I can understand and appreciate your concerns. I once had my ebay and email accounts hi-jacked for 2 weeks in 2003. I am not a computer genius and at that time I didn't know about or care about virus or anti-spyware protection.
Yes, I was having the equivalent of unprotected sex, I was online unprotected and I got what I deserved with the only rude seller on EBAY that I have come into contact with. I day this after over 300 transactions later. He or she or IT was aweful. I learned alot, though, so I am actually thankful. I didn't loose anything, accept some sleep. Thank goodness. But the potential was there. I learned quickly the importance of having virus and anti-spyware programs running, updated regularly, constantly monitoring all sites that want to download cookies, and the importance of keeping ones computers "clean". I'm pretty good.
I'm sure there is areas I could improve.
Really, as you have said, that some of your worries are over the top.
Trying to make oneself invisible, isn't realistic. It isn't human. As it is in our virtual world where so much trust is put into the computer and the internet, some things seem unbelievable. Why make things worse.
I tend to discount people who aren't straight forward and are over protective. Either they have something to hide or, as Robert said, they are trying to commit some type of crime. In either case, these people are viewed as insecure, and I don't want to deal with people who are quivering on the inside.
As for planning a robbery based on whether someone is home by finding where they are signing in. sure one could see that. but, robbing someones house involves so many more variables. How would someone know that say Roberts mother doesn't live next door and is keeping an eye on the house, or he has a burglar alarm, or neighbors are watching.
This is just ripe too. I've had this all planned out. The first thing I want to do when moving back to the midwest is divise a way to steel ALL Roberts pride and joy.
Think, I must Think. (Stop thinking of sex, stop thinking of sex)
...What am I going to do with the machines? I don't know. Sure it will require at least a 24' moving van to obscurely park in his driveway for the better part of a day while I am loading them.
I'm sure no one will notice. (First step, get his address bingo!)
Don't let fear lead you around by the nose, as it does for so many Americans, unfortunately. Remember when it was the trend to have those little signs outside your house saying 'protected by Brinks' and maybe actually have a burglar alarm system.
This is what republicans use to pull their stunts FEAR. Fear of 9/11, fear of terrorists, fear those lib-er-als, fear the homm-ma-sec-chew-uls, fear black people and foreigners, fear aging, fear poverty, fear social rejection. Fear is marketable.
No, I'm not playing!
We all are so into our own worlds when the TRUTH is, very few people really care what you or anyone else has.
Ego too, can lead one to think that they are a God that needs protecting.
Might as well put a big sign on ones forehead saying 'f-o-o-l'. to alert people to steer clear.
Being isolated socially or physically can also lead one to fear,
the boogey man. (BOO!)
I know, I used to be one of 'those' people.
I liked it when companies advertised products because they were actually NICE. or GOOD.
I won't buy if it is going to give me a shifty eyed competitive edge.
or if it will protect me of some unknown madeup boogey man.
