Ever since I’ve had my first computer, I’ve always had fear of viruses. That’s why I’ve always been paranoid about using CDs, floppy disks (diskettes during those times), and even flash drives. But, unlike those people who suffer from technophobia, I went and faced my fear by knowing as much as I can about the causes of infection and the types of viruses that can infect my computer. I’ve come to the point that cleaning cookies, flagging files and shutting off autoplay functions has become a routine.

But recently, however, I’ve realized that infection comes in different forms. Especially now that the internet has allowed so much room for growth and evolution for hackers and their armaments, one can not afford to worry about just hard disk infections or viruses alone. There’s spamming, blog-hacking and, for the more daring criminals, identity theft. Scary right?! Now, there’s more than your computer to be worried about. You can actually be jailed by just being ignorant and careless.

The computer, and of course the internet, truly are two-edged swords. Never mind if I become too paranoid. I still believe it’s better to cover your tracks, log off, delete cookies, acquire some identity theft protection, and be vigilant especially with sensitive information when going online or using the computer. She may be gorgeous but no one wants to be like Sandra Bullock in that infamous movie (The Net). Right?

Lately, I’ve been constantly contemplating about upgrading (or more appropriately downgrading) to a netbook. No, it’s not that my laptop has become sluggish or obsolete. On the contrary, it’s just a little worn out but I would pit it against any 6-celled, Atom-based, ultraportable netbook anytime.

I really would. We’ve been through a lot together and it’s been nothing but reliable… that is until it’s become too big for traveling. You see, starting this summer, I would be going to work and coming home alone. Since andrea has already tendered her resignation, I’ll be the only one doing the traveling from then on. It is because of this, that I’ve come to realize a 2.5-kg laptop is just a tad too big for me. I know work is not exactly far from home but a 20 minute walk up and down the slopes of Beverly Hills (yep that’s the name of the subdivision where the school is located) is not comparable to a  walk in the park. Plus, it’s not exactly a nice idea to start the work all sweaty and sticky. Teachers are also ambassadors of good hygiene after all.

No offense intended for those who prefer to walk to school. It’s just that I know myself well and I’m a little embarrassed to say that I perspire a lot more easily than others (a curse that runs in the family). So if I intend to come to work all prim and presentable, I should either lose the extra kilos (meaning the laptop, not my flab) or find a more economical but convenient way to travel – motorcycle, tricycle, bike, etc.

So far, I’m leaning towards the former. So as soon as I get enough dough, I’m going to be running through all the netbooks.