Internet - Combat Zone

We have had a houseful of company for the past week, which is part of the reason Sense postings have slowed, as we have been enjoying their visit. But I have also been sidetracked by a consequence of my own lack of foresight in letting some of our younger guests access the Internet without my supervision. A particularly invasive advertising spyware has been embedded on my computer and I am working on its elimination.

One volunteer who helps people remove spyware says the Internet is a Combat Zone. Unfortunately, he is correct. In the eight years I have been accessing the Internet, I have successfully avoided becoming a victim. But success comes at a price, constantly having to wade through, consider, install and contend with an ever increasing myriad of advice, offers, upgrades and new protections. Until the current problem, I have not fully appreciated the time and effort needed to stay safe on the Web. I am now keeping a log of my time spent enjoying the Internet and my time spent trying to maintain my security in the Combat Zone.

Adversity often provides an opportunity to re-think. The Internet has become a big part of my life. Is it too big a part? How has it been good and how bad? If I spent less Internet time, what would be a good way to use the time saved? You may expect to hear more on this, and as always, any comments from readers on your views and experiences is welcomed.