For a while now, technology has played a significant role in our lives. But as with most things, myths pop up and persist.
- Can I leave my smartphone charging overnight?
- Macs don’t get viruses?
- Browsing in incognito mode it totally anonymous.
Common tech myths can lead to misunderstandings which can then hinder people’s r ability to fully use technology. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common tech myths and also explore the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Leaving your device plugged in overnight damages the battery
A lot of people believe that leaving your device plugged in overnight will harm the battery life. But this myth is largely outdated and only applies to older devices. Modern laptops, smartphones and tablets have advanced battery management systems which prevent overcharging. Once your device reaches its maximum charge capacity, they automatically stops charging, even if it remains connected to the power source.
Myth 2: Macs are immune to viruses.
Another widespread myth is that Mac computers don’t get infected by viruses and malware. Historically Macs been less prone to such threats compared to Windows PCs but it does not make them immune.
People that tout this myth often point to malware statistics. For example, in 2022, 54% of all malware infections happened in Windows based systems and just 6.2% of them happened in macOS. But they forget to factor in operating system market share. As of January 2023, Windows had about 74% of the desktop OS share and Mac’s OS had just 15%. When you consider this, it turns out the systems aren’t that different when it comes to virus and malware risk. The infection rate per user on Macs is 0.075 which is actually slightly higher than on Windows, at 0.074. Thus, both systems have a pretty even risk of infection even though Macs have a significantly lower infection count.
As the popularity of Macs has grown, so has the interest of hackers in targeting these devices and malicious software, specifically designed for Macs does indeed exist. Users should take proper precautions and no matter the operating system in use you need to
- install reliable antivirus software.
- keep the operating system and applications up to date.
- Exercise caution when downloading files or clicking on suspicious links.
- Being aware of potential security risks and practicing safe browsing habits is crucial.
These factors are needed for Mac users, just as it is for any other platform.
Myth 3: Incognito mode ensures anonymity.
Many people believe that using the incognito mode in web browsers guarantees their complete anonymity – but this is not entirely accurate. While incognito mode does provide some privacy benefits, these benefits are limited. Incognito mode mainly prevents your device from saving the following items: browsing history, cookies and temporary files.
Incognito mode does not hide your activities from your network administrator, internet service provider (ISP) or from the websites you visit. All these admins, ISPs and websites can still track your IP address, collect browsing data and they can watch your online behaviour.
If you truly want to remain anonymous, then consider using a virtual private network (VPN) on your computer. This way all the data is encrypted both to and from the Internet.
Myth 4: More megapixels mean better image quality.
When it comes to the cameras on smartphones and tablets, savvy marketing has led to this myth. Due to this type of marketing, many people believe that more megapixels equal better image quality. This is a common misconception as megapixels are an essential factor in determining the resolution of an image but they are not the sole indicator of image quality. Factors such as the following, all contribute to the image quality.
- The size of individual pixels
- Lens quality
- Image processing algorithms
- Low-light performance
A camera with a higher megapixel count may produce larger images but it does not guarantee superior clarity, colour accuracy or dynamic range. The camera manufacturers often strike a balance between pixel count and other image processing technologies to try and achieve optimal results. When choosing a smartphone or any camera, consider the complete camera system and don’t just focus on the megapixel count.
Separate Fact from Fiction and Get Your Facts From a Trusted Pro
In a world where technology is an integral part of our businesses and lives, you need to separate fact from fiction. Knowing the truth about certain tech myths can empower you to make informed decisions and allows you to maximise the potential of your digital experiences.
What ever your IT needs and concerns, here at DP Computing we cut through the tech myths to bring you a reliable and efficient IT and computer support service. Contact us a call today for a free no obligation chat about your technology goals and challenges.
