ProctorU...hell in a handbasket Part 1

[UptonSinclair]

Don't worry, Citizen, after all, if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear from surveillance....

Believe me, I am far more concerned about government surveillance than I am ProctorU. I just choose not to live my life in fear. My computer could be completely compromised and I could recover in hours. Why waste the energy worrying about it or the stress getting worked up about it? Privacy is an illusion.

[cypster]

I prefer XP over Win7. I think the system was more user friendly but that's how MS makes money. The days of unlimited use of one disc are long gone. Everyone is treated as a licensing business partner now. Each OS has become much harder for the avg consumer to understand, much less manipulate user commands, filing systems, etc. Which in turn made it easier for those who do know, to take advantage. I still have to recall under what menu the device manager is located. Taskbar shortcut buttons are at a premium on my machine. Win7 has a few perks (length of file names my fav) but most are overrated. I have my copy of XP and all the software that works beautifully with it on a separate computer. I don't use it as much but I feel good knowing it's there.

OK, officially off my soapbox now.

I totally miss the days of running an entire operating system on a USB stick. Lol. That was one of the most practical operating systems ever. It's no suprise that it's gone. Probably axed by the Customer Support Department. Lol!

[cypster]

I guess I am one of the rare computer types that just isn't that concerned about privacy issues. I have never given ProctorU a second thought. It is in their best interest to police themselves. I can reinstall my OS in a couple of hours. I watch my financial accounts several times a day. And frankly, my life just isn't very interesting. Anyone trying to spy on my activities would get pretty bored. The risk versus reward just isn't there for me to get very concerned. I think people get far too worried about modern privacy issues. Unless one avoids wifi and cell phones, there are far greater privacy risks than ProctorU.

Yeah... I used to be like this a very very long time ago.... Everything often changes after a person experiences their first major security crisis... And I wouldn't wish for identity theft on even my worst enemy... That said, to each their own and it's good to know that your system is working for you for the time being....

[cypster]

I will state this once. Please keep your comments courteous and respectful. To suggest that those who are concerned about their privacy are either studid or criminal is what I consider to be rude and inflammatory at worst but at the very least is is definitely not helpful to this thread. I posted a concern which many have posted before and if you disagree with the nature of the concern, you can kindly state your disagreement in ways that are not so insulting to others. That said, the initial request for assistance has been resolved at this time so if you want to tell the world about how unimportant these concerns are to you, why not create a new thread instead of hijacking this one? I don't know all of the rules of respectable forum conduct but I have a feeling that hijacking a thread is something that is distasteful at the very least so please stop. Thank you.

[sanantone]

To be fair, a sizable part of your post addressed privacy concerns and insinuated that ProctorU is somehow orchestrating criminal activities. In an open forum, one can only expect to hear opinions from those who disagree with you. Some individuals might take offense to your accusations because they have been greatly helped by the availability of ProctorU. Others just might see your post as libelous. Fora really aren't the place for those who don't like to be challenged by opposing ideas.

[cypster]

To be fair, a sizable part of your post addressed privacy concerns and insinuated that ProctorU is somehow orchestrating criminal activities. In an open forum, one can only expect to hear opinions from those who disagree with you. Some individuals might take offense to your accusations because they have been greatly helped by the availability of ProctorU. Others just might see your post as libelous. Fora really aren't the place for those who don't like to be challenged by opposing ideas.

I welcome opposing views Sanantone. Can such views not be presented with courtesy and respect... And concerns are just that. Concerns after what was truly a harrowing experience. That said, while ProctorU may well have have been amazing for many or perhaps even most. Do you or anyone else for that matter expect the experience to be as pearly for all? I am very disappointed to hear the position you have taken on this because I have always held you in high regard in this forum in regards to taking a balanced perspective. That said, I cannot agree with you that rude comments directed towards an individual or individuals fall into the same category as the offensive ad hominem and not so covert attacks and insults that have been submitted in several of the posts in this thread.

How you have arrived on a conclusion that includes an insinuation of criminal activities is beyond reason... I stated my concerns based on what occcured on my computer a very short time ago. If you were careful to read the entire forum which most do not, you may very well see that my experience included 2 testing occasions and that there were 3 bad apples in this company along with what I perceive to be the company's software which were the factors that evoked such a strong reaction by myself... I never implied that everyone who works for this company is criminal nor did I ever imply that the company was criminal as you have said in your post although I have expressed my disatisfaction with the software that was installled on my computer during a session with one of their representatives so if by way of association they look bad and I suggest test takers be cautious what harm has been done? To their reputation? A company that desires to protect their good name is careful to develop their own software or to at least select one that does not behave in unconventional manners and they also train employees copiously in manners of conduct in regards to customer privacy. There are far more than 3 employees at ProctorU. That said, to be new to their system and to have 3 representatives repeat the same behavior leaves the ration at a 75% bad experience with the other 25% being just passable... With statistics like this I'm sure that most would move on and try something else and warn others to do the same. How do I know? Well anyone who is a copious reader of these forums would quickly see many of who are presently so busy rising to defend ProctorU while insulting any who express concerns engaged in their own personal tirades of frustration in regards to other organizations and colleges....

I will hope that this is simply a misunderstanding but if it is not I will certainly not lose any sleep over it for acquaintances come and go very quickly in life.

[sanantone]

Even though I am allowed to do so as someone who is just a regular member of this forum, I haven't taken any position on the privacy concerns or software. I did not say that everyone should expect good service from all of the ProctorU employees all the time. The only stance I have taken concerning this thread is that one should expect opposing views. You thought a couple of people were rude; all I saw were people who were taken aback by your accusations. I didn't see any personal attacks. Of course, neither I nor anyone can tell you what's supposed to offend you. I, personally, am used to bluntness and spirited debate; but, everyone is not that way.

[bricabrac]

Cyster,

Don't even bother yourself, believe me, it's not worth the effort.

If you have something substantial to lose, or as you've stated, have been negatively affected (or know someone who has) in some way by a privacy/security action, you become a bit more vigilant. As you've reported, the infractions were obviously serious enough that even proctorU's management is scrambling for answers. Again, I thank you for reporting your experience(s) so when others are considering SL they are better prepared. Forewarned is forearmed.

[cypster]

Even though I am allowed to do so as someone who is just a regular member of this forum, I haven't taken any position on the privacy concerns or software. I did not say that everyone should expect good service from all of the ProctorU employees all the time. The only stance I have taken concerning this thread is that one should expect opposing views. You thought a couple of people were rude; all I saw were people who were taken aback by your accusations. I didn't see any personal attacks. Of course, neither I nor anyone can tell you what's supposed to offend you. I, personally, am used to bluntness and spirited debate; but, everyone is not that way.

Point taken and duly noted Sanantone.

[cypster]

Cyster,

Don't even bother yourself, believe me, it's not worth the effort.

If you have something substantial to lose, or as you've stated, have been negatively affected (or know someone who has) in some way by a privacy/security action, you become a bit more vigilant. As you've reported, the infractions were obviously serious enough that even proctorU's management is scrambling for answers. Again, I thank you for reporting your experience(s) so when others are considering SL they are better prepared. Forewarned is forearmed.

Thank you for the words of wisdom Bricabrac. Still being relatively new to this forum and as one who has not spent much time in online forums in general some of the stuff in this thread just caught me by complete suprise. That said I have learned a valuable lesson and have tried to share cautions with others on how to avoid what to me was a very harrowing experience and I'm glad if sharing it was helpful to at least a few. Good luck to everyone as we continue on our journey to achieve our full educational potential which is probably what has gathered us all here in the first place.