Hi Zebanovich, I stumbled across this site a couple of times years ago when I explored the web as a novice user. I believe it was a time when Windows 98 was still supported. I viewed troubleshooting information but never signed up until after I graduated from online college.
When I was a novice computer user I really messed up the computer because I thought all I had to do is update Norton and I would be good to surf the net. I clicked on ads and responded to spam emails because I honestly didn't know any better. I was kind of like an infant picking up pieces of dirt off the carpet and placing dirt in their mouth. I had no clue what spam, backdoor trojans, worm intrusions, spyware, phishing ext was until I experienced erratic behavior from the old Dell Dimension 2400 desktop with Windows XP.
The rental place I purchased the computer from instructed me to contact Microsoft's free 1-800 support service. I contacted Microsoft free support and remotely accessed my system with my permission of course and repaired my OS. Microsoft indicated that the virus protection that was pre-installed on the system was expired and was never activated. Microsoft downloaded a new free trial version and explained that the protection I had on the system is a commercial version. Microsoft support indicated my entire system was out of date. Microsoft educated me about the various type of threats that exist and how to prevent them.
When I look back I shake my head and wonder till this day, why didn't anyone educate me or warn me that these threats exist. Here I was surfing the net unprotected!! 😱
I enhance my skills after observing a Microsoft Support technician performing tasks at an advanced technical level. I picked up on those tech savvy skills and increasingly advanced 10 years prior to attending any college. I did not experience any more issues except occasional computer glitches. I assisted family and friends with computer tech issues and I was considered the go to when someone needed assistance with their computer.
Today I am an actual Computer Technician with an AS in Computer Information Science with the concentration of Networking and achieve a 4.0 GPA and advanced to a BA level Computer Information Science with the concentration of Cybersecurity with a 3.8 GPA.
All of the above events lead me to TSG so I can continue to practice and apply acquired skill sets to ensure that I do not forget. That old saying "Use it or lose it." applies. If you don't practice you will have difficulties retaining information. I am more than willing to assist other members with any computer issues they may have to ensure none of what I experienced as a novice user does not happen to them.
Of course I would need to become a malware trainee to assist members with malware removal though. Members are not permitted to assist with malware removal unless they attend one of the free approved colleges online. Malware trainees are not permitted to assist users with removal of malware unless the instructor is monitoring and approves. Malware specialist are authorised without an instructor. Malware specialist and other staff normally have badges that state their positions.
Assisting members with computer problems is my passion and I enjoy this site as one of my hobbies.