PC myths Exploded Magnets Zap Your Data

PC myths Exploded

Magnets Zap Your Data • Floppy disk – TRUE • Hard Drives – Nope! Unless you have a government-spec drive eraser.

Cookies track everything • Partial truth! – LIMITED tracking on the web – Multi-site cookies track across THOSE sites • e. g. - Double-click sites

Disaster will strike if you power off without doing a Shutdown • According to MS: – Fragmenting – Data corruption – Lost data • All possible

“Opt out” will stop the spam • True for reputable business sites • False for others

Your HD is open to attacks • Absolutely! – Worms (e. g. My. Doom. f ) – Viruses (many) – Port attacks on open hi-speed lines • Hijacking is prominent

Power off is a good idea • Shortens component life (heat/cool stress) – Processor lasts about 10 years • BUT • It saves power • Memory clutter, etc. gets cleared

email • Forward it and donations will be made • Forward it and you’ll get a check • Forward it or else • Gov’t/MS tracks your email • ALL FALSE!!!

Nobody uses DOS anymore • 1 million systems still in use – Research firm IDC • 1, 000 NEW installs last year • Few new this year • Hotels, restaurants, muffler shops, dental offices

You need to protect your power • Maybe – Surge protectors • UL 1449 rating is the only one to watch – UPS • Useful for full failures • Watch rating – Watts and VA’s – USB or serial connector

You have to drain your batteries • Depends – Ni. Cds – absolutely – full drain – Li Ion – NO! • Partial drain is better • Full drain in laptop after 30 charges – Only needed for PC meter