Be Watchful of Utility or other service folks

[brin]

When I've gone to work on a computer, I've been know to take a few blank CDs/DVDs with me in case I need to make a change and back something up before I do. Might take a couple 3 along just in case one is bad. Just depends on what I'm doing. Not saying that is what this guy was doing, just saying it is a possibility. Most of the time would use a flash drive, maybe he forgot his this morning or it just crapped out. Who knows. Again, I'm not saying this guy wasn't up to no good, just a thought.

Now there you go...that may well be possible and see that is why I did not report the service man...what you suggest makes perfect sense and is entirely possible ..it makes me feel better. I would rather believe the good than the bad. Thanks for offering a real possibility.

 

[orezok]

Consider that the CD's were not blank, but contained hidden files. It's possible that you just turned your computer into a bot!

 

[brin]

Consider that the CD's were not blank, but contained hidden files. It's possible that you just turned your computer into a bot!

UH OH...We have a network and McAfee anti - virus as well as a firewall, would that not stop any bot or other virus ? That is worrisome since I tried the DVDs in both computers to determine they were blank, but I see your point.

 

[schmism]

if it was me id take the computer outside and hook it up to the demarcation point and have him trouble shoot it from there never entering my house.

If it works there it should work inside and if not its time to run a new wire for a jack, something im going to do not the highschool dropout they hire as techs these days.

 

[forgeblast]

get spybot destroyer, free program catches a lot.

 

[orezok]

UH OH...We have a network and McAfee anti - virus as well as a firewall, would that not stop any bot or other virus ? That is worrisome since I tried the DVDs in both computers to determine they were blank, but I see your point.

Here at the School District we use McAfee Virus Scan Enterprise 8.7 updated daily and they still slip through. Not to scare you, but a hidden program can install a "back door" through your firewall that a virus scan won't detect. It might just open up a port. Check your open ports. We fight that every day with various other programs that detect unusual traffic.

 

[mattcage]

Look at the underside of the disks, that will tell you if they have been burned or not. Discoloration on the bottom from the outside to the inside.

I am a computer guy and cant think of a reason that he would bring blank disks to your house. Maybe he brought the wrong ones, blanks, instead of a burned one with utilities.

I have done that, but now days its the usb drive that I put the utilities on.

 

[Phils]

Look at the underside of the disks, that will tell you if they have been burned or not. Discoloration on the bottom from the outside to the inside.

I thought CDs and DVDs burned from the inside toward the outside?

Phil

 

[bstrom]

I think the 5 oclock news, TV and movies makes us all paranoid. That said it doesn't hurt to be cautious and find out what someone is doing by talking to them.

The guy that berated me above about his home network and vast knowledge over the obnoxious baby-tech should make things a little clearer from his first post. Didn't really get that the baby- tech from telco wanted to re-rig his fancy home-network. Excuse me.:ashamed:

 

[mattcage]

I thought CDs and DVDs burned from the inside toward the outside?

Phil

You are probably right. Anyway, there is some discoloration to look for.