Visual Rhetoric

http://smallbiztechnology.com/media/computersecurity.jpg
This picture of chain wrapped around a computer with a padlock on it originally appeared in an article involving online security on a small business website. From what I could gather, the website is designed to display the latest and greatest in small business technologies. The website would most likely appeal to small business owners, entrepenuers, or techies. The visual appears to express extreme security of a computer system. Though not many would take the visual in a literal sense, it does portray the importance of online security. The visual may also appeal to humor since a reader would be drawn to read an article that shows something impracticle but understandable. The use of the chain and lock on the computer could evoke many emotions such as urgency or humor as mentioned above; or it could possible envoke fear into some viewers. The visual doesn't seem to mock anyone, and was used mostly for over-exaggerated affect to potential readers. The picture has a very sterile look to it. The picture is up front and in focus with the main focus being on the lighted lock in the center. The affect that the picture portrays to me is that of an asylum, and the lock and chain are providing utmost protection to a computer gone awry!