Well, it seems that my computer has contracted a worm. One that makes it impossible to open any of the programs on my computer, except my browser for some reason. This means that I can't get to my scanning software, or photoshop... anything. It came at a somewhat ironic time, too, as I just ordered a brand new computer on Wednesday. And the very next day, my computer starts churning out malware pop-ups and becoming virtually inaccessible. It's almost as if it knew I was replacing it.

So, since I am in the process of getting a new computer the problem will be guaranteed fixed (assuming all my hardware installs just fine), but it's going to be awhile before it arrives. The ship date is set for Feb. 16th, due to the fact that they have to build it first. I'm really bummed about this, because my computer, while unable to function at the capacity that I need it to anymore (before the worm), was still lightyears better than my mother's old clunker. So, I was planning to surprise her by giving her the old one when my new one arrived. Now I can't at least not without having to pay to get it fixed, which isn't an option.

My sister's computer has been rendered useless by a very similar worm. She's been without a functioning computer for some time now. And we both have Norton Antivirus on our computers. You'd think for the amount you pay for that program there wouldn't be so many (very harmful) things that could get through. It happened to my husband's computer too (a long time ago) but he was able to get rid of it with Norton. Obviously they're different worms, but they're all the same type: they send pop-ups telling you that you're computer is infected and to download "this software" in order to fix it. Well, I knew better than to hit ok, but eventually it just stops giving you the option to say no and downloads by itself.

*sigh* Oh well. At least I'm getting new one. But I'll try to use the down-time to my advantage and just draw. I'd be happy with myself if I could achieve that particular goal. That way I'll have more to upload when I get my new one.