Answering Capabilities (was Answering Machines)

[Ron Nossaman]

Hi Z!, 


>Computer Modem Users -- Is computer security an issue for you?  I mean, how
>real are the threats of computer hackers *sweet-talking* to your computer
>and lifting off any personal or financial information it may contain?

*Not being on line all the time, or even up and running, it wouldn't be an
issue even if I did have any potentially damaging personal or financial
information on my hard drive. How many of the cyber geeks out there are up
and on line 24 hours a day?


>How about threats of lightning?  I've heard some wild stories about what
>lightning is capable of when it comes to destroying computer equipment. 
>I've also heard reports about how useless the commonly available surge
>protectors are in the event of a good *hit*.  (For a detailed discussion of
>this I would be happy to forward a lengthy e-message on the subject written
>by my dad, an electrical engineer whose specialty is high-voltage pulse
>power.)  Best advice -- unplug the computer (and your message collecting
>capability while you're at it).

*I unplug when the rumblies start, and I'd very much like to see Dad's
thoughts if you'd send them.


>Uh, I think I would rather risk losing a little answering machine than the
>entire computer set-up when you consider the frequency of thunderstorms in
>this area ... just my opinion.

*ANY time!

>I didn't mean for my questions to sound like devil's advocate material, but
>I'm just curious about the possible shortfalls, that's all.  Whatever
>system works for you is great for you, but it might not be so great for
>someone else, only because we are all so different from one another.  I
>really appreciated hearing so many different points of view.

>Thanks again ...
>Z! Reinhardt RPT


I don't know anything about the other stuff you mentioned, but I'd like to
offer an opinion that you should never apologize for questioning the status
quo on any subject. If the state of the state of anything you can name can't
justify itself at any given time, then something is wrong and needs to be
looked into. There is no such thing as too much information. I suppose this
is what ultimately comes of turning rocks over as a kid to see what's
underneath.

Peace and good stuff,
 Ron