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DigiWise IT Solutions

connecting People,
sharing knowledge

Empowering & satisfying experience with Active senior computer user

11/13/2015

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Yesterday, I went on a service call to help Don (name changed) , a senior citizen having trouble with his computer. During his working life, he was an accomplished business leader, who still dabbles in activities that make a difference. 

He was mystified, as many people are, as to why his computer was not working. 

I arrived to help, and noticed that the computer was installing updates, and periodically, the screen went black. It was at one of those times, that Don saw the black screen, and thought his computer wasn't working. 

It happens to many of us - particularly if we're focused on our work and play, and not the internal, infernal workings of our computers. No longer novelties, they are commodities. But oh, how they have the power to vex and frustrate, when they don't work well.

Having solved his problem(!), I asked him about his other needs, listened intently, and decided to use the remaining time to help solve other problems - like backing up his computer system and valuable documents.

meaningful conversation

Here's an excerpt of our conversation:

Randy: "To the best of your knowledge, are your documents and photos backed up?"

Don: "I guess so, they're on the computer."

Randy: "That means probably not. Let me help you."

Randy:  "Tell me what you're interested in doing. I can back it up, and just get it done. Or, I can tell you what I'm doing, so that you can learn about it."

Don: "I'm all for learning!"
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satisfying experience

And so, together we backed up his valuable memories.

Frankly, it felt very good to do so. Not only doing the technical, computer backup portion, but helping another person to see the possibilities, to enable a greater sense of control (i.e., this computer serves my needs), and to empower him in his own learning and growth.

I am glad I was able to help Don, and a satisfying and meaningful experience for both of us.

Note: If you know of a senior citizen who needs assistance / support with their computer - whether it needs to be repaired, tuned-up, backed up, or just wants to learn - please let them know about me / digiWise.

​I'll be very grateful for the opportunity to help them.

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Ransomware affecting websites, costly expense

11/11/2015

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It's an insidious act, and it makes your head shake, and your blood boil.

​Brian Krebs, an Internet security expert has just written a blog post about how hackers are taking hold of websites - their pages, files and images - and holding them out for ransom. They insert malicious software code that infects the users documents and locks them with another code - that is nearly impossible to break. A ransom is required to be paid, to get the files back. Aargh!

A similar situation happened back in March when CBC aired a report in March, that a family had to pay an $800 ransom to get back their family photos. Ouch!

​The Solution?
What's the solution? It's a simple, yet time-consuming and few people do it on a regular basis. Back up your most valuable documents, photos, websites and more - and there are services for that. (And, keep your computer running in tip-top shape too.)

For business especially - especially startup entrepreneurs and small business which doesn't have a regular IT staff - It's also really important to have a strategy for how, and how often you back up your valuable documents, and for managing where they are backed up (i.e., external drives vs. cloud services; short-term vs. long-term storage; version control; retrieval and restoration and timing).  

Every situation is different and the key is to develop a strategy that works for you and your business, that makes economic and practical sense - and can get you up and running quickly. Otherwise, a disaster can quickly become a nightmare, and an expensive one at that.

Feel free to get in touch with Randy - he can help you create a computer / server backup strategy that works for you and your budget. 

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randy meets the mayor of ottawa

11/9/2014

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PictureOttawa Mayor Jim Watson & Randy Fisher
At the Fall Edition of eSAX, I was doing the regular networking thing, shaking hands, handing out cards, gabbing the night away.
Listening, lots.
I had arrived early, as is that's what you're 'supposed' to do.
I had come a few minutes early, to get the 'lay of the land', and to my surprise, take in the best view of Ottawa (at the Marriott Hotel). Almost 360 degrees in the autumn air - a stupendous dusk view of the nation's capital and a perch, on the hot air chamber, they call Parliament Hill.
This gave me a moment's pause, to situate myself, to see who was coming and going, to prepare for the excitement or fright to come. It was an elegant affair, with sax breezing above the din.
I found myself drawn to the other side of the floor, taking in the view again, but alas, it was not chock a' block of people. Breathe...
I got to talk to some folks - while noticing one fellow, dipping into the hors' doeuvres, a little bit at a time, then moving onto the next table, and doing the same. (I guess he thought no one would notice!). I digress.
I noticed again, that while I was talking to folks, they were moving - yes moving! So, it occurred to me, that it would be smarter to stand put, and wait for people to revolve around me, than duke it out with the congregants at the front door.
That was it - take advantage of the properties of a revolving floor (I think there might have been a restaurant at one time.)
It was enormously helpful, as I saved valuable time, talking to just about 10% of the 400 people who attended!
A highlight, beyond the view, was the lucky pix of me and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson (running for re-election - he eventually won with 76% of the vote - a record!).
I had a role to play in this, as did Kosuke Abe, of East Coast Limos, who snapped the photo for me, as testimony to my derring do.
I had just finished talking with fellow OSEB colleague Jayant Gupta about how this event was preparation really, for when you have 30 seconds to talk to someone.
No sooner did I say that, Mayor Jim Watson came into view.
I recalled my former glory as a business journalist, and sprung into action.
30 seconds? Nah, that's an eternity - how about 5 seconds!
I quickly asked the Mayor if he would kindly take a pix of me - and sure enough, he did!
This made for a memorable networking experience indeed! 

And, one which will be fondly remembered.
-30-


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    Randy Fisher, MA

    Randy Fisher is an educator, journalist and technology expert.

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Randy was patient, knowledgeable and understanding of my needs. He shared his experience in a way that put me at ease. His practical, learn-by-doing approach went at my pace. I am now more knowledgeable and comfortable with computers and the Internet.

- Bill Switzer
Retired Businessman
Vancouver, Canada
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