Today's lesson:

I accidentally fell for a phishing scam on my Outlook account. It was dumb..........the e-mail was actually an incredibly legitimate-looking Microsoft e-mail. No spelling errors, all of Microsoft's logos--and when I was trying to check the address to see if it was legit (you know that right-click search thing?)........well, stuff happened. Trust me, I was puzzling over this e-mail for a long time trying to figure out how real it was.

I blame, partly, the touchpad on my laptop and it's ridiculous sensitivity. Because, wow.........clicked on a link that I never should have. Now I'm flooded with scams in my inbox...........I've tried to change all of my passwords online, except I can't remember anything about Toyhou.se (so I'm afraid to try and change that one by logging out and doing "forgot password"). I've been checking my credit card. All that fun stuff. I've had a stress stomachache for two days now......... @_@

All of this reinforces the fact that I hate the internet in general and I hate how unsafe it is for people. Especially people like me who are (unfortunately) getting older and who are not very technically competent to begin with. I hate the fact that everything from your doctor to your money WANTS you to rely on internet and online services--when it is so unsafe to be on it, that you have one slip up and you're worrying yourself sick forever.

Be warned all of you out there--it's the season for scammers. Some things are blatant...............but some things have started looking legitimate. I had a friend who dealt with another Microsoft related scam that looked incredibly legitimate, too. Take your time and deal with the scams slowly and thoroughly--don't go through so fast that you accidentally click something.

I'm actually, seriously, considering going the way of Apple products with my next laptop replacement. I've loved my HPs forever, but.........so many issues with Microsoft just has me worried. About the future. All new laptops that are Windows-based has you rely on Outlook from the start. I miss the days when you could choose. When you could buy the programs only that you needed and not a dozen that you don't want.

I hope everyone has a good holiday season and takes care! Happy Thanksgiving to those who may be celebrating it next week! :D