Computer Glitches !

A lot of people who have the Windows 10 system on their computer will have recently had an approach asking them to permission to install an update.  If they have chosen the " later " option it is likely that the next time they boot up their computer they will find that update will stop them in their tracks because it will commence automatically.   The time your computer will be out of your control will run to about two hours.

Windows 10 uses that update to install a search engine of their own - and they don't bother to ask your permission. You may find that when you try and use whatever old system you had installed you  are blocked from internet access.  Usually the blockage takes the form of an interruption to accessing items on Facebook, or working familiar internet programmes.  Strangely, the inward and outward flow of emails is not affected.

That annoying message that your internet is blocked becomes very persistent.  Self help will detail ways to correct the problem, but few with basic computer skills will manager to achieve that outcome.  Usually it involves the cost of getting external help and it does raise the ownership issue.  It is more than just a minor nuisance.  If you conduct your financial affairs on the computer the lack of internet access can isolate you from your bank and cease your bill paying ability.  Coming at a time when this Covid-19 virus is forcing people to isolate themselves to stop the infection spreading the computer remains the only safe way of communicating for many people.

What annoys many people is that every upgrade in the operating system imposed on them leaves vast changes in the operating system that they need to work out on their own.  Simple procedures such as adding a new contact to the address book has taken a new format and often what seemed a simple and straight forward procedure from the past has been abandoned - without warning or comment.

In many ways the computer can be compared to the automobile.  When we buy a new car we accept the technology that it represents at that time.  We may encounter newer and more advanced models on the road in later years, but the technology in our vehicle remains unchanged.  We have the choice of  sticking with the technology we know and understand - if that is our wish.

It should be the same with computers.  - with the old and new technology running side by side.  Upgrades should be a matter of choice, not something forced on computer owners.  There is an old maxim that the sales people should remember.   The  customer is always right  !