Google Doesn't Like Me

[Paul faplad Finch]

First of all, the face saving little bit that goes at the start of almost all my posts. I know absolutely nothing about computers and basically just use them to come on here and look stuff up on wikipedia so please forgive me if this is a really stupid question. There.

Google has taken a dislike to me. It won't let me read anything connected to blogspot. I was only this morning making my way through a few progslog entries but now, when I try to get back on it won't let me because my system may be trying to make automated requests. I'm guessing they mean spam? Anyway, I tried Thrillpowered Thursday and the covers blog and got the same response.

I clicked on the help button and it told me I should have one of those squiggly puzzle things that I can use to prove I'm human but there is nothing there. So then it says I need to use some kind of software that tracks malicious software.

My question is, is there an easy way around tihs or do I need to download loads of new software, which would tax my technophobe brain no end. If I do need to download something, would you recommend any in particular.

The thing is, the laptop came with Norton installed and I recently shelled out for a renewal. This says my computer is clear and secure. Is this not something Norton does? (I know,I know, but I refer you to my first paragraph)

[DavidXBrunt]

Google often does this. It's a side effect of one of the algorythms programmed into the search matrix. Essentially it reads the key stroke of your typing and, if it percieves uncertainty or unfamiarity in your typing, performs negatively.

In order to rectify this you will have to show more confidence using it, essentially show it who's boss.

Go to www.google.co.uk, click ont the seach box, and type in something domineering like "Do what I say you bitch, or I'll put a hammer through your screen you googlewhore."

It should then work fine, if it doesn't you will have to go through with the threat, or appear weak. If you appear weak not only will google not like you but Wikipedia won't respect you. You will be fed false information, and your name will appear on lists of synonyms for masturbation. In extreme cases Amazon.co.uk will start sending hardcore gay porn instead of your purchases because it's heard you like that sort of thing.

So, you know, give google a slap.

[Paul faplad Finch]

Okay, after 3 hours it's put itself right and let me back in without any action on my part. So, you know, never mind.

Although if someone knows why it hapened and whether I can expect a repeat performance ,cos like I say I didn't "fix" it, that would be appreciated. Maybe I can avoid it in future.

[Emperor]

While the above is excellent advice and should be given a wider audience, I am unsure it is the perfect fix for your problem.

I can't quite think why it is happening or why it shouldn't be easily fixable. You best bet is to look into the Blogger discussion forum (and you can click back up the link tree to the main Blogger help):

http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/blogger?hl=en

I did a quick search for "authomated requests" and it appears a lot of people are having this problem. Google (as well as Twitter and Facebook are being hit with Denial of Service attacks, which is where a large number of computers infected with Trojans are being used to make vast numbers of requests to the sites in an attempt to make the servers fall over). You seem to have been caught in their raising the drawbridges rather and it doesn't seem to be your fault (although it is possible your computer is compromised and the IP blacklisted or it may be they are just shutting down blocks of IPS).

However, as this is all down to people not securing their computers now might be the time for everyone to check theirs. Firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spybot software is free (just search for "Zonealarm", "AVG" and "Spybot" along with the term "free" and grab their free versions - on the first two just make sure you don't get sidetracked into their non-free version).

[Paul faplad Finch]

Okay, I think David must have posted whil I was typing my second one cos I've just noticed it while checking out what Emperor had to say.

At this point,I feel I have to confess that (don't laugh, I wasn't kidding before about my skill level) I believed the first paragraph of his post. If I'm honest, I was half convinced the second paragraph was real, just exaggerated for comic effect.Aah, the naivete of the (not so) young.

Have to say though, if he doesn't work in a tech support help centre he's seriously missed his calling. 

[DavidXBrunt]

Don't you have enough of an idea of what I'm like to know not to talk to me? Tsk tsk!

Tech Support? Never been so insulted...

[Dandontdare]

Don't take it personally Faplad, it isn't ONLY Google that doesn't like you....

[Peter Wolf]

I wonder where these Black Hole servers that record every single bit of internet traffic live ?

If you use a Microsoft operating system then you are completely compromised with back doors and exotic system code and security like Norton isnt any guarantee of security.Its all flawed programming which is why it keeps being updated.

Emporer recommends Spybot and Spybot is the the best security solution from what i have heard if you run on MS operating systems.

[Emperor]

Emporer recommends Spybot and Spybot is the the best security solution from what i have heard if you run on MS operating systems.

It is only one of the tools in your arsenal (you also need a solid firewall) but it is a powerful one. A good feature is it locking down your registry as it makes it very difficult for something to install itself without you knowing and messing up your computer.

[Bouwel]

Comodo is a good (and free) firewall that also has an application lock-down feature.

-Bouwel-