These days everyone, from kids to seniors, uses computers. But to many people the way computers work is still a mystery. And that's how computer myths develop. So, let's debunk them once and for all!
What Are the Most Common Computer Myths?
by Snurre
There are a lot of computer myths a lot of users believe in. Let's have a look at five most common computer myths and see whether any of them are actually true.
Computer Myths - Are They Real?
Believe it or not, but a lot of things people say or think about computers are myths. Here are five most common ones:
- Screaming at your computer or hitting it makes it run faster
- Putting a failed hard drive in the freezer will fix it
- The more keys there are on your keyboard, the better the performance of your PC
- A hacker can switch on your computer at night
- Putting a cactus in front of your PC screen will protect you against PC radiation
Do you believe in any of those? Let's see whether any of them is true!
1. Screaming at your computer or hitting it
This definitely doesn't help at all. Your computer doesn't have ears, so it doesn't care if you scream your heart out. And hitting it will only break it. Moreover, it won't make you feel better because you will end up having to buy a new computer.
2. Putting a failed hard drive in the freezer will fix it
Sounds crazy, doesn't it? But this is actually not a myth! Putting your failed and overheated hard drive in the freezer will help you recover your data. You see, freezing gets rid of the overheating and makes the metal parts of the hard drive shrink. This will allow you to mount the disk for long enough to copy your files.
3. The more keys there are on your keyboard, the better the performance of your PC
Nope, this just makes finding the keys you need really complicated. Not worth the money.
4. A hacker can switch on your computer at night
Another ridiculous myth. If your computer is switched off, only you can switch it on. OK, there is some really complicated malware that can control a computer to that extent, but nobody will ever place it on an average consumer PC. If you don't believe me, ask people from Kaspersky.com, BitDefender or ESET.com- they know all about viruses and malware. In any case, if you are really paranoid about that, simply power off your PC and unplug the Internet cable.
5. Putting a cactus in front of your PC screen will protect you against PC radiation
If you are not trying to make your portable nuclear reactor look like a computer, then you needn't worry about radiation - there isn't any. Computers are not radioactive. OK, they produce electromagnetic waves, but no more than power sockets, mobile phones, TVs or microwaves. And in any case, cactuses are not some sort of natural anti-radiation shields. Seriously, they are just plants.
Still don't believe me? Watch this video!
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Did you believe in any of those myths?
Updated: 03/10/2012, Snurre
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Comments
Fun article. I enjoyed it :)
#4 is not true. depending on your mobo set up. There are alot of mobo's out there that have a Wake on LAN feature. This is met for large networks where an admin might have to take a look at your computer when your not there and its off. I have used this myself on my personal computer several different times. It used to be this feature was turned on by default but i don't know if this is true any more.
Good read! Isn't interesting how can hi tech and superstitions coexist?
zteve, thanks! The cactus one is very popular in some European countries.
Very good page. I had not heard of the cactus one before and I never let my computer know if I am in a hurry as I am sure it deliberately goes slower! Great work!
@cherylone yeah I've done it too! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I love this. I used to tell my work computer I was going to use it to make a new window in my office. Never worked, but I felt better. LOL
@Mladen LOL the cactus one used to be very common when we had old bulky screens. Thanks for reading and commenting :)
Haha, caught me with that screaming at my PC. :)
I love the lost one about cactus as anti-radiation shield. Heard about ti for the first time. But I love the idea. Protect yourself against radiation, but loose your eye in attempt. :)
@katiem2, thanks for reading and commenting!