Dell Tech Peeps Through Woman's PC via Webcam

Last week, a Texas NBC affiliate reported that a Dell technician remotely turned on a woman's webcam via the Internet without her permission. The woman, Dianna Annunziato of North Richland Hills, originally called Dell Computer's customer support line after 9:30 pm because her new PC was having issues and was still under warranty. However, the online service call came to an abrupt halt.

"First, the technician started asking me what time of day it was," she told the Dallas-Forth Worth NBC affiliate. She then said that the technician activated the webcam a moment later—she could see herself peering back from a little box on the LCD monitor. She added that the technician did not ask for permission before activating the device.

Infuriated, Annunziato asked for a supervisor. Rather than receiving a sympathetic apology, she instead received laughter after explaining that she could have been sitting in her seat undressed when the device was activated. Shocked by the reaction, she decided to take matters to a higher level.

"We apologize for the issue and appreciate the customer bringing this matter to our attention," the company said in a statement. "An investigation is currently under way, and the company will administer appropriate action when complete."

As of currently, the NBC report is a bit sketchy on details. Did Annuziato accidentally hit a webcam/media button on her laptop? How was Dell able to access her computer through when she called by phone? Did her Dell come with remote access software designed for Dell technicians already in place? Why didn't Annunziato ask the tech what was going on? She didn't seem to mention if she even asked "did you just turn on my webcam?"

While Dell does offer remote access tech support, this could be a case of someone with an aim to extort some form of payment out of Dell.

And here is a random, totally not related pic...

TTC collector falls asleep on the job - biggest news since Haiti

I find it hard to believe that something like this is even considered news worthy in Toronto. Seriously, when there are literally hundreds of more pressing issues currently at hand a story like this gets front page?!? From what I heard on the news this morning... the TTC collector was working either a late night shift or an overnight shift and fell asleep. Next, TTC authorities want to start an inquiry. Sounds great. Let's waste some more of our money and jack up (not even hiked, you jacked) our fares again to pay for this inquiry. Seriously, what is there to inquire? The guy fell asleep.
I then read the guy who took the picture, Wieler says, "I didn't post to get anyone in trouble, but to highlight TTC problems." Yea, I am so sure we all believe you. Did anyone actually check to see if the guy was even alive?

Anyways, speaking from experience, night shifts blow the big one. At times, sleep becomes so overpowering that it is almost impossible to keep yourself awake unless you get up and go for a walk (which obviously this old guy can't do) or engage in some sort of physical activity. Let's examine his work environment. The guy... sits alone... in a plexi-glass-enclosed room... for a 12 hour night shift. It doesn't take a chemist to work out this equation.

Everyone who is making this into a huge deal including the TORONTO STAR/SUN, you seriously need to grow the f*** up. I know when I pay for my paper…I pay for real news, not a joke like this.

As for the TTC... first you complain you don't have the funds to properly 'operate' your operation, so then you jack up our rates... yet again. Then you take away our free metro pass parking (by the way, how dare you take away my free metro pass parking?!), followed by a further thorough jacking of our rates. Finally, this picture 'jacks' the interweb/twitter/facebook like a virus on crack…and you seriously expect us to continue and support you guys?

What is wrong with this city?
/rant.

The word of the day is 'jack', as in "You jacked my metropass parking!"

I hate you BELL CANADA....with a deep burning fiery passion!

Today I realized how much I absolutely despise Bell Canada as a corporation. If you are a Bell employee and are reading this...I don't hate you per say...but I loath you as an organization. What I don't understand is how a simple call to replace a faulty remote control (which shouldn't take more than 15 minutes... TOPS) can take over 45 minutes of my time. What I don't understand is why in Odin's name do you really feel the need to try and troubleshoot a frickin' remote control!!

I called in and was hoping for a painless telephone transaction. I was hoping to simply tell you that my remote control is no longer working, and yes I did replace the batteries. In return I expected you to ship me out a new remote...and I ship you my old one. Simple, right? Absolutely WRONG!! What I get in return is transferred over from level 1 tech support...to 2nd level tech support. Seriously?? Level 2 Tech support...for a remote control?! WTF....are you kidding me Bell?? Is that what you are doing with the $140 that you milk out of me every month? When I call tech support, it is only when absolutely necessary as I loathe dealing with (what in my opinion I consider the worst tech support available from any company today) your support personnel. I don't need someone across the globe asking me how the weather is. I want you to fix my problem as quickly and as painlessly as possible considering I am paying out the ass for your lack luster services.

So you want to trouble shoot my remote. Fine!! What would you like me to do?

Bell: "Sir, can you try and replace the batteries"
Me: "I have already done that"
Bell: "Ok Sir, thank you for that. Just give me one moment. "
Me: "Can you guys send me a new one? It was working fine this morning and just stopped"
Bell: "Yes sir, I understand that sir but I need to follow the procedure I have to help you resolve the issue promptly. "
Me: "I point and click...it doesn't work."
Bell: "Yes sir, thank you sir. Let us try and reprogram the remote. Can you please press and hold the TV button until all the lights flash red on the remote?"
Me: "Uh... there are no red lights. It just doesn't work."
Bell: "Ok sir, thank you very much for your time sir. Could you try and replace the batteries sir?"
Me: "I already did replace them before I called you. "
Bell: "Ok thank you sir. Just hold with me one moment sir. Ok Sir thank you for your patience. Can we try and reset the remote, can you please hold the pound and off button at the same time until the red lights flash?"
Me: "I already mentioned… there are no lights... the remote is just dead"
Bell: "Thank you for that sir. Unfortunately before I can send you a replacement remote I have to transfer you to my higher level sir and I am sure they can help you. Is there anything else I can help you with before I transfer you?"
Me: "You have to transfer me to someone else? You can't just issue a new remote to my address?"
Bell: "Thank you for that Sir. I will transfer you and they will assist you. Thank you for choosing Bell."
Me: "Uh what?"

After 10 more minutes of annoying hold music

Bell: "Hello Sir, thank you for choosing Bell. Can I have your telephone number starting with your area code"
Me: "But I gave all that info to the tech I was speaking with earlier. Why do you need it again?"
Bell: " Thank you for that sir, but I need it to verify you are on the account sir."
Me: "Can you stop saying that?' (I give the info required)
Bell: "Thank you for that sir, can you try and replace the battery sir.."

WHAT!!?

Round and round we go and still no new remote. In the end I get a refurbished one that I can't even program to my TV. Now I am stuck with a remote for the satellite receiver and a separate remote for the TV. While I am ranting about how terrible Bell is, I should mention another fact. How is it that I am on a 2 year term with you yet my monthly bill is different EVERY MONTH!? Explain that to me Bell. I'm tired of calling in every month to plead & argue with your billing department and have them remove the fees and adjust the prices to what I originally signed up for. And what's worse, when I called to cancel all my services you threw an insanely huge early termination fee! Bell, you may have me by the balls now but we will see who has who when my term is up. For now, I won't go down quietly.