My anti-virus expired this past summer. I forked out the dough and bought a complete internet security package…and then forced it on Gambrill, my sitemate. The reason is that virus protection is pretty much non-existent. In fact, it's a joke and everyone rolls my eyes when I scan flash drives when I put them in my computer. Today the routine was the same. My colleague wanted to give me a file and rolled her eyes and walked away when I began scanning the flash drive. They know it takes an additional 10 minutes when they want to give me a file.
Today's result was a respectable 19 viruses. A solid showing, but nothing really extraordinary. The park's flash drives have never had less than 4 viruses and my record so far is 29. That day I was pumping my fist and chanting "30! 30!", only to be denied.
I've managed to have my laptop running in good condition since April 2006 and I attribute it in a large part to my antivirus protection- especially here in KZ. Every park computer is infected beyond logic and they of course effect work, efficiency of the machine, etc. Free and cheap quality anti-virus programs are installed and never updated (no internet), so they think they are ineffective and switch software about once every month. Just thought I'd give you a little window into the tech world here.
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On a different note, Peace Corps Kazakhstan has made changes in their program. They have altered the timing of incoming groups and trainings and because they do not want to have too many volunteers in country at one time, they have shortened my group's service and the following group's service by 3 months. Originally I was to leave the first week of November. Now I'm scheduled to leave between August 2-5. All the same benefits apply to me- I will just be in KZ 3 less months.
Most volunteers are ok with it- it just bumps up the job hunt. But it gets me home in time to see the Braves make a run at the postseason!
I've broken up my service in terms of seasons- it makes it easier to see a 2 year service for me. Originally I was preparing for one more winter and one more summer, then leaving. Now I basically only have one more winter. The reason is that we have our close-of-service conference in the first week of June (snow basically lasts until May). After that conference, its getting the new volunteers acclimated, showing them around, saying goodbyes, etc. The last two months go by really fast and almost don't count in the equation.
