#would like assistance with resetting your password?

[kissingdeadgirls]

i think my favourite part of the modern internet is getting locked out of accounts that i have the correct password to because the great sky cloud has decided that some obscured other-authenticating fraction is missing.

[cuubism]

Computation

part 7 of Complex Mathematics

(aka Dream vs Technology -- Technology: 1, Dream: 0)

------------

Wednesday, 3:54am

Hob. what is the wifi password?

3:56am: why are you texting me when I’m in the same house?

3:57am: I did not want to wake you up.

4:00am: ……….

4:01am: Ah.

4:03am: it’s 12345. which is terrible security by the way

4:04am: how do i know this and you don’t? we’re in YOUR flat

4:05am: Computers are your friends, not mine.

4:10am: It does not like the password.

4:12am: alright i’m getting up

Dream creeps back into the living room, holding a cup of tea, as Hob’s tinkering with the router. Turns out it needed to be completely reset before he could reconnect it to Dream’s laptop. Not that this is that hard, but for some reason Hob doesn’t understand, technology is simply out of Dream’s grasp. Head in the clouds, too smart for basic computer skills, etc etc.

“A peace offering,” Dream says, placing the tea on the coffee table. He perches on the couch beside where Hob’s leaning over the router on its spot on the bookshelf.

“I’m not mad at you,” Hob says. He pats the router as its indicator lights finally turn green again. “I will take tea, though.”

“I woke you,” Dream says softly.

“You’ve woken me before, you will again,” Hob says with equanimity. Their sleep schedules are out of alignment, it tends to happen.

It’s the wrong thing to say, though. Dream cringes, hands folding in his lap. “I should be able to handle such things.”

“It’s just the wifi.” Hob finally finishes reconnecting Dream’s laptop and turns properly towards him. Dream still looks guilty about it. Sometimes Hob misses the time before they were dating, when Dream would bristle at him instead of caving. Just because he doesn’t like seeing Dream feel bad.

He takes the cup of tea and places it in Dream’s hands instead, briefly wrapping their hands around each other. “It’s okay,” he repeats. Possibly they should have a longer conversation about it, but Hob’s not emotionally awake enough for it.

Instead, he gets up and heads for the kitchen to put on some coffee. He needs something with more caffeine in it than tea.

“What are you doing?” Dream asks.

“Might as well get something done while my brain is online,” Hob says. He goes to fetch his own laptop from Dream’s bedroom. Lord knows it’ll need to get reconnected to the glitchy wifi again, anyway.

~~

Friday, 2:05pm

Hob.

2:06pm: ?

2:07pm: The wifi is angry again.

2:09pm: did you antagonize it?

2:09pm: hang on did you just wake up now?

2:10pm: I cannot comment.

2:12pm: I assume you have been hard at work in the library since six.

2:14pm: more like hardly working in the library. i did make an app that gives you a gold star every time you do the laundry

2:16pm: Will that assist in your routines?

2:17pm: probably not but it’ll be fun for 5 minutes

2:17pm: wifi password’s still 12345

2:18pm: maybe I should make an app for that instead…

2:20pm: I do not think it would help.

2:30pm: …You are not trying to make said app, are you?

2:34pm: nope just realized I’m late for a class and had to scramble out of there. I’ll be back later can do couples counseling for you and wifi then?

2:35pm: Very well.

For a while after putting down his phone, Dream stares at the wifi router in vexation, as if that will possibly make the angry red lights turn green again. He doesn’t know what he’s done wrong. He knows even less what to do to fix it.

He needs the wifi operational to keep generating these fractals. He supposes he could go to the library and use university wifi, but that requires going out in public, which is preferably avoided, at least while he’s trying to work. So he will have to do something else until Hob gets back from class.

He recalls what Hob had said. That instead of working on his dissertation he had made an entire phone app about laundry. He had said it so casually, like it was a doodle to pass the time. Dream can use apps—barely—but he cannot begin to fathom how he would go about making one. Hob does not understand how even in his procrastination he is exceptional.

Well. This is something that Dream can do. Hob hates doing laundry—hence the app-based reward system—but Dream doesn’t mind. He finds it meditative. He will have to be more precise about fabric care instructions now, as while his own clothes rarely range beyond grey, black, and dark blue, Hob actually wears colors which might bleed into each other.

He puts on his headphones with some music, gathers up the laundry from the bedroom, and goes about his routine.

When Hob gets back, Dream has finished hanging the laundry to dry and returned to his contemplation of the router, this time still with his headphones playing. He’s lost in thought, and doesn’t notice Hob’s come in until his hand lands on Dream’s shoulder. Normally a sudden touch when he’s thinking would make him jump, but he’s become used to Hob.

“Trying to solve your marital problems through telepathy?” Hob asks.

“We were never married,” Dream says. “Indeed we are enemies.”

Hob laughs. He kisses Dream on the cheek, then kneels in front of the router. “You have to stop tormenting my boyfriend,” he tells it. It only blinks back at him innocently.

Hob can be very silly at times. “I do not think arguing with the inanimate object will help,” Dream says.

“You never know.” Hob takes the router down and sets about unplugging all the cables. Dream still doesn’t know what any of them precisely do, nor how wifi works. It may as well be magic.  

Hob has it fixed within minutes, of course. Far more effective than Dream’s intense staring. He gets Dream’s laptop reconnected, and Dream is finally able to start generating his fractal. “Thank you,” he says.

“Anything for my love,” says Hob, getting to his feet again. “Guessing you want some time to yourself now to work on this?”

“Yes,” says Dream, with some guilt. Hob has come home to help him only for him to immediately bury himself in his work again. But yes, he does want to make progress on this at last.

“Well, good,” says Hob, and Dream turns to him in surprise. “Because I’m due for a nap.”

Dream still hasn’t formulated a response to this by the time Hob’s disappeared into his bedroom. Strange, that their routines can be so opposite and still meld together so well.

Hob pokes his head back out into the hall. “Did you do the laundry?”

“Yes,” says Dream.

“I could kiss you,” Hob declares, then blows one to him before disappearing back into the bedroom.

Dream presses his hand to his cheek, as if to touch a kiss that had really landed there. Smiles to himself. Then goes back to his fractal.

~~

Monday, 5:02pm

Hob.

5:03pm: Wifi?

5:04pm: …Yes.

Thursday, 9:50pm

…..Hob.

9:50pm: I’m sitting right next to you.

9:51pm: ….

9:51pm: I’m just gonna get you a new router. This thing’s got problems.

9:52pm: I think it is I who has the problems.

9:52pm: That too.

Saturday, 6:00pm

Hob.

6:00pm: Is it broken AGAIN??

6:01pm: No. I got dinner.

6:02pm: Oh!

6:02pm: Fuck I’m starving.

6:03pm: Coming back from class now.

6:03pm: Don’t touch the router it’s in a fragile mental state.

6:04pm: Aren’t we all.

~~

Thursday, 3:50pm

This time, it is the wifi in Hob’s flat that is stymieing Dream. He does not think it is broken. Hob has merely changed the password, as he’s much more diligent about internet security than Dream, and then forgotten to tell Dream what it is. Or, more likely, correctly assumed Dream would have to ask him again anyway.

He briefly contemplates trying to deduce the password, but it is likely an incomprehensible string of characters that Hob would claim is ideal security precisely because of the impossibility of deducing it.

He refuses to text Hob about it again. Hob has a class to teach soon—Dream has his schedule memorized—Dream does not want to distract him. Though speaking of…

3:50pm: You have a class in ten minutes.

3:51pm: FUCK

3:51pm: I got distracted

3:53pm: Now… running

3:54pm: You are not near the building, are you.

3:55pm: NOPE

Dream smiles to himself, thinking of Hob sprinting across campus. It happens often. Hob is good at many things, but time management is not one of them. This is why Dream knows his schedule.

He does feel… a bit silly, though. He should be better at this, should he not? Less bothersome to Hob over small things that he should be able to handle.

Normally he would go back to his work to distract himself from these thoughts, but he still can’t work on his fractals without being able to connect remotely to the university computers, which are more powerful than his own. This is something Hob had also set up for him, because Dream had not been able to make any sense of the instructions he had been given for remote login, and the like.

Sighing, he instead takes his sketchbook out of his bag. It’s been a while since he’s made any time for drawing. But he had started looking at fractals in the first place to better understand patterns in art, to understand resonances between what occurred in nature and what was projected by mathematics. And drawing used to soothe him.

So he starts drawing, sketching the fractal he has been generating—to the extant that he can with the imprecise instrument of his pen. Even in infinite impossible digital form, the branching spirals eventually become too small for him to see, though he knows they continue on in perfect replication forever, smaller and smaller until they disappear into atoms. He cannot recreate that level of detail by hand. But he tries.

By the time he gets another text back from Hob, an hour later, he’s moved to the floor to have more space. He’s found a bigger piece of scrap paper and is drawing the fractal again, in more detail this time, color-coding the different shapes, free-handing where he should probably use a ruler for more precision. He has achieved several more levels of replication than before, but it is still not right. He can’t get it right. If he could only use the stupid computer system he could get it right.

Finally he looks at his phone, several minutes after the text alert pinged.

Thanks love 😘

Unexpectedly, it makes him tear up. Always this happens to him. He does not realize how frustrated he has become with himself until it is too late.

Of course, to only make matters worse, he is still sitting hunched on the floor, pen clasped tight in his hand, teeth clenched so hard it’s hurting his jaw, when Hob comes through the door. He must have texted not far from home.

“Hey, love,” Hob’s already saying as he comes through the door, “meant to stop and grab dinner but I totally forgot— I’m sure I have something here, though— Dream?”

Dream hasn’t moved from the floor, or responded. Hob puts down his bag and comes over to him. He looks down at the fractal, which is still incomplete. “Did you draw that?”

“Obviously,” Dream bites. The pen is still in his hand. He drops it, scraping a hand through his hair. Great. Now he’s snapping at Hob, too.

Hob sits down on the floor beside him. He studies the fractal. Then points to one of the shapes that Dream’s colored in red. “That’s supposed to be purple.”

Dream stares at the fractal. Hob is right, it is meant to be purple. According to the way Dream had color-coded it digitally. He looks at Hob. “How do you know that?”

“I’ve watched you fiddling with it enough. We set it up on your laptop, remember?”

Yes. Dream remembers. He remembers how Hob had helped him.

“Wifi giving you troubles again?” Hob asks, looking from the drawing, to Dream’s laptop, which is sleeping on the couch.

Dream nods, then saws quietly, “Are you not… frustrated with me? Annoyed?”

Hob doesn’t need to ask what he means. “Sometimes,” he says, and Dream can’t help his flinch. “So?”

“So?”

Hob shrugs. “I would have missed that class if you didn’t text me.”

Dream does not understand the relevance.

Hob looks up at him, raising an eyebrow in challenge. “Aren’t you annoyed with me?”

Perhaps he is, at times. Recently, Dream has been too absorbed in his project to feel much about it at all.

“I don’t know,” he says. “It is just how you are.”

Hob seems to think that Dream still doesn’t understand the point he’s making, and perhaps Dream doesn’t. Hob takes his hand. “Look. I’ve no idea why someone as smart as you are is constantly defeated by basic technology, but it doesn’t matter. Always having to be the one to fix the router is a small price to pay for having you in my life.”

Dream’s mouth opens, but no words come out. He… he does not know if anyone has ever put up with him with so little complaint. For truly, it is not only computer troubles. It is all the small things that stack upon each other to make him feel different and difficult.

“I find I do not like…” Dream admits tentatively, “when you must do these things. That I should be able to do.”

“You did the laundry the other day,” Hob says.

Why must he jump topics in this manner? “I do not understand.”

“Well, we don’t actually live together, you know. You have your own laundry. You don’t have to do mine, too.”

“I thought it would help you,” Dream says.

Hob just waits expectantly.

Dream looks down at his lap. “Ah. I… see.” Hob finds him frustrating at times, he had said so, but still wants to help him. He finds Hob’s admittance that Dream is frustrating to be a relief, in its way. He would only feel more on edge if Hob pretended otherwise, surely to snap later when Dream was least expecting it, as so many have done.

“Give me your arm,” Hob says then.

When Dream does, Hob pushes up his sleeve, takes one of the markers from the floor and writes on Dream’s forearm, the wifi password is I love you.

“There,” he says. “Now you won’t forget.”

Dream touches the words with a light fingertip. “This is not good internet security.”

“Oh, so you do listen my ramblings,” Hob says, laughing. Always, Dream thinks. “What, you’re going to throw out my valentine because I cut the heart out a little wonky?”

He makes as if to rub the marker off, and Dream pulls his arm protectively to his chest. Hob’s smile softens. He carefully pulls Dream forward into a hug, Dream’s arm pressed between them. Dream tucks his face into the crook of Hob’s neck. It’s one of his favorite places to hide.

“I’ll help you fix your program after we find some dinner,” Hob tells him, rubbing his back.

“I think I should give up on using computers,” Dream mumbles.

Hob chuckles. “See how you feel about it after I make you some brownies for dessert.”

Dream hums in pleasure at the thought, and Hob kisses the side of his head. And Dream touches, again, the words Hob’s written on his arm, where it’s pressed between them. And allows himself to smile.

Wednesday, 6:03pm

Dream is attempting to cook dinner. Hob doesn’t think it’s going so well. At least not if the blaring fire alarm, which Hob’s just silenced by waving a dish towel at it until the smoke dissipated, is any indication. But it does mean he’s been treated to the sight of Dream with his sleeves rolled up, delicate hands at work—and wearing an actual apron.

Having soothed the alarm, he leans against the counter so he can shamelessly ogle instead of helping.

“What are you even trying to make?” he asks, eyeing the still-smoking oven.

Dream pouts. “Only bread. It should not be so hard.”

“You didn’t wait for me to get home to watch?” He imagines the sight of Dream aggressively kneading the bread dough. It shouldn’t be a turn on, but it kind of is.

“You would make a spectacle of my misery?” Dream says, but there’s a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, like he knows exactly what Hob is thinking about.

“Definitely,” Hob says, and Dream sighs, but turns to take the attempt at bread out of the oven. It’s… pretty blackened, to be honest. “Butter’ll save it, I’m sure!” Hob says cheerfully.

“Nothing will save it,” says Dream, morosely. He pulls off his oven mitt in apparent disgrace, and— Hob catches his arm.

“How has this not faded yet?”

For Hob’s writing saying the wifi password is I love you is still on his forearm.

Dream looks sheepish. “I got it tattooed.”

Hob tilts his head at him, confused. “So you could remember the wifi password?”

“So that I could remember this.” He traces his finger over, I love you.

Hob feels a blush creep across his cheeks. But it’s a pleasant feeling. “This is not even my best handwriting.”

“I know,” says Dream. He does not seem unhappy about it.

Hob takes his arm, touches the words, too. “You could have just gotten this part done.”

“I think,” Dream says slowly, touching the part that says, the wifi password is, “that this is another form of the same.”

And Hob… finds himself tearing up a little. Because it’s true. It’s so silly that Dream, certifiable maths genius, struggles so much with basic computer skills. But Hob will do any silly thing for him, because he loves him.

“Yeah,” he says, taking a shaky breath. “It is.”

“Unfortunately, you can never change the wifi password now,” says Dream, and Hob laughs wetly.

“I really can’t, can I? Terrible security. The things I’ll do for you, darling.”

“Would that include making proper bread?” Dream asks, and Hob nods, patting his arm.

“We’ll fix it, don’t worry.”

Now he’s wondering how he didn’t notice Dream getting a tattoo. Though to be fair, they haven’t seen each other as much in the past two weeks as they usually would, thanks to very inconvenient scheduling. Apparently Dream’s taken advantage of that time to do this.

“Can’t let you out of my sight for a second,” he says, as he fetches a new bread pan from the cupboard. “God knows what you’ll come back with next.”

“Be careful or I will consider that a challenge,” Dream says, and Hob pauses as way too many images flash through his mind. He shakes them off. He’ll never be able to focus on anything like that.

And Dream, the bastard, is smirking.

“Watch that look on your face or you might find that flour you’re holding dumped over your head,” Hob warns, but Dream only looks victorious, and utterly uncaring of the bag of flour he's precariously picked up.

“How will you ogle me kneading the dough that way?”

Hob swipes a dish towel from the counter and throws it at him. Dream yelps and spills the flour, which poofs up in a cloud of white landing all over his black t-shirt.

“Hob,” he complains.

“Serves you right, you dickhead,” Hob says. It only returns the smirk to Dream’s face.

“If you feel that way perhaps I’ll decide I don’t need your supervision,” he says archly.

Hob tears a piece off of Dream’s first attempt at a loaf. Or rather, breaks off a piece, which is hard as stone. He shows it to him as evidence.

Dream snatches it and shoves it into his mouth. Bites down with a crunch so horrifying Hob’s afraid he’s broken a tooth. But Dream persists, chewing it painstakingly and then swallowing, as if by force.

“Taste good?” Hob asks.

“Yes—” Dream starts to insist—then dissolves into a fit of coughing that swiftly turns into giggles. Hob loves it so much when he laughs like that. It’s so rare.

Hob laughs with him. Then frees the crumpled bag of flour from Dream’s grasp and sets it aside, brushes the flour and crumbs from his shirt. Then he takes Dream’s arm and runs his fingertip over the words again, still in awe.

He again finds himself having to clear his throat to avoid tearing up. But he manages, and says, “Let’s get you some proper, not burnt bread, yeah?”

“Please,” says Dream, a tad sheepish. “I am… very hungry.”

Hob kisses his cheek, then goes about solving that problem, too.

[bixiebeet]

Chapter 5: Three Beers and One Club Soda

Winston agreed to one drink. Egon agreed to a club soda. They all walked over to a local dive bar where no one cared that they were the famous Ghostbusters.

The place was fairly empty and smelled of stale cigarettes. A few people sat on bar stools, chatting with the bartender. Winston figured that they must be part of the regular weeknight crowd. Rock music from a stereo was drowned out by the echo of live music from next door; it sounded like a jazz band was practicing.

“You can have one measly beer, Spengler,” Peter laughed as the team crowded into a small circular booth. “I’m buying tonight.”

Egon insisted that he wouldn’t drink while he was working—and it seemed like he was always working. He was eager to return to his lab and finish some calculations related to the dangerously crowded ghost storage facility unit.

“I wanted to meet Winston in a less formal setting. That’s all,” Egon shrugged. He awkwardly gripped the knot of his tie and slightly loosened it. Winston figured that was Egon’s version of casual, and he appreciated the scientist’s friendly gesture.

Ray walked over from the bar carrying four glass bottles: three beers and one club soda. “First round is on me,” he said. He went back to grab a bowl of pretzels for the table.

Winston took a swig of beer and shifted uneasily. He’d been prepared for an interview, not happy hour. What would he talk about? What did he have in common with three white guys from the Ivy League? He nibbled on some pretzels and tried to think about some ‘safe’ topics for small talk.

“So, you like baseball…?” Winston began. He was a lifelong Yankees fan and had dreamed of being a professional ball player as a kid. Ultimately, he was better at engineering than he was at running bases.

No one had time to answer because of the woman who’d walked up to the booth. “Peter Venkman, is that you?” she said, tapping him on the shoulder.

“It’s Doctor Venkman,” he replied, as he cleared his throat and turned around “Do I know you?”

“Do you forget all your teaching assistants?” The woman smirked and cocked her head to the side. She had a short Afro and wore denim from head to toe; Winston thought she looked too cool for this bar, and much too cool to be talking to the Ghostbusters.

Peter’s jaw metaphorically dropped to the floor. It was a student he’d had when he first began his PhD program at Columbia.

“The years have been kinder to Lisa than to Peter,” Egon said dryly.

“Another woman who was strangely immune to the Venkman charm,” Ray smiled, sipping his beer.

Peter is the smooth talker and the lover of the group, Winston thought. Egon had to be the brains. And Ray—well, he could tell that Ray was genuinely enthusiastic about his work and always energetic. Ray seemed to be the heart that kept everyone beating on track.

Peter excused himself for a moment to have a private conversation. Egon and Ray didn’t have much to say about baseball, but they did have a lot to say about the ghosts supposedly haunting the Mets at Shea Stadium.

A few minutes later, Peter came back to the table with a huge grin on his face. “You guys won’t believe this!!”

Lisa was pleasantly surprised to see him at the bar after all these years. She remembered Peter fondly, despite his cad-like behavior when he was a young PhD and she was a grad student. Her husband—yes, she was married now—managed the band playing tonight at the jazz club next door.

“They invited us to see the show,” Peter beamed.

Winston wasn’t so sure about sticking around. He loved jazz, but it was a long trip back uptown to his apartment. It turns out that he wasn’t the only person having doubts about the late night.

“I’m going back to the firehouse,” Egon said with a yawn. He looked straight at Peter. “Try to be home before 3 am this time.” Egon peeled out of the booth and put $1 in the bar’s tip jar on his way out.

“I don’t care if I wake him up, we’re staying out late. It’ll be fun,” Peter said with an impish grin. He lifted his beer bottle to clink ‘cheers’ with Ray.

“Does Egon really work all night? He looked tired,” Winston whispered to Ray.

“Yup, ever since college. Lately, he’s focused on his spores, mold, and fungus,” Ray replied. “He’ll probably bore Janine with some mushroom discovery before she goes home.”

“I overheard him rambling to her about examining his prized king oyster—and she acted as if she was interested! It’s just a mushroom, for heaven’s sake,” Peter said, rolling his eyes.

Winston silently sipped his beer. It didn’t sound like Egon was talking about a mushroom…but he really didn’t know what to make of Egon and Janine. At least Winston would have tonight to learn more about Peter and Ray.

“I’m more into blues,” Ray said. “But jazz can be fun.” He and Peter bantered for a bit about music. The object of Peter’s affection—Dana Barrett—was a classical musician. He’d stopped by Lincoln Center this afternoon to wait for her after orchestral practice. He figured that now was a good time to him to brush up on his musician knowledge.

They got up and headed to the club. That’s when Peter mentioned a minor complication before they could enjoy the show.

“Lisa thinks that the instruments might be haunted,” Peter said as they entered the club.

[mjec]

Ok so here's the thing. This post is right and wrong at the same time.

The reason all TVs are smart TVs is that the computing power required to decode digital HD video is so much that adding the smarts doesn't really add any hardware cost. Sure, that software could be far more limited, but that's a bit like putting Windows 95 on your new laptop: not only does that vastly underutilize the hardware capacity, it adds annoying software restrictions. You can just download a copy of VLC for Windows 11; playing a Blu-ray on Windows 95 is essentially impossible. And that's before we get to the question of whether you can get drivers for your video card working on '95.

It's the same with fridges and dishwashers too. You could build a complex analog circuit that controls timings and responds to control inputs and sensors and such. Or you can spend $1.30 on your bill of materials to include an ESP32 and everything can be done in software and you get wifi and Bluetooth thrown in.

So yeah actually I think every device over $20 probably should have some smarts and wifi. The problem is the other thing: everybody wants to build recurring revenue and sell data, so they hook these things into The Cloud and don't publish API docs and they gave the gall to tell you to your face that bypassing that is a fucking crime in the US under the DMCA or maybe even the CFAA.

But let me be clear: the problem is capitalism, not technology.

In a different world, where money wasn't the absolute priority, we'd have exactly what prev describes: your router would come set up with a local-only Matter network, and you could connect everything to it.

Your router would probably be $50 more expensive, but would run Home Assistant and you wouldn't need anything else. You'd probably leave your router behind when you move, like you do an alarm system or electricity meter, you'd just reset the network name and password and such when you move in.

That's the vision I want for my future. Where my TV is smart enough for me to make it play the latest episode of Yellowjackets by asking with my voice, but also where it doesn't automatically share everything I watch with Samsung so they can sell it to Palantir for $0.08.

This is possible. There is no technical impediment to doing this. Hell, you can set up something not entirely unlike this today; but you need a lot of expertise to do so, and the experience sucks. But both of those things are only because the manufacturers make it that way, and they only make it that way because capitalism demands they squeeze every possible profit out of us and prevent - or at least don't even think about - any use that would be unprofitable for them.

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In some cases, there may have been a delay in the delivery of the activation code. Patience is key in such situations, but if you've waited longer than expected, it's best to contact customer support for further assistance.

Additionally, ensure that you're logged into the correct account associated with your ExpressVPN subscription. Sometimes, users may have multiple accounts or accidentally create a new one during the signup process, leading to confusion regarding the activation code.

If you've exhausted these troubleshooting steps and still haven't received your activation code, consider checking your payment confirmation or receipt for any reference to the code. Alternatively, if you purchased your subscription through a third-party vendor, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the activation process may differ, so refer to their respective support channels for guidance.

By following these troubleshooting steps and seeking assistance from ExpressVPN's customer support when needed, you can swiftly resolve the issue of a missing activation code and enjoy secure and unrestricted internet access with your VPN service.

Express VPN activation code not received

If you've signed up for ExpressVPN but haven't received your activation code, don't panic. There could be several reasons why it hasn't arrived yet, but there are steps you can take to resolve the issue and get your VPN up and running.

Firstly, check your email spam or junk folder. Sometimes, automated messages like activation codes can get filtered into these folders by mistake. If you find the email there, mark it as "not spam" to ensure you receive future correspondence from ExpressVPN.

If you still can't locate the activation email, try contacting ExpressVPN's customer support. They can assist you in re-sending the activation code or troubleshoot any potential issues with your account. You can reach their support team through email, live chat, or phone, depending on your preferred method of communication.

Additionally, double-check the email address you provided during sign-up to ensure there are no typos or errors. If you mistakenly entered the wrong email address, you won't receive the activation code. In such cases, you may need to update your email information in your ExpressVPN account settings.

Lastly, if you've tried all the above steps and still haven't received your activation code, consider reaching out to ExpressVPN via social media channels. Companies often monitor their social media accounts for customer inquiries and may be able to assist you more quickly through these platforms.

Remember to remain patient and persistent when resolving issues like this. With a bit of troubleshooting and communication, you'll likely have your ExpressVPN activation code in no time.

How to find Express VPN activation code

Finding an ExpressVPN activation code can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the service. However, with a few simple steps, you can obtain an activation code and unlock the full potential of ExpressVPN.

Purchase a Subscription: The first step in obtaining an activation code for ExpressVPN is to purchase a subscription. Head to the ExpressVPN website and choose a plan that suits your needs. Once you've completed the purchase process, you'll receive an email containing your activation code.

Check Promotional Offers: Sometimes, ExpressVPN offers promotional deals that include activation codes. Keep an eye out for such offers on the ExpressVPN website or through promotional emails. These offers can provide discounts or even free activation codes with certain plans.

Contact Customer Support: If you're having trouble finding your activation code or have any questions about your subscription, don't hesitate to reach out to ExpressVPN's customer support team. They're available 24/7 to assist you and can provide you with your activation code if needed.

Explore Third-Party Deals: Occasionally, third-party websites or promotions may offer activation codes for ExpressVPN at discounted rates. However, be cautious when using third-party sources and ensure that you're obtaining the activation code from a reputable source to avoid any potential scams or fraudulent activities.

Utilize Referral Programs: ExpressVPN often runs referral programs that reward existing users for referring new customers. If you know someone who is already using ExpressVPN, ask them if they can refer you. In return, both you and the referrer may receive rewards, such as free months of service or activation codes.

By following these steps, you can easily find an activation code for ExpressVPN and enjoy secure and unrestricted internet access from anywhere in the world. Remember to always use legitimate sources and avoid any suspicious offers to protect your online security and privacy.

[how-to-unlock-cash-app-account]

Common factors that may lead to your Cash App account getting locked

Cash App stands out as a popular mobile payment app in the dynamic realm of digital transactions. However, there are instances where users encounter the inconvenience of a locked account.

Why would Cash App lock my account?

Fret not as we delve into the enigma of Cash App account locked, exploring the reasons behind them, unravelling the cash-out options for locked accounts, and illuminating the path to regain account access. Brace yourself as we embark on unlocking your Cash App account.

If you are wondering why Cash App locked my account, be informed that the Cash App is committed to ensuring user security and protecting their funds. Consequently, the platform employs various measures to detect suspicious activities and prevent unauthorized access. Let us shed light on the common factors that may lead to your Cash App account getting locked:

· Cash App’s vigilant security system may perceive unusual or potentially fraudulent activities as a red flag, prompting them to temporarily lock your account. These activities could include multiple failed login attempts, suspicious transactions, or signs of unauthorized access.

· Cash App enforces a set of terms and guidelines that users must adhere to. Engaging in activities that violate these terms, such as using the app for illicit purposes or conducting fraudulent transactions, can result in a cash app account locked.

In the unfortunate event of a security breach where your personal information or login credentials are compromised, Cash App takes swift action to protect your funds and halt any further unauthorized access. This may involve temporarily locking your account as a precautionary measure.

How do I cash out my locked Cash App?

When your Cash App account locked with money, it might seem like accessing your funds is an impossible task. Fear not, for Cash App offers solutions to cash out locked accounts. Let’s explore your options:

· Seek the Guiding Light of Cash App Support: The initial step involves contacting Cash App’s dedicated customer support team. You can contact them through the app or their website, explaining your predicament and providing essential details. The support team will guide you through the account-unlocking process and assist you in cashing out your funds.

· Illuminate Your Identity: Cash App may request additional verification to establish your account ownership and prevent unauthorized access. Be prepared to provide pertinent documents such as a government-issued ID or driver’s license. This verification process ensures the security of your account and funds.

· Navigate the Path Prescribed by Cash App: Once you have contacted customer support and provided the necessary information, meticulously follow their instructions. They may provide specific steps to take or request additional information for verification purposes. Adhering to their guidance expedites the account-unlocking process.

How do I get my Cash App account back open?

Regaining access to your locked Cash App account entails a series of steps. Here is how to get money out of a locked Cash App:

· Pave the Way with Cash App Support: As mentioned earlier, the initial step involves contacting Cash App support. Reach out to them via the app or their website, explaining your situation. They will provide guidance and instructions on regaining access to your account.

· Unveil the Secrets: Providing Necessary Information: Cash App support may request specific information to verify your identity and confirm your rightful ownership of the account. This could include personal details, transaction history, or other relevant information. Cooperate with their requests to expedite the account recovery process.

· Resetting the Lock Code: In cases where a forgotten password causes an account lockout, Cash App provides an option to reset it. Follow the password reset instructions provided by Cash App and create a new, robust password to fortify the security of your account.

· Bolster Account Security: To fortify the shield protecting your Cash App account, consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This additional layer of security requires a unique verification code, alongside your password, when signing in.

Does Cash App have a lock?

Indeed, Cash App has implemented robust security measures to safeguard its users. While Cash App does not possess a tangible lock, it employs account locks as a precaution against suspicious activities or potential security breaches. These locks protect your funds and personal information, ensuring a secure digital experience.

[pillowfort-social]

Site Update - 11/16/2022

Hi Pillowfolks! 

There are a lot of new faces here recently. Welcome to our platform! We’re excited to have you here. We are working on creating more documentation to help new & returning users get the most out of our community. What kind of guides would you like to see us write? Let us know in the comment section. 

Our developers have pushed a small bug patch to the site. We’re still investigating reports of users unable to password reset or update their e-mail in user settings. If you are experiencing either of these bugs contact our CS Team at info [at] pillowfort.social use the contact form on the About Us further assistance. Please include your PF username and e-mail address. 

NEW Features

*NEW* VIP Badge - We’ve added an exclusive badge so prestigious it is priceless. Showcasing this badge surely means you have impeccable taste. Let the world know you are one of our elite. La crème da la crème. We can not stress enough that this pillow is for VIPs only. Which is everyone. Because all of our users are VIP to us.

Blocking Improvements - Added a disclaimer when blocking that states blocking a user does not automatically block said user from any Communities you moderate.  We plan to add more documentation in the future to make it clearer how blocking functions in detail with regards to personal blocks vs. community blocks.

Bug Fixes

Fixed a bug where images were broken in some reblogs. 

Fixed a bug where server-side pagination was missing for the likes & reblogs list on post pages. 

[rosiewritesstuff]

No Name

Part 4/4

Gladiolus X Fem!Kingsglaive!Reader

DESCRIPTION: You are a tired Glaive with a thin patience for dating, noise, and crowded spaces-- After just getting your heart broken once again, you decide to sail alone in the sea of singleness. However, when being caught filtering in and out of a high security area where you do not belong, you find yourself in a pickle that is too hard to explain… and the problem itself has pretty amber eyes and rippling pectorals.

Warning: story does contain swearing. Read at your own risk.

Story based on Anon Request! See Part 1 for full details!

Thank you so much everyone for your continued patience with me and the continued love I get on this page! Life has been using me as a punching bag, and unfortunately it's only the beginning!

I am overjoyed and beyond thankful for the support. Seeing comments and likes towards my work throughout the day breathes life into my very heavy lungs. I appreciate all of you! I am still writing some pretty fun stories, so stay tuned! I am accepting requests, so if there is something you want to see, hit me up!

Anywho— here is the last and final piece of this story. It was a pleasure to write. I personally love the idea that Gladio's love interest is just as snippy as he can be on occasion. The testing of power. I totally think that Gladio would be smitten for a woman who tries his patience and isn't afraid to speak her mind. I think he'd gain something from not being treated like a celebrity!

I hope I did Gladio and Anon's request justice! Enjoy! -Rosie

Missed Something? Here are Parts 2 & 3

"Ignis, I need your help. Do you have a second?" Gladio stated, leaning against the Advisor's open office door. Ignis glanced up from the heap of paper work littered against his desk and open computer to throw a look of question at the Royal Shield.

It had been about two weeks since your last run in with Gladio, and the man had been waiting on you ever since. He found himself showing up at the training room during ungodly hours of the day, just to see you. And since you suddenly, without any warning signs, disappeared— he had begun to worry. Did you stumble across the wrong person while in the Royal Training Room? Did you end up getting hurt even despite your incredible fighting skills? He didn't show it on the exterior, but he felt anxiety spike whenever your face wasn't spitefully looking up at him.

The Royal Advisor flickered his gaze back to the covered desk, before shifting it to the shield once more. "I suppose I have a moment," Ignis' lilt heightened as he slouched back into his office chair. The shield huffed a breath of relief. "What is it that you need assistance with?"

"I need help finding someone," Gladio slid into the room, closing the door behind himself.

"You need my assistance with a mundane task such as that? Use the government website—"

"I would, but I forgot my password. Again," Gladio tried to mask the slight embarrassment he felt by crossing his thick biceps against his chest. "I attempted too many times and I am locked out. I have to go to the IT department to get everything reset. Look— that is beside the point. I need to find someone and you are the guy that I find most reliable."

Ignis tilted his head, fingers now intertwining within each other— he held them in front of his face. "Did they cause a problem? Does this need the attention of the authorities?" He sat up, eyeing the situation closer.

"No, I have been training with this individual and they have neglected to show up the past few times. She is a glaive. I wanted to see if she had been deployed and never told me." Gladio approached the desk Ignis sat behind— He leaned forward, palms resting flat on the desk on either side of the Advisor's laptop.

"She?" Ignis questioned, slouching back into the chair again, faint smirk painted onto his lips. "Is this one of your paramours?"

Gladio rolled his eyes, before focusing them back to Ignis. "Careful with your tone, Iggy. Your jealousy is showing."

"Hardly the case. Just shocked is all." Ignis sighed before reaching to type on the computer. He pulled up the website and went to the plug in that displayed the entire employee database. "What is her name?" Ignis asked, eyes not looking up from the glowing screen. Gladio swallowed thickly, big hand finding the back of his neck to scratch the base of his scalp.

"I don't know."

"You don't know her name?" Ignis' tone took on a slight mocking one, his sharp manicured eyebrows knotting with confusion. "Did you not ask her?"

"I have tried. She just… won't give it to me." It was true, he has asked. And if Ignis knew just how many times he had asked— He would have been floored. At least Gladio felt that way. In some sense, he supposed it made sense. You were skeptical of his intentions, figuring he was there to get you in trouble rather than let you slip by fully unscathed. It had been months of this however, and he figured you would pick up his jig at one point or another… He didn't expect you to just— stop showing up.

"Gladio, I figure I shouldn't have to break the news to you. Merely because it is you who has luck with the women.. But if she isn't giving you her name then she isn't interested in your advances." The smirk seemed to grow larger on Ignis' usual stoic face, green eyes firing with a playful and mocking glint.

"Sounds like you heard that a lot." Gladio quirked a challenging eyebrow back— spiteful gaze matching to the caliber of Ignis'. "Plus, it isn't like that. It is a complicated story. I just need to see if she's on the deployed list. That's all."

Ignis bowed his head at the slide as if to accept it and he looked back up. "I don't have access to that documentation."

"You don't? I thought we had access to those lists—"

"No, unless it directly effects the Prince and his whereabouts, we do not have access." Ignis relented while slouching back into his seat. "We would need a higher access to view all of that. If anything, you would need to discuss this with Noctis. He has the capabilities to see everything."

"So, I have to ask Noct."

"Essentially, yes." Ignis was ready to close the window on the computer before Gladio pressed forward. This was a problem.

He sighed with defeat, head falling limp. "I can't go to Noctis. You know that." He pushed himself off of Ignis' desk and rested his hands on his hips; Amber gaze now searching the room for any hidden answers. Gladio knew that Noctis would never let the big guy live it down for being "stood up" or "rejected" Even though that wasn't the case. "Don't you have all of Noctis' login information?" Gladiolus was no stranger to Noctis and his habits. It was known and a constant pressure point between the small knitted group, that Ignis did most of Noctis' work for him. Ignis occasionally played the role of Prince when the actual Prince struggled to do so. Of course when the time called for it. Having Noctis' login information only made sense… For two reasons.

So Ignis can check up on Noctis to make sure he is completing tasks that require his attention.

Noctis has more of a tendency to forget passwords and all of that information. One of them had to brandish responsibility and it might as well be the highly trained, dutiful Advisor.

Ignis once again cocked his head in confusion, now sitting up again in his chair. "Are you asking me to infiltrate the Prince's government profile so you can locate a woman who shows little to no interest in you— all in leu of protecting your pride?" Damn Ignis never did pull any punches.

"Yes. That is exactly what I am asking." The confidence was unyielding, and Gladio stood taller now.

"Very well." Ignis sat up and typed at the computer for a small length of time before slowly turning it to face the Shield. "Here is the list," Ignis deadpanned, elbows digging into the desktop. "Says they are touring the western most Cleigne border. In search for any notions of any enemy military upheaval. Appears they will be returning soon."

The Shield hunched over the laptop and scrolled downward using the mouse pad. He skimmed the pictures, searching for your most prominent features. He skimmed until he neared the bottom and saw your face. He could recognize that smile from anywhere, even though you only gave him such a look a couple of times. He swore he wouldn't forget it. His stomach tensed, eyes slowly moved from your face, to the name in boldface, starting with your last, comma, your first name. He grinned, "Gotcha," His voice fell hushed onto the desk in front of him while studying your name closely.

He felt like he won some sort of unsung battle— like you were a boss that had shown no weakness, but with ample research and many helpful individuals he unlocked your secret. He had finally, at long last, knew your name. Countless battles lead him here and he was satisfied.

"Let me see her," Ignis pried, eyes stretching to the computer. Gladio flipped it around again as if he were showing you off. "Pretty thing she is," He hummed, with a nod of approval.

"She is, and is quite a spit fire to go along with all that hot stuff. Do you have a piece of paper and a pen I can borrow?"

Ignis dug around for a moment, shuffling of papers and clanking of writing utensils seemed to fall on deaf ears— Gladio's intense amber eyes only focused onto you and your name. He mouthed it, repeating it with a whisper as if it were a secret that only he could know. Ignis slid a sticky note and a pen towards Gladio's palm that was pressed onto the desk once more.

"May I ask what you are writing down?"

"Just the information I need, don't you worry about it." It took no time at all for Gladio to scrawl your name and a few other bits of information about you, down on a bright yellow sticky note. He looked at his penmanship, your name written in a sloppy, all capital, print. He knew that only his eyes could read such a mess of words and lines. He smiled at the information, your name falling from his lips once more before standing straight. He peeled the note off of the pad and smiled at it. "Thanks Specs. I owe ya." The sticky end of the note stuck to his fingertips and he fluttered it as he turned to leave.

"I wish you luck, Gladiolus," Ignis slid the pad and pen back into their proper locations, catching the Shield's confident grin as he turned to shut the door.

"Thanks, Iggy."

You were exhausted. In fact, you felt that the word did little justice for the way you felt. Your eyes were heavy, their lids trying to droop shut— if it weren't for the sweltering van you were crammed into, you would have easily drifted into slumber.

You were on a routine surveillance mission that happened every so often. A group of glaives, selected by the Marshal and the General, were sent to scout different areas of Lucis— all in search for any suspicious movement of the Niflheim military. This was always randomized, and you almost figured it would be you. It had been a few months since you were sent out, and it was only a matter of time before you were called again to do your time. Many people called these trips, deployments— that was the more official term. You were deployed. And damn was it the worst.

There was nothing more damning then riding across the country, crammed into a small, poorly ventilated van; stuffed like sardines with 10 other glaives. Nothing drove you more crazy then crashing into your seat neighbors every time the driver hit a bump or pot hole. You swore at one point, the driver was doing it on purpose. That or the glaive next to you sensed your frustration and craved to piss you off further.

You were almost home, now trailing through the outskirts of Hammerhead; The last outpost until you reached the limits of Insomnia. From the gate, you calculated, you would be home in 40 minutes. You checked the clock on your phone and sighed heavily. 4:15. Your head hit the back of the seat, causing the glaive next to you glance down at you. You paid his strange stare no mind as you began to mentally wallow in your own misfortune.

It would take you two hours at the earliest to get back to the Citadel. You didn't even bother to factor in rush hour traffic. Your exhaustion seemed to overtake your frustration and you swore you would cry if it wasn't for the several witnesses crammed around you, trying to ignore each other.

Around a quarter after 8, you were finally shuffling out of the Citadel with your personal effects tugged over your shoulder. You decided, halfway home while crossing a busy street— Cooking was absolutely not an option for the evening. Your limbs wanted rest, your body wishing to finally crash onto your couch and watch the TV show you had been neglecting. Nothing can sedate your exhaustion and hunger like a bite of fast food. You took a long way home and stopped of at a fast food joint that you frequented.

With your bag of food in one hand, your personal effects slung over the other arm— you shuffled for your keys that seemed to find the deepest depths of your pants pocket. You turned the corner abruptly, finally pulling the keys from your pocket. It almost felt like they grew hands and were tugging on the hem in a fight to stay warm and secure. Your exhausted mind seemed to find that image hilarious, and you stifled your amusement with a sigh and a gentle shake of your head. You gazed down the hall towards your final destination, at long last— wait… what was that?

There on the doorstep was a vase, jutting out was a small assortment of flowers. "Huh?" You shook your head trying to clean your mind. You were looking at the wrong doorstep, you almost laughed. Who the hell would leave you flowers. You smiled at yourself as you moved to the door your apartment stood behind. You stopped at the welcome mat, your jaw going slack when you found that glass vase and flowers sitting at your feet.

Blinking, you checked the worn numbers on your apartment door. Yeah, that was your apartment. Eyebrows knotting together, you dumped your duffle bag onto the floor to your side and knelt in front of the vase. There was a note tied with a ribbon around the dip within the wall of the vase. With a gentle hand you pried the folded note open with your thumb. The note was written in a neat print, the author wrote in all capital letters which was a unique feature. You hadn't seen many people write like that.

Like a forensic scientist, you began to narrow out your options— who owned penmanship like that? Flittering through the Rolex within your mind, you began to make comparisons to everyone you knew. They had to meet three points of criteria:

They needed to know your address.

Legible handwriting.

Had a reason to buy you flowers.

Well, it couldn't have been anyone in the glaive, none of them had your address on hand. And it couldn't have been the date who stood you up almost a month ago— he didn't have that information either. Prompto? No— He had some half cursive half print handwriting that could hardly be understood. You have harped on him for writing in what you deemed to be the Prompto Language. He was never amused by your slide.

If it wasn't any of them… then who the hell..? You opted to forego the guessing game and decided to read what it said. Second way to know who made this mistake. You blinked a few times before starting at the left hand side of the folded note. It read:

"Glad to see your name wasn't in the paper. The Royal Training Room misses their delinquent. Hope to see you soon,—"

Your eyes stopped suddenly on the gentle way your name was written at the end of the final sentence. "Gladio?" You whispered, eyes intently reading the note for any missing clues. You looked at the vase of flowers, and began to shuffle them around for a listening device or something off the wall. "Flowers?" They were just… flowers? Heat struck your cheeks and carefully you unlocked your door and hoisted the vase up to your chest— duffle bag long forgotten in the hallway.

You turned on all the lights leading to the kitchen and rested your food on the table— it too, long forgotten. The bouquet of flowers looked lovely on your kitchen counter. He had picked a variety, but selected ones that seemed to compliment each other— in color as well as shape. Your eyes flickered back to the note clenched tightly in between your fingers.

You read it again, and again, and again; until your eyes began to spin. You tried to swallow, but your throat was entirely too dry. When the sudden shock seemed to subside, a warm smile graced your face. It sparked warmth that climbed your chest and began to ease your limbs and turn them to jelly. The urge to laugh cascaded over you, and with a bright smile, and completely smitten, you nearly floated to the hallway to get your long forgotten belongings.

Gladiolus Amicitia sent you flowers. That sentence didn't make a lick of sense, but everything else did. Your mind was swirling, and the only bit of information you could keep down was the echoing voice of Prompto: He has his reasons. My guess is… he probably enjoys your company.

The next morning, you found yourself nearly rushing to the kitchen hoping that the random gift wasn't a figment of your imagination— or some cruel dream that the gods had teased you with. But the arrangement stood proudly on your counter, note still dangling gently from the ribbon it was fastened to. Your smile widened further and quickly you gathered yourself together for another risky trip to the forbidden training room, despite it being your day off.

You stood taller, at least that's how you felt. At long last, you were smiled upon— your ugly streak of horrible relationships seemed to be behind you now; disappearing in the rearview mirror. You were confident, and flattered; floating on cloud nine as you rounded the corner to the familiar doors of the Royal Training room. With a practiced, swift maneuver, you tapped the key onto the metal receiver. You were rewarded with a satisfying click, signifying your allowance into the locked room. The metal handle of the door snapped as you shoved it open.

You were greeted with Gladio, perched on the bench with his red covered book in his hands. He looked up, amber eyes softening on your smile. "Let me guess," your smile widened as you spoke, watching as his full attention was now on you; Book long forgotten within his lap. "You tapped the flowers?"

He smiled at you while sliding the book into the side pocket in his bag. "Should I have?" He questioned, his eyebrow finding its way up his forehead in the usual way it would.

You couldn't fight the smile on your face. You felt like a love sick goofball. You shook your head, "Unless you want to hear about all of the other Training rooms I plan on infiltrating, then sure." He stood to his full height, grabbing his bag off of the floor.

"I knew I should have asked for some listening devices." He playfully jabbed. "What are you doing after training today?" He questioned, slinging his bag over his shoulder. A smirk lifted to your face as you looked out at the nearly vacant room.

Your eyes moved back to meet his. They held your gaze gently, softly, you felt the magma begin its high pressured course through your veins. Heat collected to your cheeks and spread quickly to your ears. Swallowing thickly you blinked and looked at the floor. "As far as I know, all I have planned is kicking the Royal Shield's ass."

His grin grew and he laughed, "Well after you kick the Royal Shield's ass, care to join him for dinner?"

You swore the world stopped for a moment— for longer then a moment. And there you sat in an empty room with no meaning, forgetting who you are, forgetting who he is— Your heart nearly hammering out of your chest.

"I would love to," You nearly whispered, the words getting lost in the thickness of your throat.

He tilted his head, eyes still holding yours. "Then it's a date," He spoke just as confidently as ever, his signature smile holding to his soft lips.

"Better not be a set up Mr. Amicitia. I will be livid," you hummed, trying to fight the giddy urge to dance around the room. You spent the energy walking to the locker room to change.

"I would never--" His sentence trailed off, but you caught the faint sound of your name slipping from his lips. the way the timbre of his voice seemed to extenuate the syllables of your name caused your legs to go weak; Heat like never before flooded your face, your body, your mind. You were clouded fully with giddy anticipation. And as you lost your casual clothes, and slipped into your work out outfit; you wondered why the hell you kept your name away from him.

You came to the conclusion that it was all part of the fun.

[coaldustcanary]

Hi! I saw in the tags of OTW's latest volunteer recruitment post that you were willing to talk about your experience as a support volunteer. I was wondering if I could hear a bit about your experience, or--if you've already discussed it on your blog--if you could point me towards where you've shared your experiences in the past. I'm considering volunteering myself but I'm not sure what to expect! Thanks in advance <3

Hi there. I do sometimes post a bit about my experiences in Support, but it's very piece-meal and there's probably not much of a coherent narrative anywhere. I'll try to sum up and give a brief overview, but feel free to ask questions about the things you're most curious about. (I'm also fine with DMs if you'd rather it be private.) I've been a Support volunteer for 6 years. I used to work in tech support professionally a few careers ago, and that's why I chose to volunteer in Support specifically, but that kind of experience is certainly not a pre-requisite to volunteering.

Our recent rounds of recruitment have been really successful so the Support team is bigger and better able to keep up with user requests than it ever has been, in my opinion. We've also really honed our training processes to make them more newbie-friendly. There's a fairly structured (but flexible to individual circumstances) training process set up that involves studying documentation, looking back on our archives of responses to users, and considering the kinds of questions that users ask to develop good answers, with the assistance of senior volunteers. You will not be turned loose and expected to figure things out on your own. If you are leaning toward volunteering, I think there's really no better time for it.

On the other hand, I do think having a certain willingness to dig in and research and test and ask around when it comes to coming up with a good answer for users is important. Many issues users have are either common or the solution is well-documented or both, so replying is not hard, but others are very much a puzzle to work through that needs a lot of investigating. You'll always have the assistance of other volunteers, especially as a new recruit, but a certain level of being a "self-starter" and curiosity is a big help.

There are more than 900 volunteers in the organization, all around the world, involved in a lot of aspects of keeping AO3 and the OTW going. Support itself is very much global. Support works closely with multiple other parts of the organization - AD&T (the coding folks), Policy and Abuse, Communications, Legal, and Tag Wrangling are the ones we work with the most, but it could be any or all of them, and that means learning about how a lot of other pieces of the organization works over time.

For me, that's been hugely worthwhile. I feel like I'm able to give back to fandom in a way that I'm good at and help people using AO3 get the site to work the way they want, whether by documenting a tricky bug or helping a new user reset their password.

But I can't deny that there are times it frustrates me - I don't agree with every policy decision the OTW and AO3 have ever made, I don't agree with my fellow volunteers on every little thing, and sometimes we get Support requests full of attitude, rudeness, or entitlement that drive me nuts. And that's honestly OK. That said, I've volunteered for a wide variety of non-profits in my life (schools, community service organizations, churches) and aside from the fact that it is *entirely* web-based, being a Support volunteer for AO3 is not much different from my experiences in those other contexts.

Despite the fact that my volunteering time is far more limited these days than I would wish, I wouldn't give it up for anything; I get back from it (the satisfaction, the social aspects) a lot more than I probably put in, to be honest.

So, this has been an attempt at a big picture overview of how I feel about volunteering and what it's like for me - if you want more specific information I'm more than happy to answer more specific questions, or if you were interested in more of a "what exactly do you do when you volunteer" I can try to talk a bit about the broad kinds of user requests we answer and a bit about what our process is like.

[ms-demeanor]

Stressed Computer Anon:

Hi friend!

You’ve actually given me the idea for a very helpful book I want to write but it’s pretty clear you’re not going to be okay waiting that long so here’s a very, very basic primer for people in similar situations

SO YOU THINK YOU’RE BEING CYBERSTALKED

If you’re worried about being tracked online by people who have somehow accessed your computer or phone and/or you’re worried about your computer being taken over FEAR NOT! This is VERY fixable!

So the thing is the only way that people can track you like this is by having some kind of network access to your devices. I can’t track your cellphone if it isn’t connected to the cell network (at least not without a pretty serious amount of legwork and a warrant) and I can’t track your computer if it’s not connected to the internet.

The absolute easiest, fastest, most guaranteed way to fix this problem is by disconnecting all your devices. I know that doesn’t seem great because what’s the point of having the devices if they’re not going to be connected, but don’t worry you’ll get this settled and get back online eventually.

What you are going to do FIRST is get on a device that you’ve never used before, get on a computer or phone network you’ve never used before, and you’re going to change your passwords. While you’re at it you may want to get yourself set up with a password manager. Here’s a step by step of the ideal way this would work:

Go to someplace with public-ish computers where you can use the computers for a while (school or public library works well)

Open up a private session of whatever browser is installed on that computer

Create a protonmail email account

Log in to each of your online accounts, change the recovery email to the protonmail account, and reset the passwords

(do the rest of the stuff that i’m going to tell you about)

Install a password manager AFTER you’ve sanitized your network and change all your passwords AGAIN using the password manager generated passwords.

Once you have reset all your passwords (steps 1-3) it is time to sanitize your network and your extant devices.

Start by doing a backup of your phone and your computer. This is a FILE BACKUP ONLY, you DO NOT want to restore from backup.

Make sure you’ve got the manufacturer installation discs and activation keys for any software that you have on your computer (or the online equivalent - you don’t use a disc to install MS office these days, you use a Microsoft account and you should have already changed your password for that) because you are going to have to REINSTALL your computer. This means you ALSO need an installation disc for your operating system.

Connect to your router and change the password, select the most secure security settings you router allows.

Reinstall your operating system on your computer and factory reset your phone (make sure you’ve written down all your contacts and saved all the files on your computer or phone to an external device because you will lose them with the reset/reinstall).

(Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)

Make sure that the only things you plug into your computer are things you’ve purchased - remove all wireless dongles for mice or keyboards, make sure the chargers for your phones are all ones that you’ve purchased and not any that were given to you, and only plug stuff back in if you’re 100% sure you know what it goes to.

AFTER REINSTALL/RESET TURN OFF ALL THE WEIRD WIRELESS CONNECTIONS YOUR PHONE AND COMPUTER MAKE. Turn off bluetooth, turn off network discoverability, turn off anything that lets shit talk to your computer or phone.

(This will break/disable things like smart speakers, activity trackers, and a bunch of other IoT tech. If you’re paranoid enough to be doing all of this stuff you should NOT be using those things anyway)

Once you’ve reinstalled your OS on your computer go online and set yourself up with a VPN. If you are feeling EXCEPTIONALLY paranoid you can do this using a mobile hotspot instead of your internet connection. Also if you are feeling exceptionally paranoid you can encrypt your devices.

Now that your traffic is encrypted go back into your router settings and reset your password again. You may want to consider purchasing a better/more secure router or one that has an included VPN (from that list I like the Synology router).

Since at this point your computer should be pretty much completely taken care of you can follow the steps in my other post on the issue to secure your phone.

At this point if you connect to the internet through a secured router and a vpn, and if you are using a VPN on the phone and don’t have any weird mystery apps installed and have shut down app permissions, and if you’re doing all of that carefully and well and you’ve changed all your passwords a couple times, nobody should reasonably be able to snoop your traffic.

That isn’t to say I’d consider this setup safe to plot against the government or anything or to prevent a subpoena to your wireless provider if someone filed one, but for the average weirdo on the internet who wants to creep on your traffic you’ve pretty much locked them out.

After that be careful about what you post online (because a SHOCKING amount of what people think has come from someone spying on their network is actually just stuff that’s reasonably extrapolated from your socials) and if someone approaches you in person about your online activities don’t be alone with that person and publicly challenge them about what they’re saying (maybe take a video of them and post that online). Also do not allow other people physical access to your phone, computer, or router.

Based on the descriptions you’ve given me in your asks it seems reasonably possible that you’re experiencing some upsetting coincidences and that nothing is happening, but there’s also a possibility that someone is remotely accessing your computer. If so, doing everything that I’ve described will close off their access.

If you continue to have these upsetting experiences after going through all of these steps I’d say to have a conversation with a reasonable friend and get a reality check. Unfortunately people are often very scared of computers and because they don’t understand them sometimes innocuous things can be upsetting.

There have been several people who have visited our hacker meetups over the years to beg us to stop the hackers attacking them when there is nobody attacking them or they’ve got things set up in such a way that it would be impossible to do what they think is happening. Fixating on the belief that you’re being attacked and tracked can be very upsetting and can make you more likely to misinterpret nonthreatening happenstance as a cohesive and intentional plan.

I’m not saying that’s what’s happening to you, your circumstance is in a gray area where I don’t want to tell you that someone is watching you and you should be paranoid because that’s not what it sounds like, but the things you’re describing reasonably COULD be because of intruders on your computer so there’s no harm in hardening your network. HOWEVER if you DO harden your network and that doesn’t make you feel any better it’s time to ask for some assistance from people in your life.

IN GENERAL to avoid having people remotely access your computer you should:

Make sure that you are very cautious about what programs you install

Do not open unexpected email attachments and do not click on mystery links

Use unique passwords across your accounts

Do not allow people physical access to your devices

Use encryption on your web traffic through a VPN or a secured router

Do not grant people permission to access your computer or allow people to talk you through the process of setting up access for them (so if someone calls from “microsoft” and says they need access to your computer to fix it just hang up)

Use a strong antivirus program

And in general if you think that something FUCKING WEIRD is going on with your computer you should

document every instance of it being fucking weird

take a photo or video of the fucking weird thing on your phone

think about what someone has to gain by accessing your system

think about the ways that someone could plausibly access your system

check in with someone who knows more about computers than you do (like me - this is the right thing to do! and similarly the people who come to the hacker meetups are doing the right thing! But it’s important to listen to these folks and learn from the conversation instead of dismissing the information they give you - that “what do they gain” question applies here too. I have nothing to gain by misleading you, so it’s very unlikely that I’m lying to you)

And in your life in general:

If you’re scared about something you should ask questions and learn more. Everything is much less scary when you know how to fix it or are able to identify the source of a problem. This is true for computers, it’s true for auto repair, it’s true for plumbing.

So I’m really glad you asked, and good luck. I hope this helps.

[islamload21]

How To Unlock Bios Password In Laptop

How To Remove Bios Password In Laptop Windows 10

How To Unlock Password Laptop

'Hello, as per the usual case, I have a BIOS password that needs to be reset. I do believe that my 16 year old put one on there so that I cannot see what he has been doing. I would like to get this reset if possible. HP Mini 1000 After 3 attempts of password, I get this number (removed for privacy) which I just realized that was the serial number. If I could get some assistance on this, I would be very thankful.'

Forgetting BIOS password on HP Elitebook? There is no need to worry. Learn how to reset or erase an unknown BIOS password on HP laptop or PC.

Remove BIOS Password with HP SpareKey Reset BIOS Password on HP by Removing the CMOS Battery

How to Remove BIOS Password with HP SpareKey

To my knowledge the HP Elitebooks do not have a hardware bypass to unlock a bios password. Some laptops such as the Lenovo can have their EEPROM chips shorted during the boot sequence to bypass and reset the bios. You need to contact HP and they provide you with a software-based bios unlock in the form of a.bin file. It basically protects the user's BIOS settings from being changed by unknown users and blocks the booting of your computer with a password. But there are times when you might need to boot your computer over and over again for a certain task, and entering the BIOS password incessantly will appear to be a serious headache. To use one of the programs, simply download the correct one for your laptop and run it, then type in the number and hit enter. The master password will be displayed for you to try and unlock the computer. You have to run the master password tool on a computer that can boot into Windows and has.NET installed.

If you have set up HP SpareKey on your HP computer previously, now you can remove your lost BIOS password with it.

Note: HP SpareKey is a utility that helps you, or the administrator of the computer, recover lost system passwords, such as the power-on, drive lock, or BIOS passwords. When setting up the SpareKey, you are prompted to provide answers for a sequence of three predetermined personal identification questions. HP SpareKey couldn't reset HP administrator password, so we have to think of other ways, such as Windows Password Key, a nice Windows password recovery tool, to do that.

Detailed steps:

Laptop Bios Password Generator. BIOS Password Recovery for Laptops. Enter your code. Try one of the following codes: Vendor Type Hash Code/Serial example; Compaq: 5.

To use one of the programs, simply download the correct one for your laptop and run it, then type in the number and hit enter. The master password will be displayed for you to try and unlock the computer. You have to run the master password tool on a computer that can boot into Windows and has.NET installed.

How To Remove Bios Password In Laptop Windows 10

1. Turn on the computer and immediately press the ESC key to display the Startup Menu, and then press the F10 to enter BIOS Setup.

2. If you have typed your BIOS password incorrectly three times, you'll be presented with the screen prompting you to press F7 for HP SpareKey Recovery.

3. Press F7 key, the HP SpareKey wizard pops up and prompts you for the answers to the three personal identification questions.

4. If you successfully answer the questions, you are granted access and you can reset the BIOS password.

If you do not answer the questions correctly in the three attempts, you will be locked out of your computer. And then you must contact HP for assistance.

How to Remove BIOS Password on HP by Removing the CMOS Battery

The other way to remove a BIOS password is simply remove the CMOS battery. Removing the CMOS battery like the one shown in the picture causes the system to lose all CMOS settings; including the password.

Make sure to power down the computer, unplug the power cables and unplug any USB devices if they are powered. The computer must not be able to get power from anywhere for this to work. Take out the CMOS battery and wait 10-25 minutes before putting it back in. Plug everything back in, power up the computer and enter the BIOS again. If everything went well there should be no more password. In some cases, if you get weird error messages during boot up now, you will need to go to 'Load BIOS Defaults' in BIOS and save the changes to fix them.

That's all about how to reset BIOS password on HP laptop. And if you are looking for HP password reset for admin account or other user accounts, Windows Password Key will be a great tool for you.

Reset/Remove Windows admin and other user password for local/domain account.

Create a new local/domain admin account to unlock your computer.

Change your Microsoft account password offline.

Fully support Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Windows Server 2012 (R2)/2008 (R2)/2003 (R2).

Free Download

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[locksmithhsanbernardino]

5 Biggest Emergencies To Call A Locksmith In San Bernardino, CA!

Imagine being late for work and being unable to locate your keys. Or perhaps you locked yourself out of your automobile in the dead of night? What would you do if you were in this situation? Panic? No! The easiest way to get out of a situation like this is to call a locksmith right away. Keep the phone number of the nearest professional locksmith in your phone because there are a variety of reasons to call a locksmith. The following are the most common reasons to call a locksmith, according to the Locksmith San Bernardino CA team:

#1 IF YOU'VE LOST YOUR KEYS:

It's possible that you'll lose your car or house keys and have no spares. As a result, you'll need to contact a locksmith to generate a new set of keys and assist you in escaping the predicament.

#2 DAMAGED LOCKS:

If you find damaged locks in your home, or if they are old enough to be easily broken into, get new locks fitted. It will provide additional security and protection for your family, and you will be able to live without worry.

#3 NEW HOUSE:

When you move into a new home, you have no idea how many people have access to the locks, including previous owners, dealers, and others. To avoid any break-ins, It is better to call a locksmith and get your old locks replaced right away.

#4 INSTALL SECURITY MODIFICATIONS:

Another most important thing is to install CCTV cameras and alarm security systems. It will assist you in relaxing in the event of safety or protection. You can even leave your house empty for longer periods of time while keeping an eye on the security updates. Contact a locksmith right away to have it installed.

#5 COMBINATIONS FORGOTTEN:

Have you forgotten your passwords and are trying to open a lock after a long time? Locksmiths are the experts who can address such issues in a matter of minutes. They have the knowledge and experience to reset the combinations so that you may acquire access again. For example, I recommend locksmith San Bernardino, CA, and they assisted me in resetting the locks for the low service fee.

WHERE DO I LOOK FOR A PROFESSIONAL LOCKSMITH?

Hiring a professional locksmith is a hard undertaking that necessitates looking for the following qualities:

Hire a Local Locksmith: Make sure the locksmith you hire is close to your location so that they can reach you quickly in the event of an emergency.

Certified Locksmith: You should choose a locksmith who is certified, licensed, and insured, as this is proof of their proficiency.

Online Reviews: Before you employ a locksmith, go to their website and read the reviews and client feedback to get a better idea of who they are.

FINAL THOUGHT:

So, if you find yourself in such a scenario or an emergency, call a locksmith right away. If you live in California, for example, check out the Locksmith San Bernardino CA services to obtain the best assistance.