26.08.06 - 18:16

As for the latest news at Espoir et Vie... We are beginning to receive funding from various sources again. The situation is no longer so dire. I've been working with Hussein to develop an organization strategy (we currently have none at all.) I'd also like to create a monthly progress report summarizing our activities and providing statistics. These two projects alone will make it twice as easy to apply for, and justify, funding.

There is, however, one problem with the plan.

The Virus.

No, not HIV. Not HPV. Not herpes simplex. Not flesh-eating streptococcus.

The computer virus. Or, to be more specific, a couple different viruses and worms affecting 1,037 files, the internet connection, our ability to print, and the functioning of Windows.

Hussein likes making the joke to everyone who comes in the office "even our computer has a virus!" He didn't think it was so funny when I told him that we would have to reload Windows, painstakingly scanning and moving each file.

The parallels are interesting, though. I've tried to explain it to Hussein: "You need an anti-virus program. It's like a condom. Without it, whenever you stick anything into the computer (flash drive) or connect it to other computers (internet), you are engaging in unsafe activities."

No one had told Hussein about anti-virus programs. Stupidly, I had never checked to make sure he had one; I just assumed that one would safeguard such a large investment. As usual, ignorance rears its ugly head.

Human viruses can kill humans, computer viruses can kill computers. The only difference is that with computer viruses, you can usually clean the slate and start anew.

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