Common Computer Myths and Misconceptions

Have you heard someone telling you something about your computer that doesn't sound quite right or that sounds a bit odd? Don't feel alone. This is the birth of computer misconceptions. It is also your clue that the information isn't correct. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of these misconceptions out there, so writing about all of them would make an article that was difficult to read and far too long. So I will address just a few of the more common things heard.





MYTH: I don't need an antivirus program because I'm using a firewall.


Truth: Antivirus software and firewall software are two different things, designed for different purposes. A firewall is designed to help prevent unauthorized entry into your computer from the internet. It is not designed to prevent virus infection, nor is it able to determine if there is a virus nor to remove one. So, you always have to have a reliable antivirus program to protect your computer.





MYTH: I use a free anti-virus program, so I don't need to pay for one.


Truth: Free antivirus software can only detect major threats and ignore minor ones while the antivirus software that you purchased can provide a better protection in your computer since it can track down the hundreds of new viruses that are produced each week. The companies that make the antivirus use their revenues for researching the new viruses and produce software and updates capable of addressing them.



Major computer and Internet companies use paid anti-virus programs because they have more money to spend. They use them because they do a better job of finding and removing the viruses, if they are found.





MYTH: Restarting the computer is the same as shutting it down completely then powering it back up.


Truth: Shutting a computer off completely and waiting at least 30 seconds before powering it up again allows electrical current that is still in the wiring and circuit boards to be drained out. Restarting doesn't do this because there’s still current in the wires. Turning a computer off regularly is a good practice.





MYTH: Monitors wear out faster if you turn them off when they are not in use.


Truth: Powering down the monitor isn't much different than turning off the TV. Turning off the monitor saves money as well as wear and tear on other internal components. A monitor left on will usually wear out far faster than one that is turned off when it isn't in use, just like the TV.