When your children reach their teen years, your world changes - but you already know that. What you don't know is that the PC that your teenager is using requires a lot of Tender Loving Care - and oversight. YOUR oversight.
Why? Because when their PC malfunctions, it's going to cause you a lot of grief - and money. How? Read on.
In the old days (only a few years ago), each family had only one PC - which was typically located in a central home location. This strategy soon failed as every family fought for time to access their e-mail, surf the web, or play games. During those good old days, each teen was rewarded at their high school graduation with a new laptop. This standard soon changed. As time went on, a new PC or Mac was brought into the home when each child attained a religious accomplishment. And so, today, many homes now have AT LEAST one PC or Mac for each family member not in diapers!
So, why the grief should one of them fail? Well, for many teens, their homework, college applications, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, their iTunes music library is contained within their PC. If the PC fails or you can't open Windows, the music, possibly acquired for $$$hundred, is GONE!
Here's the typical sequence of events that will bring most parents to 'high anxiety'. The teen will visit websites that focus on music sharing, gambling, or porn. The teen is enticed to load some 'innocent looking' program to gain access to some online product that is cool and, best of all, free.
Without understanding the implications, they install some bad program that begins the PC's meltdown. These programs are refered to as malware, adware, or spyware. Technically, these programs are not viruses as the teen 'permitted' the download and installation.
After this bad program is installed, messages begin appearing on the desktop that state that the PC is infected with hideous viruses that must be removed immediately - and that you must spend $39 to purchase some malware removal tool. It's all a scam. However, the teen doesn't know this and begins to panic.
The teen, with the assistance of their friends, begins downloading endless free malware removal tools - which only makes matters worse. Of course, while this is going on, you, the parent, don't have a clue what's going on.
Finally, as the problem AND PANIC continues, your brilliant child begins changing Windows settings or removing programs that Windows needs to run properly. Then, BINGO, the PC won't start. Your child will then tell you bits and pieces of what happened. You are worried about them getting their schoolwork done. They are worried about losing their iTunes library that feeds their iPod.
As you might imagine, the panic and parental screaming is only getting started.
While I won't focus on the possible solutions to this immediate PC problem, let me give you some tips on how to AVOID this situation.
First, if any of your children do have a desktop or laptop in their room, TURN IT ON and access the Internet. Yes, YOU do it - don't take the word of your teen that everything is OK. Make sure everything words OK. Open Microsoft WORD.
Second, ask your teen if the PC is working OK and if there are any problems.
Third, ask if any POP-UPS appear. This is THE definitive sign of a malware attack.
Next, make sure your antivirus software in installed and updated. This is your first line of defense - and money ($59-$79 per year) well spent.
Lastly, make it an absolute rule that your child is not allowed to install any programs, particularly anti-virus or anti-adware programs without you knowing about it.
While your teen will do everything possible to ignore your best efforts to keep them out of PC trouble, you MUST take the above steps - or it's going to cost you in grief of $$$money.
This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit http://www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.
Email Fred at mailto:Fred@FamilyTechnology.com
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