I will be shutting down.

I have a few days to a week online before ending this. I will end this last. I am trying to find what I am connected to online and end each of those connections. Some forums do not even have a means of ending the connection, others might take a phone call as well as online activity. Every security system I have tried has failed. I consider this a combined failure of Microsoft, ISP servers, and third party software providers. It almost seems as if they want us to feel secure without being secure. Making it look good, like a beautiful car with a big engine and with really poor braking.

I checked into Linux and routers. Beside the expense, the fact is these are really little more safe than Microsoft’s OS against a dedicated knowledgeable hacker. Now, I could spend the next two years of my life and some small fortune gaining the knowledge and ability to provide (better) security, be aware of my system and know how to “manually” know about and then end unwanted intrusions into my system. However, after evaluating this, I cannot say that my interest in the internet is worth this much hassle or money.

Do you enjoy my readers? Of course I do. Do I enjoy scouting their blogs, news sites, information about purchases, and just having fun on-line? You bet I do. How much is that worth compared to how much I make? How much time would it take to be able to do these things without endangering my identity, financial security, and sanity? Between those two questions lies the simple truth, I cannot afford the internet.

I have wondered why someone would be so hot for my system. My computer is not that powerful anymore. I end my internet connection when not in use (it is cable, so always ready, but without power, it is not always available). I do have strong political and religious beliefs, though, who does not? I have come to the simple conclusion that it simply does not matter why, and the question about security has been answered. Frustrated, perhaps, but I now understand. Thugs rule the internet and the people who could (probably) stop them, do not.