Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Technology

Age Has No Limits, You Got To Love Seniors

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:54:48 +0000

Yesterday, we went on a day trip with Matthew to climb the CN Tower. Okay, not physically. We left very early to catch the last GO Train downtown from the Aurora GO Train Station. That was fun and Matthew really enjoyed the ride.

Man and His Tablet, McDonalds, Town of Aurora

Glad that we didn’t have to do any outside activities, just walking to the CN Tower, because it was windy and cold. Windy usually is good because it blows the clouds away. Sometimes clouds come back with the wind but not yesterday. Just perfect weather for the CN Tower visit. I took over six hundred photos in about one hour from the 360 restaurant. The food was great and expensive. This time loved the Glass Floor, had not feared stepping on it. However, Matthew did. He didn’t want to stay on it.

Today I asked him ‘why were you scared of the glass floor at the CN Tower?‘ His reply was interesting one, I didn’t expected from 4.5 years old – ‘There were many scratches on the glass, I was afraid that it will break‘. Amazing, he is absolutely right, the glass surface did have lot of scratches. However, he had nothing to worry about, they do replace the first layer of the glass every year.

I don’t remember when last time I visited downtown Toronto, but I felt out of place. The crowds on the Union Station and on the streets of downtown. All full of people going somewhere.

We all slept in today, with one egg in the fridge no way my gang was going to be satisfied so we headed for McDonald’s breakfast.

After we purchased all our meals and settled upstairs by the window, we noticed that we didn’t have any utensils. I went to get it and I wasn’t getting really successful in getting attention of anybody behind the counter. Everyone was so busy that they ignored me completely but not in the bad way.

So I had no choice. First I asked if the gentleman beside me was already looked after. Nodded yes. Well then that leaves me to bring some attention here. I raise my both hands up and waved, of course with a big smile on my face ‘I really need some help here please’. Well I had may be over 30 people look in my directions, but so what I got my utensils.

Just before leaving the McDonalds an older man arrived and sat behind us, and instead of bringing a book or a newspaper, he takes out his tablet and started to navigate. Amazing. Glad to see that technology is used by every age group. My Dad is over 75 years old and sometimes I have to ask him to navigate his Blackberry tablet for me. Again amazing, age has no limits.

… and here are CN Tower pictures on my Facebook.

Authorized Windows Service Technician & Cyber Crime, That Was Close

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 06:03:36 +0000

He never introduced himself but I was able to get his phony name, Brian Carter. Interesting enough Brian Carter had a strong Asian accent and he was calling from supposedly existing in Toronto Windows Service Centre; however, he failed to mention Microsoft.

The conversation lasted for about 20 minutes and he almost had me, more like scared me that my computer is completely infected and it will soon blow up. He give away his identity with few interesting comments, and not until the moment when he asked for remote access to my computer, I realized – cyber crime is happening at my home in Aurora.

Its been a while since my wacky aurora hub posts and what happened today fits perfectly. So here is the conversation I recall.

Brian Carter: Hi am calling from the Windows Service Centre and we have been seeing strange activity on your computer. Your computer is possibly infected with the malware or malicious software.

Me: Excuse me, you are able to see activity on my computer?

Brian Carter: You have registered Windows product with us and we have been monitoring your computer. We noticed strange activity so that is why we are calling you to let you know that we can help you clean things up.

Me: Strange, that you are able to see activity on my computer.

Brian Carter: Your address is spells out my full address where I live. We are calling you because what is happening with your computer is not good. We have noticed suspicious activity and calling to let you know and help you fix it.

Me: Let me put you on hold.

I put him on hold and ran up to my computer room. I looked at the computer and the Internet was disconnected.

Me: Hi again. You said you are seeing strange activity on my computer now. My computer is not connected to the Internet.

Brian Carter: Not now but we have been monitoring your computer for three months now and we have reports that you have strange activity.

Me: Let me login to my computer.

Brian Carter: You are logging in?

I remembered distinctly that he was surprised that I was logging in. He is probably realizing at that point that I am not going to be an easy bait. I realized that he also did not know my name. Usually with registration you get the whole package of information.

Me: Okay, you said I have malware. Now, how can you tell?

Brian Carter: I will tell you. Click on the right side start button. I think he meant left side. Find Computer on the right menu, and then right click and choose Manage. To make long story short he just simply got me to Windows logs.

Me: Okay, what are we looking for then.

Brain Carter: You see the list, some say Information. There are some Warnings and Errors. These are files that are infecting your computer and they grow and grow and eventually they will shut down your computer.

Me: Really? In the mean time all I am seeing that these files are just Windows log files for installation of updates etc, some warnings and some errors. Can I delete them by myself.

Brain Carter: Aha, how many file do you see, 5, 10?

Me: I am still scrolling. I cannot count them there are too many.

Brain Carter: I want to show you something else. These are all files under Applications. Go and click on System files.

Me: Okay.

Brain Carter: He is giving me speech again how my computer can be destroyed by malware or small hacks. See all these files. How many do you see? 5, 10?

Me: Okay, I think you know that I have more than that.

Brian Carter: Oh my goodness. We have some cleaning to do.

This was the point when I figured he was a hacker. Not calling me by name; showing me just computer log files and not malicious files; talking about Norton Internet Security and how great software it is and still totally not secure. Telling me HP computers have security flaws. And also how two computers not networked but connected to one Internet Service Provided can still get infected from each other. I was getting more paranoid because I knew his mission and I was almost sucked in.

I realized that my computer was fine and I was talking to the hacker who was on the mission to hack my computer and possibly install malicious application. Oh well I decided to continue the conversation.

Me: So what is the next step. You are saying I cannot delete them myself? Is there an application that can do that for me instead of you?

Brian Carter: No, no there is none. That is why we are calling you. We can help you out.

Me: How? You obviously need access to my computer to do that. Am I right?

Brain Carter: Yes, and you can see what I will do.

Me: I think we have to stop right here. I am not the only user of this computer, and actually my husband is the one that maintains it. So I will not allow anyone access our computer without his authorization.

Brain Carter: But the task is very simple. You said that it was your computer.

Me: It is our computer. I don’t know you and I will not let anyone access my computer.

Brain Carter: We can do this in no time. We don’t need your husband. I will navigate your computer and if you see something you don’t like you can disconnect.

Me: As I said I will not do so. Is there are number I can call you back?

Brain Carter: When your husband be home? Can I call back at that time?

Me: I don’t know. He has variable schedule and it is better we call you back. Do you have number I can reach you at?

Brain Carter: Yes, here it is 678-666-0122. This is a number he gave me.

Me: Oh this is not 1-800 number.

Brain Carter: No. Laughed.

Me: Where are you calling from and by the way what is your name?

Brain Carter: Toronto. Brain Carter. Spelled his phony name for me.

Me: And Windows has office in Toronto. What time are you open to?

Brain Carter: Yes, we do. You can call until 7 p.m. He had to think about the time.

Me: Are you directly working for Windows or are you contractor?

Brain Carter: Getting annoyed. I am authorized Windows Technician. Just hang up now and call me again to verify the number.

Me: No that will not be necessary. If we think there is an issue we will call you later. Please understand that I do not allow anyone who calls us to access our computer. I don’t feel comfortable. I don’t know who you are even if you are telling me who you are. It is so easy these days to be scammed. I really don’t know if you are telling the truth.

Brian Carter: I completely understand. Please call us back.

Me: Good bey.

Brian Carter: Good bey.

How ironic this whole conversation was. Later, I was thinking may be he will give up his cyber crime activities after the nice concluding conversation we had. I think he got a bit sucked in to and given me enough of his information to find out more about him on the Internet. We never called him back and probably this number does not exist anymore.

The lesson is – do not do any business over the phone, especially when that someone calls you first.

I will keep you updated if he calls back.

Somethings That Always Change In Our Library, The Photography Exhibit

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:05:08 +0000

It was my third attempt this month to take photo of the photography exhibit at our library. First time Matthew needed more attention, second time I forgot my camera and third time there were too many people hovering around.

I am assuming that wasn’t just the cold weather that brought people to the library on that day.

I was told that I can take pictures as long as there are no people on them. So last Thursday I followed the rules and my photographic mission was not accomplished. May be one day I will ask for the photo shoot permission pass or may be it is more fun to be a silent observer.

No photos of the exhibit. Then let me just talk about it. Helen did it again. I wonder if she is trying to tease me as it is my favorite subject.

In addition to amazing display of the photography books I was amazed to see old, I mean very old cameras. It is interesting to see how photographic technology changed since then. I must say a lot. Looking at the collection of old leather bound rectangular boxes with lenses in them is hard to compare to what we have today and much better. One point in time those rectangular boxes were valuable to the photographers as digital cameras are now.

Across Yonge Street, View from APL, Aurora

The very first camera’s will always have historical value. Any digital camera you own these days will only have recyclable value. The camera technology changes too fast to have any historical value. It is always the first invention that counts.

We still don’t have active museum in Aurora, but I am glad that some artifacts are being displayed. Something is always better than nothing. I have not been inside the Aurora Cultural Centre yet, but why not have showcase there as well – it does not have to be all about art. And may be some at the Aurora Town Hall – hallways are spacious enough to accommodate a similar display as in library.

That day I allowed Matthew to play on the computer with children’s activities. I myself couldn’t resist to snap pictures of the winter weather at the Yonge Street and the George Browning house framed by Aurora library walls. It is a shame that there will be no George Browning house one day.

George Browning House from APL, Aurora

There was something else I wanted to look at. Unfortunately I arrived late. The second floor opposite to the elevator has a wall that displays art. In the past a colorful collection of paintings always caught my eye, yet I never made to the other side to look at it closely. Every painting was different yet had the same theme, same kind of selection of colors.

Art Display, Inside APL, Aurora

Well that was gone too. New display is interesting one, but I couldn’t figure out if it belonged to one artist or many artists.

On the side note, I do take books out to read but while I am in the library I like to look around. Last time I actually used the self serve check out and I concluded that I am just too slow.

Aurora Strategic Plan, Plant The Innovation Seed, Promote Business Growth

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:57:29 +0000

Aurora Strategic Plan for 2031 is a very nice concept. I think it is really good to plan for the future or to have long term goals. However, I just hope that we do not go under the spell of writing this great list of things to do and never achieve them.

Mural, Wellington Street

What I have seen for now, the Aurora Strategic Plan is just a shell design, no substance yet. String of words do sound very flowery for now, but will they bloom like that 20 years from now in 2031. My suggestion – have few solid ideas and keep them simple.

It is nice to see that Town of Aurora is getting local public involved. Since this is a strategic plan, I think information should be conveyed in the same manner. I don’t need to see draft material. Current draft presented is a typical process outline. Do we need to see this? I don’t know, seems incomplete and not professional. Even the forums are not taken seriously by the residents.

I don’t know may be I just have different or odd way of thinking, but I don’t understand why do we need separate website just for the strategic plan. It should have been part of the current Aurora site. It is nice that communication department is trying to communicate every detail but why spend extra taxpayers money on such. Why are we branding the Aurora Strategic Plan? I cannot see the purpose.

If the Aurora Strategic Plan team thinks that more and complicated is better, boy they are wrong. Even websites need to be strategically planned to convey the information.

Mural, Wellington Street

The Aurora Strategic Plan execution gives me something to think about though. So once in the blue moon I will be presenting some ideas I have.

Well, 20 years is lot of years. In 20 years you can get nice grown tree, therefore, this may be the time to plant the seeds. I am not really talking about growing real trees here, but this will be a topic of mine later because we definitely need more shade trees.

We need to plant the innovation seed. We need the schools, businesses and town to be involved in more scientific and engineering fields. Let me explain as simple as possible.

Mural, Canada Arm, Wellington Street

Science and engineering fairs sponsored by the local businesses and the Town of Aurora for the Aurora schools.

Sometimes we underestimate young minds and little initiation for innovation from businesses would help to surface some great ideas students may have and give economic benefit to everyone.

This is my train of thoughts.

Town of Aurora and local businesses together collaborate and organizes annual science and engineering fair.

Students from Aurora schools pick a business to work with.

A project idea is assigned to student(s) by the business.

End result new product, enhanced product, efficient process etc – project ideas can be endless.

Participating students are rewarded for their accomplishments.

Since the business provides all the tools for the student(s) to work with, business owns the idea.

If the idea is sound, then it is implemented.

Business grows. Student(s) may have future summer jobs or full time jobs with that company.

Business grows, Town of Aurora is happy.

There is no restrictions, Town of Aurora can participate with their projects too.

I think these are self explanatory steps to drive more business or business growth. We need business that will stay. I was driving on the Industrial Parkway the other day and there are just too many signs for lease. Just too many buildings empty.

So I thought I will present one of my crazy ideas to push the business growth forward. I like long therm growth and this process may be something good to start today.

Mural, Wellington Street

This may also be good for students and their future. Start early introduction to real work, keep them out of trouble. Kids always look for challenge why not give them more.

We do it with art, why not do the same with the science. Something to think about.

Mural, Wellington Street

Not Lost Credit Cards, But Forgotten Credit Cards, Wrist Strap Necessary

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:14:06 +0000

Just before lunch we dropped by the Superstore in Aurora. We found the Superman costume for my boy, and two bottles of bubble soap. The bubble soap was on sale half price. I was waiting for the price drop and eventually it came.

At the register I scanned everything, I reached for my wallet and …. no credit card. Where did I put it? How did I loose it? Questions were pounding through my head. I paid cash for everything and drove home. I looked at home everywhere. No sign of my credit card.

Then I remembered. I used it last at Store X on Friday night. Before I call and report on lost credit card I decided to check with Store X. I called and yes they had it. I was little embarrassed. I forgot and left it in the credit card terminal. I let her know I will be there tonight to pick it up.

Later today we went to pick up my credit card at the Store X. Thinking of the embarrassment again and having anyone from Store X reminding me not to forget it again I was surprised to see this.

I came to the register desk and explained the situation. The lady at the information desk asked on what day I lost my card. She opened the drawer and picked up a stash of credit cards wrapped in the elastic band. Must have been at least 10. ‘Oh, sorry this is today only‘ – she replied. I was very surprised to see that many. Today only?

She turned around and reached out for a plastic container size of the shoe box. This is when I was really surprised. The box was almost full filled with credit cards and debit cards. Just an estimation. Being in bundles of 10, there were probably 15 bundles or more.

‘Oh that is just August alone and we will have to cut it up soon‘ – she added. ‘Here is Sepetmber 9 pile, which one‘ – she said.

That was a good ending.

I picked little something and paid for it at the register. I used my credit card. Inserted into the terminal and punched the code. I took the receipt and the bag.

‘Thank you for the sticker‘ – Matthew waved goodbye.

‘Oh and here don’t forget your credit card‘ – clerk waved the card at me.

I did it again.

Lost Credit Cards

This issue seems with the chip technology credit and debit cards. It is a secure feature with embedded chip inside the card that stores all the information as opposed to the black magnetic strip. The problem is that in the old days cards were swiped and card never left your hand or was passed on from the clerk directly to you.

There is still an option to slide the card, but that is if you don’t have the chip yet. If you have the chip you have to insert the card into the terminal. Another option is and probably better than the above is tapping a credit card on the terminal. Using tapping the card does not leave your hand. Card can have the extended life too as the black strip had a life span.

Well, it seems like the chip technology makes consumers to forget credit cards and debit cards in the terminal. The new credit/debit card chip technology compared to the Wii controller needs a wrist or wallet strap.

Lady was very nice and friendly at the information desk at the Store X. I took my second credit card with my signature and started to show her. She waved at me it was okay.

As much as it was nice to have that kind of trusting customer service. This is a big NO. With so little security anyone can claim the lost credit card.