

I have driven for many years and logged many miles driving. I have almost been hit and killed by drivers with poor drivings habits. So I compiled a list of driver DO’s and DON’Ts.

DO:

• Buckle Up
• Pay Attention (be aware of your surroundings, fog or ice up ahead means slow down, children at the curb may step into traffic, etc.)
• Be aware of the size of your vehicle and how it handles (if you don’t know how to drive it, especially in bad weather, then pull over and park)
• Be aware of other vehicles around you (a semi can’t stop as quick, can’t see what’s beside them, etc)
• Turn your headlights on at night or dusk (this is so that other drivers can see you)
• Make sure all of your lights work (again, so other drivers can see you)
• Turn your High Beams off (oncoming traffic cannot see the road when you do this)
• Turn the radio down! (this allow you to hear emergency vehicles and this noise pollution affects others, especially with the excessive bass)
• Clear the snow off ALL of your windows prior to driving (these drivers with “keyhole” windows through the snow are a danger to everyone)
• Adjust your driving to the weather (All-Wheel drive and Four-wheel drive do not help you to turn or stop on slippery roads, they just help you to get going)

DO NOT:

• Drive drunk (this is a no brainer)
• Cut others off (deliberately causing Road Rage is a bad idea)
• Use your cell phone while driving (Seriously, I almost got ran off the road by someone who was texting!)
• Tailgate (do you really know what the driver in front of you might do?)
• Race others (there are race tracks for this)
• Assume others will get out of your way (this goes with not tailgating, just because you are in a monster SUV does not mean you have right of way)
• Do rabbit stops, at lights or stop signs (one day you won’t stop in time and you will be hit broadside)