With regards to tech myths, I’ve heard ‘em all. That’s why I’m right here — that can assist you maintain a deal with on what’s actual and what’s not. For every of the myths beneath, I’ve acquired a step you may take to remain protected or a tech rule of thumb to reside by.
Fable: Non-public shopping is completely personal.
Reality: ISPs, advertisers and web sites can nonetheless spot you. In any case, the time period “incognito” is rooted within the Latin incognitus, that means “unknown.” At all times sign off from delicate accounts and think about using a VPN for an additional layer of privateness.
Fable: The extra megapixels, the higher the digital camera.
Reality: Pixels are simply a part of the image; right now’s journal cowl pictures are sometimes shot with cameras underneath 20 megapixels! The professionals know the software program you utilize is simply as necessary. Oh, and don’t shoot in RAW except that you must; the recordsdata take up a lot room.
Fable: Macs are the Fort Knox of computer systems.
Reality: They’re safe however not invincible. Macs get malware, too. Recurrently replace your software program, and don’t skip these safety patches.
Fable: Deleting recordsdata means they’re gone without end.
Reality: With the suitable instruments, recordsdata can resurface like digital zombies. Your PC’s Recycle Bin? It’s extra like a brief holding zone. Use file-shredding software program for delicate paperwork to make sure they’re really deleted.
Fable: Charging telephones in a single day kills the battery.
Reality: Trendy telephones are smarter than you suppose. Lithium-ion batteries, like these present in most smartphones, have built-in circuits to forestall overcharging. Use manufacturer-approved chargers to make sure protected and environment friendly charging.
Fable: Utilizing a magnet close to your laptop may end in your PC’s immediate demise.
Reality: As we speak’s solid-state drives (SSDs) aren’t phased. This fantasy hearkens again to floppy disks, which may be wiped with magnets. Nonetheless, be cautious with sturdy magnets close to older exhausting drives and your monitor.
Fable: “Free Wi-Fi” is at all times protected.
Reality: It’s a playground for snoopers. Use a VPN on public networks and by no means carry out delicate transactions on free Wi-Fi.
Fable: Extra bars = Higher cellphone service
Reality: Bars measure sign energy, not high quality. Typically, fewer bars however on a much less crowded frequency would possibly give clearer calls. For constant service, take into account Wi-Fi calling in areas with spotty reception.
Fable: Computer systems don’t want relaxation.
Reality: They will get “drained,” too. Restart your laptop a minimum of as soon as per week to filter short-term recordsdata and guarantee clean efficiency. For my trivia nerds, the notorious Home windows Blue Display screen was initially designed to be crimson.
Fable: At all times eject USBs earlier than eradicating.
Reality: Whereas it’s protected apply, trendy OSs are lenient. When transferring knowledge, at all times eject first to forestall potential corruption. Btw, to plug a USB drive the suitable manner each time, insert it with the emblem up.
