COMPUTER OWNERS’ PLEDGE

I will download virus protection software and run it at all times.

I will check Windows Update on a weekly basis and download all the security packs suggested.

I will do a backup (at least once a month) of documents, pictures, my address book, and other things that are a pain in the bum to replace and reassemble.

I will toss my cookies, delete my temporary internet files, and do other maintenance on my computer on a regular basis.

I will resist the urge to purchase an Apple computer in self defense.

I will hug all IT personnel the next time I see them walking down the hallway after saving my computer and all my hard work on the job…again.

I will hug my rooomate/friend/brother/neighbor who fixes my computer at home… again… every time I forget to do one of the above and a virus or worm bites me in the bum.

If I fail to do any of the above, may I never log onto the internet again.

Repeat as many times as necessary… (because my roommate is tired from fixing everybody’s computers this week! So far, she’s saved 23… and 24 will be saved as of Saturday)

I already adhere to this pledge (though I didn’t until I bought my current computer), but this is for all the people who woke up Tuesday and found that their computers wouldn’t work. I’ve already experienced the horror of almost losing everything on my computer… and I will do everything in my power to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I also just want to say that all the people who have issues with Bill Gates need to get a grip and leave me out of their fits of petty jealousy or whatever it is they think they’re accomplishing.

I’d love to run into one of these hackers, punch them in the face and say, “Hack this!”