Common Computer Myths
Posted on October 26, 2005
Filed Under Everything Else |
Its funny how an inanimate object (well, mostly) like a computer can spark the number of myths and half truths that surround the modern PC. Often born of real issues that have long since disappeared, these myths can cause confusion and always seem to make technology appear more complicated than it really is.
Let’s have a look at a few examples.
Leave it on or turn it off?
There are two ways to look at the question of whether to leave a computer running or turn it on and off.
First, mechanical devices, particularly hard drives, wear out when they are left running. There is some truth to that. Second, electronic components, like anything else, expand and contract when they are heated and cooled down. Better to leave something running and therefore warm than subject it to constantly warming up and cooling down. There’s some truth to that to.
A computer is no different than any other modern electronic equipment however and the question of whether or not to leave the TV or stereo on never seems to come up. The best answer is simply to leave the computer running of you’re not going to be at it for some time and shut it down if you are.
Turn the monitor on first… or wait, was that the computer first?
There really is no right or wrong sequence of turning on or off a computer system. It doesn’t matter if the power button is pressed on the computer or monitor first and in fact if the monitor is Energy Star Compliant, it will go into energy saving mode if it is not turned off.
Press the wrong key and your computer will go KABLOOEY!
The truth is, there’s not a whole lot a user can do with a keyboard or mouse that will physically damage a computer. Pressing the wrong key cannot cause smoke to bellow from the unit or make components melt or shatter into a thousand pieces.
Mind you, we’re talking about physical damage here. It is entirely possible to change system or software settings and cause something to mess up. These problems can always be fixed however without replacing parts. If in doubt, click “Cancel”.
You need a screen saver to save your screen.
In the old days, if a monitor was left on and the image didn’t change for long lengths of time, the image would “burn in” to the screen. The burnt in image would be visible whether the monitor was on, off, or there was another image displayed on it.
Fortunately newer monitors don’t suffer this phenomenon and screen savers have become more of an art form than a necessary application.
These are only a few examples of the misconceptions that make using computing more complicated than it needs to be. If readers are unsure of whether something they’ve heard or been told about is true or a misconception, they can email me at glen@bowesit.com and I’ll do my best to reply to everyone who does.
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