Technology is an integral part of our lives, but it can also be confusing, misleading, or frustrating. There are many myths, misconceptions,...
Technology is an integral part of our lives, but it can also be confusing, misleading, or frustrating. There are many myths, misconceptions, and mistakes that people make when using or learning about technology, and they can have negative consequences for your productivity, security, or enjoyment.
In this blog post, I will debunk some of the most common tech myths and misconceptions that you should avoid, and provide some tips and best practices to help you make better use of technology.
Myth #1: Mac computers can’t get viruses.
This is one of the oldest and most persistent tech myths out there. Many people believe that Mac computers are immune to malware, and that they don’t need any antivirus software or protection. This is not true. Mac computers are susceptible to malware, too. Apple used to brag that its computers weren’t as vulnerable as Windows PCs to viruses, but the company quickly changed its marketing language after a Trojan affected thousands of Mac computers in 20121.
The truth is that no operating system is 100% safe from malware. While Mac computers may have fewer malware attacks than Windows PCs, they are still at risk of phishing, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other threats. Therefore, you should always use a reliable antivirus software on your Mac computer, and keep it updated regularly. You should also avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, downloading pirated software or content, or visiting untrusted websites.
Myth #2: Closing apps on your iPhone saves battery life.
Many iPhone users have the habit of swiping away all the apps running in the background on their devices, thinking that this will extend their battery life. However, this is not true. Closing apps on your iPhone does not save battery life. In fact, it may even drain your battery faster.
The reason is that most apps on your iPhone are not actually running in the background when you switch to another app or go to the home screen. They are either suspended or terminated by the iOS system, which means they are not using any CPU or battery resources. When you swipe them away from the app switcher, you are actually forcing them to quit completely. This means that the next time you launch them again, they will have to reload from scratch, which will consume more CPU and battery power than if you had left them in the app switcher2.
Therefore, you should only close apps on your iPhone if they are malfunctioning, crashing, or freezing. Otherwise, let the iOS system manage them for you. You can also improve your battery life by turning off unnecessary features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, or background app refresh when you don’t need them.
Myth #3: Private/Incognito browsing keeps you anonymous.
There is a misconception that “incognito” and “private” are synonymous with anonymous. If you’re using Incognito Mode in Google Chrome or Private browsing in Safari, it simply means the browser won’t keep track of your history or automatically log into any of your accounts3. However, this does not mean that your online activity is hidden from anyone else.
Your internet service provider (ISP), government agencies, websites, apps, browsers, and other third parties can still see your IP address, location, device information, browsing behavior, and other data when you use private or incognito browsing. They can also track you using cookies, fingerprinting, or other methods. Therefore, private or incognito browsing does not protect your privacy or identity online.
If you want to browse the web more anonymously and securely, you should use a VPN (virtual private network) service. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address,
making it appear as if you are browsing from a different location or region. A VPN can provide many benefits for your online data and privacy, such as:
- Hiding your private information from websites, apps, browsers, ISPs, and others that track your online activity and collect your data.
- Escaping data-throttling and bandwidth-throttling by your ISP, which can slow down your internet speed or limit your data usage.
- Accessing region-blocked or censored content, such as Netflix, social media platforms, or news websites.
- Protecting your personal information and data from hackers and snoopers when you use public Wi-Fi networks in places like coffee shops, airports, or hotels.
However, not all VPNs are created equal.
You should choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN service provider that offers strong encryption, fast speed, no-logs policy, and a large server network.
Myth #4: You need a super advanced degree in computer science to get a decent job in tech.
Many people think that working in tech requires a lot of math, science, and coding skills,
and that you need a formal education in computer science or engineering to get a decent job in the industry. This is not true. You don’t need a super advanced degree in computer science to get a decent job in tech.
The truth is that there are many different roles and fields in tech that don’t require a lot of math,
science, or coding skills, such as web design, user experience, digital marketing,
content writing, project management, and more. You can also learn many tech skills online, through self-paced courses, bootcamps, or tutorials , without spending a fortune on a college degree. Many tech employers value your portfolio, experience, and skills more than your credentials, and are willing to hire candidates who can demonstrate their abilities and potential.
Therefore, if you are interested in working in tech, you should not let your lack of a computer science degree stop you. You should explore the different options and opportunities available in the tech industry, and find the one that suits your interests, strengths, and goals. You should also invest in your self-education and lifelong learning, and keep updating your skills and knowledge.
Myth #5: You should always let your smartphone battery completely die before recharging.
This is another common myth about how the batteries in our smartphones work. Many people believe that you should always let your smartphone battery completely die before recharging it, to avoid damaging it or reducing its lifespan. This is not true. You should not always let your smartphone battery completely die before recharging it.
The reason is that most smartphones today use lithium-ion batteries, which are different from the older nickel-based batteries that suffered from the “memory effect”. The memory effect was a phenomenon where nickel-based batteries would lose their maximum capacity if they were repeatedly recharged after being only partially discharged. To avoid this, you had to fully discharge them before recharging them.
However, lithium-ion batteries do not have the memory effect, and do not need to be fully discharged before recharging. In fact, fully discharging them can actually harm them or shorten their lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries prefer partial discharges and frequent recharges, rather than deep discharges and full recharges.
Therefore, you should not always let your smartphone battery completely die before recharging it. You should try to keep your battery level between 20% and 80%, and avoid letting it drop below 10% or go above 90%. You should also avoid exposing your battery to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a hot car or a cold freezer.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common tech myths, misconceptions, and mistakes that you should avoid. By knowing the truth behind them, you can make better use of technology, and improve your productivity, security, or enjoyment. Technology is constantly evolving and changing, so you should always be curious, skeptical, and informed about how it works and how to use it effectively.
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