not happy

[daedong]

Last Saturday an exchange kid from Germany arrived to stay for three weeks. This morning i have come to the computer to find he has downloaded ICQ. I do not like this program because i think it attracts a lot of junk traffic that invades my computer. I have stopped my daughter in the past from downloading it a long time ago. My first reaction was how cheeky he was, so immediately i uninstalled the lot of it, am i being too hard.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Here in Indiana we would take him out and shoot him.

I'm surprised by how restrained your response was to the foreign aggressor who would have the entire planet speaking his language if not for the allied forces of a generation ago.

 

[PineRidge]

We have 3 computers that are networked that we use in our home based business. We don't allow anyone to use them because of all the virus and other malicious software that floats around these days. It is just too easy for someone to download something that may knock you off the net or worse. This is my personal opinion only.

 

[Jimbrown]

Yes, No, Maybe. I do not use ICQ either but if it works as I think it does it allows friends to email you without knowing an exact email address. I suspect it was a way for friends in Europe and perhaps on exchange vists ot other places to talk to him. I would consider leaving it on for his three weeks and then removing it. Free programs like Pest Patrol of Spy bot should keep you safe for that period of time. It might make his vist more pleasant.

 

[8NTX]

You are NOT being too hard at all. Sounds it would have been a good idea to go over a set of rules of the house. Computer use is a privilege, and it is not unreasonable to expect him to refrain from installing ANY program on it, visiting questionable sites, etc. Sounds like you just need to set up some firm rules with the lad.

 

[JimR]

What you did is correct. The computer is yours. Is he going to reload it if you get crashed? Explain that you do not want your computer changed or messed with, period.

 

[SPIKER]

it's hard to say, he installed it with out you're permision so uninstalling it is cool, I DO use ICQ and have found it to be a good program with very few problems and I don't get bugged by a bunch of spam, (like MSN does and AIM does) both of which are well used systems for hackers and forpeople to GET IN through. ICQ is a bit more secure and is the oldest of the lot. I think they may have been bought out by one of the bigger ones, AIM I think. He is away from HOME and as a way to stay connected he wanted to use ICQ to speak/chat with friends & family. you can set it to record all info exchanged and that will help protect you and him from making (err bad choices) anyhow it an also share FILES so installing a good FIREWALL such as Norton or Mcaffee would be well advised. also make sure there is a good pass word protection set up, (comes with Norton Password manager with the systems suit ) somethign similar is sold by many names.

anyhow keep up the good work monitor him and such.

Mark M

 

[rockinmywaypa]

Awhile back a friend of the wife's was visiting from another country. They got on the computer and started customizing it to suit themselves and what was needed and not needed for their chat rooms. Well, guess whose stuff was put in the closet so to speak.If I wanted to read a pdf I had to go and start up the adobe, I had a heck of a time accessing TBN for awhile. Boy was I unimpressed with them.I thought it was an extreme case of selfishness to tamper with the settings.Still don't like her.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

I to have used ICQ for Years and have never had any problems or complaints with it at all. If I can recall correctly, I believe that ICQ is now owned by AOL. But I am not positively sure of that.
Irrelevant of whether ICQ is a good and safe program or not. I completely agree with daedong's course of action. I think that the exchange student had alot of audacity to download ANYTHING onto someone else's computer without first obtaining the computer owners permission.

 

[JayC]

I use to use ICQ and never had any problems. I have since stopped using IM programs. What your visitor did was wrong. He didn't even ask. If he wants to stay in contact, that is what e-mail is for.