Dan Ronco’s two novels are set the near future: PeaceMaker in 2012 and Unholy Domain in 2022. In the initial planning for these novels, Ronco researched trends in technology and Western culture, with the objective to make the settings realistic. He tested this research against a lifetime of observation, and solicited feedback from reviewers and writers. What Ronco discovered led him to create a balance of power between the sexes in both novels, rather than the usual dominant male protagonists.
It became clear to Ronco that the two genders were moving toward each other in world view, attitude and actions. Women were becoming more like men and men more like women (but that’s a subject for another time). Ronco doesn’t claim this is a conclusion based upon rigorous scientific procedures, but however informal, it makes sense.
When men think about women, they always focus first on appearance, so start there. Is she pretty? Not too heavy, but with plenty of curves? Soft, pure face of an angel? Those are the questions men asked thirty years ago, and they still ask them today, but the women have changed.
Today’s females are bigger and more athletic than previous generations. Go to any workout facility and what do you see? Plenty of women. And not just doing aerobics, either. Pumping iron, pushups, building their strength against all manner of exercise machines. They’re dropping baby fat and showing off lean, hard muscles. Not that they are becoming bodybuilders (although some do), but they are not the women of your mother’s generation either.
Drive around town and you’ll certainly come across a jogger. What’s the gender most of the time? And she’s probably setting a fast pace, too.
Muscles are no longer solely a masculine domain. Check out the ladies playing basketball or tennis, let alone the boxers. Not a wimp in the bunch. Title IX has opened the door for women to excel at sports, and they are succeeding. You want to see Serena Williams or Mary Pierce getting ready to serve a cannonball at you? Even the most athletic men aren’t that foolhardy. That doesn’t mean today’s women aren’t as beautiful or sexy as previous generations. Some men think they look better, actually, with their lean, athletic figures.
Okay, they look different, but what about their attitudes? The way they lead their lives?
Back in the fifties, college was primarily a man’s domain. Now the majority of underclasspeople (is that right?) are women. Women mature more rapidly than men and do better in their studies. They graduate at a higher rate and move into the professions. Some would say they’ve swarmed into the professions, shouldering men out the door as they pushed in. A guy risks getting trampled if he holds a door open.
Women start most of the small businesses in North America. Not many people know that. A few decades ago, if someone telephoned a doctor, lawyer or accountant, a masculine voice came over the line. Not any longer. It’s more likely the voice will be pitched higher and smoother.
The writing profession has gone the same way. Most readers and writers seem to be women. Pick up a novel at random and the author’s name usually begins with Karin or Nancy or … get the picture? There are still a lot of guys turning out thrillers and science fiction, but that’s changing, too.
Remember how, a couple of generations ago, women would spend much of their time searching for a man to marry? When all they wanted was a home, a child and a good husband to take care of them? Well, today’s gals are in no rush to get married. They have options. They think the way guys think. Date, have fun, get some action but don’t rush into marriage. Get the career started, then, maybe, think about family. And keep working. It’s a significant break with the past.
Why have women done so well? Attitude and opportunity. Fifty years ago women were locked out of many of the opportunities men enjoyed, but that’s changed now. With a few exceptions, such as really dangerous or heavy physical work, women can do anything a man can do. And women have just as much determination, courage and brains as men. Combine that with sexuality and they can get where they want to go, maybe with more options than men. Actually, it seems men are outgunned.
However, an objective person must admit to be generally positive about today’s women. Yes, the women are becoming more like men, but that’s better for them and for the guys, too. But there’s a negative side.
When a woman starts a business, she has to work like crazy to make it successful. If she’s a single mom, what happens to her children? Daycare is usually okay, but it’s not the same as having a full-time mother. If she’s married, the man will pick up some of the slack, right? He’ll try, but remember, he’s got his career, too. And there aren’t many stay-at-home Dads. We discovered that society doesn’t respect a guy who relies upon his wife to be the bread winner.
There are more women in prison than ever before. Just like men, some aggressive, the rules-don’t-apply-to-me women take what they want. White collar crime, violence, sexual predators, the whole nine yards. And what’s going on with these female teachers who seduce their high school, even grammar school, students? This rarely happened way back when. Damn!
Too many women are waiting too long to get married. They’re going out to the bars, drinking, flirting, having sex with any guy that appeals to them. Wait, this was supposed to be a negative. Sorry about that.
You get the idea, right. Women are becoming more masculine in Western society, and it seems to be working out, but there have been bumps in the road. And a few potholes. Quite a few.
And so, as Ronco outlined his novels, he decided that the female characters would not be crammed into the stereotypes found in many stories. Take Dianne Morgan, the most dominant character to emerge from his novels. She’s the real mover and shaker, the person driving the action across both books. Dianne is the CEO of a giant software company, a single mother and a self-made billionaire. Sexy, sometimes tender and very determined. On the other hand, she’s violent, erratic, and trusts no one. Fits the description of a masculine villain, doesn’t she (except for the single mother part)?
Dianne is an example — maybe a bit extreme — of today’s alpha woman. With three male partners, she grows a business from startup to giant corporation. She uses all the weapons nature provided to become CEO of the world’s largest software maker. Ray Brown is her key acquisition, a brilliant software engineer who has developed an intelligent operating system that understands the spoken language. Just like the computer in Star Trek. She knows all other software will be made obsolete, so she recruits Ray, then seduces him. He’s married, but business is business. Ray becomes an alcoholic, loses his family, winds up in rehab, but what the hell, Dianne has the software. She actually cares for him, but first things first.
Any logical person must conclude that the gap between men and women is closing. In 2008, the balance, with all the plus and minus factors, seems just about right. Unfortunately, the wheel is still spinning, and it may settle at a point where the Dianne Morgan’s of the world become the norm.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
What have I got to lose?
My name is David Brown. I’m in my dorm room, staring through a shattered window as the police hold back protestors that hate me and my family. My father was Ray Brown, the world acclaimed software genius who developed the code for Atlas, the first computer system that could speak intelligently. Just like the computer in the old Star Trek series. Everybody admired my father, but his final act was to release a lethal computer virus into the Internet and shut down computers all over the world.
.
I was eleven when the virus roared across the Internet. They say more than a million people died before the virus was terminated and the computers restarted. He was one of those who didn’t make it.
.
I got a big surprise this morning --- a time-delayed email dated ten years in the past. A message from my father. He claims to have discovered a virus hidden in the new Atlas release, and he is trying to track down its developers. Either my father was delusional or someone framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. If I could prove his innocence, my name would be cleared and maybe I’d have a normal life. Of course, if I dig into this, the people who murdered him will come after me.
.
I have to know the truth, wherever it takes me. What have I got to lose?
.
I was eleven when the virus roared across the Internet. They say more than a million people died before the virus was terminated and the computers restarted. He was one of those who didn’t make it.
.
I got a big surprise this morning --- a time-delayed email dated ten years in the past. A message from my father. He claims to have discovered a virus hidden in the new Atlas release, and he is trying to track down its developers. Either my father was delusional or someone framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. If I could prove his innocence, my name would be cleared and maybe I’d have a normal life. Of course, if I dig into this, the people who murdered him will come after me.
.
I have to know the truth, wherever it takes me. What have I got to lose?
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Marketing and More Marketing
I have been working hard introducing readers to Unholy Domain, my new novel. Basically, I spend all my time marketing. Well, maybe I squeak out 10% of my time writing my next novel. Actually, I have to admit, most of this marketing is fun. Through Amazon, MySpace, Goodreads, Authors Den and the rest, I’ve reached several thousand readers. Touched base with several hundred bookstore managers and a bunch of librarians, too. Eight to ten thousand readers visit my website each month, and I try to keep the experience fresh and interesting. BTW, I recently posted the first chapter of UD to my website, so take a look when you have time.
Other writers have been very supportive, especially given how busy they are. Piers Anthony and David Brin both provided valuable feedback regarding PeaceMaker, my first novel. Piers, Scott Nicholson, Rick Weber and Simon Wood read UD and provided generous reviews. Thanks, guys.
Blogging has been fun, too. Gives me a chance to express my ideas in a variety of areas. Some are humorous, some are very serious.
Hope I have the chance to touch base with you, too.
Other writers have been very supportive, especially given how busy they are. Piers Anthony and David Brin both provided valuable feedback regarding PeaceMaker, my first novel. Piers, Scott Nicholson, Rick Weber and Simon Wood read UD and provided generous reviews. Thanks, guys.
Blogging has been fun, too. Gives me a chance to express my ideas in a variety of areas. Some are humorous, some are very serious.
Hope I have the chance to touch base with you, too.
Superman is Coming
As the greatest of all the superheroes, Superman possesses extraordinary powers represented as “faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound”, a description made famous in the Superman TV series of the 1950s. Superman’s capabilities include flight, super-strength, invulnerable skin, super-speed, x-ray vision, super-hearing, and the ability to blow with the power of gale-force winds. Besides that, he was pretty much invulnerable to disease and smart as a whip. This is one tough dude.
These certainly are abilities “far beyond those of mortal men” as the old TV series proclaimed, but is technology pushing us in this direction? Is our destiny to create a new, greatly enhanced version of humanity? In other words, a new species of superhumans?
I believe that’s exactly where we are heading. As we continue to advance the big four technologies — genetics, artificial intelligence, robotics and nanotechnology — we will create a new version of humanity that will have as little in common with us as we have with Cro-Magnon man. The next three to five decades will place humanity firmly on the path to this new reality.
I don’t mean to sound gloomy, because the destination will be pretty damn good for the most part. It’s the transition that concerns me; technological evolution will proceed so rapidly that many will fall by the wayside. Underdeveloped countries may fall far behind, lost forever. Even in technology-rich North America, pockets of people may lose their way. Don’t let it happen to you.
Genetics
DNA can be considered the program code guiding the development of our bodies. Each of us caries DNA in our cells, and this DNA provides the instructions that lead to the growth and formation of our minds and bodies. As we begin to understand this code, as well as the other mechanisms of our bodies, we have an increasing capability to intervene. By manipulating DNA, by adjusting processes, we will be able to prevent or cure disease, enhance intelligence, strength, speed and other factors and increase the human lifespan. Are there any limits? Probably, but we have a long way to go.
Artificial Intelligence
In comparison to other animals, our bodies are weak, we don’t have lethal teeth or claws, we’re not that big, we don’t reproduce quickly or in large numbers, we can’t fly or even run very fast … well, you get the idea. So why are we such a successful species? You know the answer, of course — our magnificent brain. Intelligence wins out. At least it has so far.
It’s clear that increasing our intelligence improves our survival prospects. We have learned that the computer, combined with the right software, can display a certain degree of intelligence, which we can harness for our own purposes. In certain limited areas — such as playing chess — artificial intelligence can defeat the best humans. Although humans are far ahead of the machines in broad based intelligence, the differential is shrinking. Some experts predict artificial intelligence will catch and then surpass us in as little as three or four decades. I’m not sure about the timeframe, but I am sure that we will enhance the not so magnificent capabilities of our brains with artificial intelligence. Wireless connections to networked AI will provide these fortunate individuals far greater intelligence than unconnected humans. Over the coming decades, we will begin to rely more on artificial intelligence than our native brainpower, even for individuals with minds genetically enhanced. The combination of genetic enhancements and networked AI will push us up the evolutionary scale.
Robotics
If artificial intelligence will gradually surpass our natural intelligence, what about our bodies? Sure, they will be genetically enhanced, but it’s not going to stop there. Robotics will play a big role, but not the kind of mechanical man we have become familiar with through the movies. No, the type of robotics I anticipate are the artificial components built into our bodies. We are already familiar with artificial hips and knees, prosthetic leg extensions and replacements, hearing aids and glasses. Why not a second mechanical heart for a backup or to supply extra blood when the workload is extreme? Why not super strong but lightweight supports built into your arms and legs, all run by your artificial intelligence? Get the picture? Like our brains, our bodies will gradually give way to mechanical devices superior to our original body parts.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the process of building with molecules, even atoms, which will allow us to precisely design and fabricate virtually any body part. This could be a tiny object that would fit into a human cell or something as large as a bone or organ. At some point, we may be able to build tiny medical bots in the cells, which could monitor the performance of biological parts. Or we could build more efficient blood cells, perhaps self-powered so that a heart is no longer required. In any case, nanotechnology will enable us to fabricate replacements that may be superior to the original items.
Considerations and Conclusions
Some people would ban most, if not all, of the technological developments that we have outlined. This may be due to religious or moral beliefs that we shouldn’t tamper with God’s design. Or they may be concerned that these technologies could get into the wrong hands, such as terrorists or rogue states. Even with the best of safeguards, serious problems that may endanger human health, or even survival, might appear many years after implementation. In any case, the development of a superman could lead to conflict between the haves and have-nots in our society.
These are serious considerations, but there is no turning back; the genie is out of the bottle. Superman is coming and he’s moving with super speed. Our best hope is to combine government regulation with scientific self-monitoring. If the advanced nations can agree on a course of action, Superman may be the best thing that’s ever happened to us. But if things get out of control …
These certainly are abilities “far beyond those of mortal men” as the old TV series proclaimed, but is technology pushing us in this direction? Is our destiny to create a new, greatly enhanced version of humanity? In other words, a new species of superhumans?
I believe that’s exactly where we are heading. As we continue to advance the big four technologies — genetics, artificial intelligence, robotics and nanotechnology — we will create a new version of humanity that will have as little in common with us as we have with Cro-Magnon man. The next three to five decades will place humanity firmly on the path to this new reality.
I don’t mean to sound gloomy, because the destination will be pretty damn good for the most part. It’s the transition that concerns me; technological evolution will proceed so rapidly that many will fall by the wayside. Underdeveloped countries may fall far behind, lost forever. Even in technology-rich North America, pockets of people may lose their way. Don’t let it happen to you.
Genetics
DNA can be considered the program code guiding the development of our bodies. Each of us caries DNA in our cells, and this DNA provides the instructions that lead to the growth and formation of our minds and bodies. As we begin to understand this code, as well as the other mechanisms of our bodies, we have an increasing capability to intervene. By manipulating DNA, by adjusting processes, we will be able to prevent or cure disease, enhance intelligence, strength, speed and other factors and increase the human lifespan. Are there any limits? Probably, but we have a long way to go.
Artificial Intelligence
In comparison to other animals, our bodies are weak, we don’t have lethal teeth or claws, we’re not that big, we don’t reproduce quickly or in large numbers, we can’t fly or even run very fast … well, you get the idea. So why are we such a successful species? You know the answer, of course — our magnificent brain. Intelligence wins out. At least it has so far.
It’s clear that increasing our intelligence improves our survival prospects. We have learned that the computer, combined with the right software, can display a certain degree of intelligence, which we can harness for our own purposes. In certain limited areas — such as playing chess — artificial intelligence can defeat the best humans. Although humans are far ahead of the machines in broad based intelligence, the differential is shrinking. Some experts predict artificial intelligence will catch and then surpass us in as little as three or four decades. I’m not sure about the timeframe, but I am sure that we will enhance the not so magnificent capabilities of our brains with artificial intelligence. Wireless connections to networked AI will provide these fortunate individuals far greater intelligence than unconnected humans. Over the coming decades, we will begin to rely more on artificial intelligence than our native brainpower, even for individuals with minds genetically enhanced. The combination of genetic enhancements and networked AI will push us up the evolutionary scale.
Robotics
If artificial intelligence will gradually surpass our natural intelligence, what about our bodies? Sure, they will be genetically enhanced, but it’s not going to stop there. Robotics will play a big role, but not the kind of mechanical man we have become familiar with through the movies. No, the type of robotics I anticipate are the artificial components built into our bodies. We are already familiar with artificial hips and knees, prosthetic leg extensions and replacements, hearing aids and glasses. Why not a second mechanical heart for a backup or to supply extra blood when the workload is extreme? Why not super strong but lightweight supports built into your arms and legs, all run by your artificial intelligence? Get the picture? Like our brains, our bodies will gradually give way to mechanical devices superior to our original body parts.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the process of building with molecules, even atoms, which will allow us to precisely design and fabricate virtually any body part. This could be a tiny object that would fit into a human cell or something as large as a bone or organ. At some point, we may be able to build tiny medical bots in the cells, which could monitor the performance of biological parts. Or we could build more efficient blood cells, perhaps self-powered so that a heart is no longer required. In any case, nanotechnology will enable us to fabricate replacements that may be superior to the original items.
Considerations and Conclusions
Some people would ban most, if not all, of the technological developments that we have outlined. This may be due to religious or moral beliefs that we shouldn’t tamper with God’s design. Or they may be concerned that these technologies could get into the wrong hands, such as terrorists or rogue states. Even with the best of safeguards, serious problems that may endanger human health, or even survival, might appear many years after implementation. In any case, the development of a superman could lead to conflict between the haves and have-nots in our society.
These are serious considerations, but there is no turning back; the genie is out of the bottle. Superman is coming and he’s moving with super speed. Our best hope is to combine government regulation with scientific self-monitoring. If the advanced nations can agree on a course of action, Superman may be the best thing that’s ever happened to us. But if things get out of control …
Friday, January 11, 2008
Al Bundy Teaches You How to Protect your PC
Al Bundy checked his watch and cursed as he hurried through the front door of the high school. It was the first session of his computer course, and he was late. He rushed down the hallway carrying his laptop, perspiration sliding down his neck. He was only a couple of minutes late, but Principal McDougal had been keeping a close eye on him. The old battleaxe was trying to build a case that he should be terminated for incompetence. What is wrong with her anyway? This is the school system, not some big corporation that had to make money. She needed to get a life and leave him alone.
He slipped into the classroom, which was filled with students. They all looked enthusiastic and ready to learn.
I hate enthusiasm.
He didn't really want to teach night school classes for adults, but he needed the money. Damn credit cards made it too easy to buy stuff. And his wife Peg had lost her job at the department store because of that stupid fight with a customer. So what the guy was seventy-five, he had landed a few good shots on Peg. She was only defending herself when she threw him into the TV's. The display holding all the sets had collapsed, smashing everything. They fired her on the spot, but at least the store had dropped all the charges. That's Peg's story, anyway.
"Okay class, let's get started," Al said. "My name is Al Bundy and I'm a teacher at this school. This short course is called Protecting your PC. For those of you who haven't figured it out, I'm going to teach you a few basic measures you should do to keep your computer safe."
"Are you a computer science teacher?" one of the women asked.
Al straightened up. "Physical Education."
The class tittered. "But I've had plenty of experience with computers," Al added.
A big middle-aged guy shouted out, "Besides porn?"
The students roared, which really got under Al's skin. He would have thrown the guy out of the class, but the bastard looked like he could kick Al's butt. Then a dopey twenty-something guy in the front row started waving his hand impatiently.
Al sighed. "What do you want? First state your name, then ask your question."
"My name is Tony Balboa." He picked a piece of paper off his desk and held it up for Al to read. "This here schedule says this is the Introduction to Sex Education class. Taught by Jessica Mathews. You're not her, so what the hell is going on?"
Al walked up to Balboa and snatched the calendar out of his hand. Tony had drawn a circle around a description of the sex education class. Al spotted the problem immediately. What a freaking idiot!
"The sex education class was last week. This is last week's calendar."
The idiot scratched his thick black hair. "Let me see."
Al handed the calendar back to Balboa. Tony studied it and then said, "Shit!"
Al smiled at the young idiot's confusion. "Well, Mr. Balboa, I suppose you want to leave now. Don't let us waste your valuable time."
Balboa scratched his head again, staring at Al through puzzled eyes. "So this class is about computer shit?"
"Fraid so. Just dumb ol' computer stuff."
Balboa nodded his head, as if he had decided something. "I'm going to stay in this class. My nephew has a computer, but I don't know how to use it. I need to learn this computer shit."
Al was tempted to try to change his mind, then sighed and mumbled, "What the hell." It didn't matter. Balboa would stay for this class, realize he was in over his head and never show up again.
"Okay," Al said to the class. "Now let's really get started. When you use the Internet, you run the danger of unauthorized software getting into your computer. These undesirable programs could really foul up your PC. They might trash your system, steal information from your files, take control of your PC or just do things to annoy you. These nasty programs are called viruses, worms and Trojans." He looked over the class, hoping there might be some intelligence out there. "Can anyone tell me what these terms mean?"
"Let me answer," Balboa shouted. "I know what a Trojan is."
"No, Balboa, not that kind of Trojan. We're talking about software."
"Yeah, soft wear, that's what I use."
"Balboa, I want you to shut up and listen for the rest of the class. There's an outside chance you might learn something."
"Thank you, professor."
Al leaned back against the front desk. He believed in heavy class participation, not because it was a superior learning technique, but because it allowed him to offload the work to students. If Balboa would shut up, he could get the smart kids to teach most of the class.
A geeky looking kid in the front row raised his hand. When Al nodded, he said, "I'm Wayne B. Click. I design relational databases for ISpy Consulting."
"Not that I want to throw a wet blanket on your party, but why are you taking this class? This is an introductory course, designed for people who don't know squat about computers."
"I understand, Professor Bundy, but my analyst said I had to get out and meet people." He shrugged. "Maybe have sex with some women, too."
"I'm not really interested in your situation, Click. Just explain a computer virus."
"Well, a computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user. A virus can only spread from one computer to another when its host software is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance by a user sending mail over the Internet, or by carrying it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive. A computer worm is different. A worm can spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host. A Trojan Horse, like the Greek legend, is a program that looks like another, harmless program. A user is fooled into using it; then it does something nasty."
Click shrugged. "Is that okay, Professor Bundy, or should —."
"Shut up, Click," Al interrupted. "I mean, you did great. Now does anyone have a question?"
A leggy blond in the back row raised her hand, pulling a very short skirt to the top of her thighs. Al moved a couple of strides to his right, trying to get just the right angle to improve the view up her skirt.
If she were only in the front row, but no, I have to get losers like Balboa and Click up here.
"The young legs … lady in the back," Al said.
"My name is Sharon Pebbles, Bindy."
"Bundy, my dear, but you can call me Al."
Sharon shifted in her seat, and to Al's delight, her skirt did the impossible by moving higher. She paused a second, and slowly crossed her gorgeous legs. He'd never seen so much skin in a classroom. Al couldn't speak; for a moment he feared a stroke.
"Bindy, I'm not really interested in all these technical terms. Can't you just tell us what to do to protect our computer." She stood up, ending Al's dreamy view. "Otherwise, I might as well leave right now."
"Please sit down," Al squeaked. After clearing his throat, he said, "We are just getting to that part of the class."
Since Sharon continued to stand, an impatient look spreading over her pretty face, Al decided he had to act fast or this luscious idiot might actually leave. He couldn't risk calling one of these idiot students; he would have to do the work himself.
"The most important step to protect your computer is to take regular backups. At least once a month, make a copy of all your key data files. Anything that you can't afford to lose, back it up and store it offline." He was relieved when Sharon took her seat, restoring his wonderful view. "I backup my files weekly, just to be extra safe. In addition, some really important files — for example my financial information — I back up every day when I finish working with them."
"I got one," Balboa shouted. "I know what you should do."
Why me, Lord?
"Okay, Balboa, what do ya got?"
"It's so simple, you're gonna love it!"
It would have to be simple.
"You planning to tell us anytime soon," Al said. "Class will be over in a few minutes."
"Here it is," Balboa said. "Turn off your PC overnight. If it's off, nobody can stick a Trojan in it."
Al was prepared to laugh, but the damn thing made sense. He himself had a bad habit of leaving his computer on overnight, where it was vulnerable.
"Good suggestion, Balboa. Turn it off overnight or at any time it's not in use for several hours. A computer can't be infected while it's off."
Al looked over the class. "Anyone else with an idea how to keep your PC protected?"
"Never give up confidential information to a stranger," the big middle-aged guy said. He must be six-one and pushing two-fifty, with a beefy face to match. "Watch out for emails, text messaging, chat rooms, everything. You fool around with that freakin' stuff and they'll pick you clean." He looked around and smiled. "Only give confidential information to websites you trust. This is friendly advice, because youse are my classmates."
"Sir, your name, please," Al said.
"Vinny Soprano."
"Didn't I see you in the news last week?"
"You didn't see nuthin."
"My mistake."
Soprano was staring at him, and he didn't look pleased. Time to wrap this up.
"Well, class, that's enough for today. Next week we will get into the specifics of anti-virus software." He moved over again, ready for one last look at Sharon. "See you next week, same time, same place."
Just as Sharon uncrossed her legs, Balboa stepped in front of him, blocking his view. "Great class, Professor Bundy. See you next week."
Al collapsed against the side of the desk. Maybe I could have the class moved to another building. The students filtered out, leaving him alone in the classroom. Or another night. He packed up his laptop and walked toward the door. Or another country.
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He slipped into the classroom, which was filled with students. They all looked enthusiastic and ready to learn.
I hate enthusiasm.
He didn't really want to teach night school classes for adults, but he needed the money. Damn credit cards made it too easy to buy stuff. And his wife Peg had lost her job at the department store because of that stupid fight with a customer. So what the guy was seventy-five, he had landed a few good shots on Peg. She was only defending herself when she threw him into the TV's. The display holding all the sets had collapsed, smashing everything. They fired her on the spot, but at least the store had dropped all the charges. That's Peg's story, anyway.
"Okay class, let's get started," Al said. "My name is Al Bundy and I'm a teacher at this school. This short course is called Protecting your PC. For those of you who haven't figured it out, I'm going to teach you a few basic measures you should do to keep your computer safe."
"Are you a computer science teacher?" one of the women asked.
Al straightened up. "Physical Education."
The class tittered. "But I've had plenty of experience with computers," Al added.
A big middle-aged guy shouted out, "Besides porn?"
The students roared, which really got under Al's skin. He would have thrown the guy out of the class, but the bastard looked like he could kick Al's butt. Then a dopey twenty-something guy in the front row started waving his hand impatiently.
Al sighed. "What do you want? First state your name, then ask your question."
"My name is Tony Balboa." He picked a piece of paper off his desk and held it up for Al to read. "This here schedule says this is the Introduction to Sex Education class. Taught by Jessica Mathews. You're not her, so what the hell is going on?"
Al walked up to Balboa and snatched the calendar out of his hand. Tony had drawn a circle around a description of the sex education class. Al spotted the problem immediately. What a freaking idiot!
"The sex education class was last week. This is last week's calendar."
The idiot scratched his thick black hair. "Let me see."
Al handed the calendar back to Balboa. Tony studied it and then said, "Shit!"
Al smiled at the young idiot's confusion. "Well, Mr. Balboa, I suppose you want to leave now. Don't let us waste your valuable time."
Balboa scratched his head again, staring at Al through puzzled eyes. "So this class is about computer shit?"
"Fraid so. Just dumb ol' computer stuff."
Balboa nodded his head, as if he had decided something. "I'm going to stay in this class. My nephew has a computer, but I don't know how to use it. I need to learn this computer shit."
Al was tempted to try to change his mind, then sighed and mumbled, "What the hell." It didn't matter. Balboa would stay for this class, realize he was in over his head and never show up again.
"Okay," Al said to the class. "Now let's really get started. When you use the Internet, you run the danger of unauthorized software getting into your computer. These undesirable programs could really foul up your PC. They might trash your system, steal information from your files, take control of your PC or just do things to annoy you. These nasty programs are called viruses, worms and Trojans." He looked over the class, hoping there might be some intelligence out there. "Can anyone tell me what these terms mean?"
"Let me answer," Balboa shouted. "I know what a Trojan is."
"No, Balboa, not that kind of Trojan. We're talking about software."
"Yeah, soft wear, that's what I use."
"Balboa, I want you to shut up and listen for the rest of the class. There's an outside chance you might learn something."
"Thank you, professor."
Al leaned back against the front desk. He believed in heavy class participation, not because it was a superior learning technique, but because it allowed him to offload the work to students. If Balboa would shut up, he could get the smart kids to teach most of the class.
A geeky looking kid in the front row raised his hand. When Al nodded, he said, "I'm Wayne B. Click. I design relational databases for ISpy Consulting."
"Not that I want to throw a wet blanket on your party, but why are you taking this class? This is an introductory course, designed for people who don't know squat about computers."
"I understand, Professor Bundy, but my analyst said I had to get out and meet people." He shrugged. "Maybe have sex with some women, too."
"I'm not really interested in your situation, Click. Just explain a computer virus."
"Well, a computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user. A virus can only spread from one computer to another when its host software is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance by a user sending mail over the Internet, or by carrying it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive. A computer worm is different. A worm can spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host. A Trojan Horse, like the Greek legend, is a program that looks like another, harmless program. A user is fooled into using it; then it does something nasty."
Click shrugged. "Is that okay, Professor Bundy, or should —."
"Shut up, Click," Al interrupted. "I mean, you did great. Now does anyone have a question?"
A leggy blond in the back row raised her hand, pulling a very short skirt to the top of her thighs. Al moved a couple of strides to his right, trying to get just the right angle to improve the view up her skirt.
If she were only in the front row, but no, I have to get losers like Balboa and Click up here.
"The young legs … lady in the back," Al said.
"My name is Sharon Pebbles, Bindy."
"Bundy, my dear, but you can call me Al."
Sharon shifted in her seat, and to Al's delight, her skirt did the impossible by moving higher. She paused a second, and slowly crossed her gorgeous legs. He'd never seen so much skin in a classroom. Al couldn't speak; for a moment he feared a stroke.
"Bindy, I'm not really interested in all these technical terms. Can't you just tell us what to do to protect our computer." She stood up, ending Al's dreamy view. "Otherwise, I might as well leave right now."
"Please sit down," Al squeaked. After clearing his throat, he said, "We are just getting to that part of the class."
Since Sharon continued to stand, an impatient look spreading over her pretty face, Al decided he had to act fast or this luscious idiot might actually leave. He couldn't risk calling one of these idiot students; he would have to do the work himself.
"The most important step to protect your computer is to take regular backups. At least once a month, make a copy of all your key data files. Anything that you can't afford to lose, back it up and store it offline." He was relieved when Sharon took her seat, restoring his wonderful view. "I backup my files weekly, just to be extra safe. In addition, some really important files — for example my financial information — I back up every day when I finish working with them."
"I got one," Balboa shouted. "I know what you should do."
Why me, Lord?
"Okay, Balboa, what do ya got?"
"It's so simple, you're gonna love it!"
It would have to be simple.
"You planning to tell us anytime soon," Al said. "Class will be over in a few minutes."
"Here it is," Balboa said. "Turn off your PC overnight. If it's off, nobody can stick a Trojan in it."
Al was prepared to laugh, but the damn thing made sense. He himself had a bad habit of leaving his computer on overnight, where it was vulnerable.
"Good suggestion, Balboa. Turn it off overnight or at any time it's not in use for several hours. A computer can't be infected while it's off."
Al looked over the class. "Anyone else with an idea how to keep your PC protected?"
"Never give up confidential information to a stranger," the big middle-aged guy said. He must be six-one and pushing two-fifty, with a beefy face to match. "Watch out for emails, text messaging, chat rooms, everything. You fool around with that freakin' stuff and they'll pick you clean." He looked around and smiled. "Only give confidential information to websites you trust. This is friendly advice, because youse are my classmates."
"Sir, your name, please," Al said.
"Vinny Soprano."
"Didn't I see you in the news last week?"
"You didn't see nuthin."
"My mistake."
Soprano was staring at him, and he didn't look pleased. Time to wrap this up.
"Well, class, that's enough for today. Next week we will get into the specifics of anti-virus software." He moved over again, ready for one last look at Sharon. "See you next week, same time, same place."
Just as Sharon uncrossed her legs, Balboa stepped in front of him, blocking his view. "Great class, Professor Bundy. See you next week."
Al collapsed against the side of the desk. Maybe I could have the class moved to another building. The students filtered out, leaving him alone in the classroom. Or another night. He packed up his laptop and walked toward the door. Or another country.
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Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Dan Ronco writes in the tradition of Philip K. Dick
Unholy Domain, my new novel, has been compared by other writers to the works of legendary science fiction author Philip K. Dick. I'm honored to be mentioned in the same breath with the creator of Blade Runner, Minority Report and other classics. In Unholy Domain, I've followed Dick's investigations into the dark new worlds of the near future.
"Unholy Domain tackles the age-old battle of scientific enlightenment and reason vs. religious fanaticism. In a future world ravaged by technology two factions fight for supremacy. Dan Ronco tells a tale that is unique, provocative, and engrossing while maintaining enough slam-bang action to keep you turning the pages. It reads like a cross between Blade Runner and Angels and Demons." --R. Douglas Weber, author of Solomon's Key: The CODIS Project
"Dan Ronco fills the gap left by Philip K. Dick with Unholy Domain."--Simon Wood, the Anthony Award winning author of Paying the Piper
"Unholy Domain tackles the age-old battle of scientific enlightenment and reason vs. religious fanaticism. In a future world ravaged by technology two factions fight for supremacy. Dan Ronco tells a tale that is unique, provocative, and engrossing while maintaining enough slam-bang action to keep you turning the pages. It reads like a cross between Blade Runner and Angels and Demons." --R. Douglas Weber, author of Solomon's Key: The CODIS Project
"Dan Ronco fills the gap left by Philip K. Dick with Unholy Domain."--Simon Wood, the Anthony Award winning author of Paying the Piper
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