Nimavenl - Nicole's Random Ramblings

Dear Reader,  This is a bit of an angry rant.  Please read at your own discretion.  Dear Google, I use your services. Well, I use Google Search, Gmail, Blogger and Translate. Most of your other so-called services I just complain about. Or actively avoid, as in the case of YouTube. You see, dear Google, I am liking you less and less. We became close friends some ten years ago -- our 'ten year anniversary' is coming up... Will you congratulate me and tell me you love being friends with me? Of course not. At most you'll hassle me about buying something, spending my money on something, installing something that will allow you to better track my online movement or... No, wait. Let me start over. What will happen is this: In your quest to learn more about me, who I am and how I behave, you will only collect more information that gets passed on to more parties wanting to use that information to send me advertising you or they think I might like, send me offers to s...

I updated my internet security program today. My laptop prompted me and after berating myself for not updating sooner I clicked on the link.  Windows kindly sent me to a page with internet security programs to choose from that are all compatible with my operating system. It is comforting to know that Microsoft links to these programs because it assures me that they are 100% legit and that I'm not downloading malware (malicious software) by mistake. Finding an internet security program that matches your wants and needs can be time consuming and even cost you money. I'm not a professional so will not tell you how to choose or which program to choose. I will however leave you with these common sense tips:  * Always read the small print so you know exactly what you're agreeing to - that means the Terms and Conditions, the company's Privacy policy etcetera.  * Ask around. Check with others what programs they use and what their experiences are or see what expert sourc...