Outsmarting Scammers: Tips to Recognise and Avoid Their Tricks

[starborn]

Ah, here’s my semi-coherent rambling:

"Be Gone, Thought!" - Technomancy Spell to Stop Worrying

Yep. Basically, when you delete a file, it removes the connection or link to it in its system. But the file doesn’t really disappear until the computer happens to use that space to write something new. An analogy might be… It removes your address from the phonebook, so no one can find you. But it only bulldozes the home incidentally when it builds a new home. (In reality, it’s slightly more difficult, because technically a file isn’t a single home, but closer to a bunch of homes spread out acr…

[tracyS]

I followed the instructions manual written by Microsoft, they suggested the sledgehammer and fire.

@starborn

The only danger with fire is ensuring you don’t breathe in any fumes

I survived to tell the tale, though fire safety is not my strong point. It did let off a few fireworks which me and probably Loki, who may have been watching, thoroughly enjoyed.

[starborn]

@tracyS

the instructions manual written by Microsoft, they suggested the sledgehammer and fire.

Whoa. I had no idea about this. That’s metal.

@tracyS

It did let off a few fireworks which me and probably Loki, who may have been watching, thoroughly enjoyed.

I’m going to have to try this one day. I think we have a few notebooks from 2010 that might need disposal eventually.

PSA for others who don’t have the manual Tracy’s talking about (or similar): Remove any batteries before setting tech devices like phones and laptops on fire.

[tracyS]

@starborn

Remove any batteries before

Gosh that’s good advice, I’ve never done that, and I smash and burn all my tech. Good job I live in the middle of nowhere