Let’s talk about my mother-in-law’s computer for a second. She keeps it unplugged because she “heard the internet can get in through the power cord.” No joke. After 15 years in IT, I’ve heard every tech myth imaginable, and honestly, some of them just make me want to scream into my ergonomic keyboard.
From power-saving voodoo to hardware hoaxes, security superstitions to battery beliefs, these myths keep tech people up at night. Let’s break down some of the most persistent ones—and why you can finally let them go.
Power-Saving and Hardware Hoaxes
Last week, my neighbor spent $200 on “RAM cleaning software” because his phone was running slow. Spoiler alert: all it did was close his apps, something his phone already does automatically. If you want your phone to run smoother, try not to have 47 apps open at once. That advice is free, by the way.
Remember “safely remove hardware” before yanking out your USB drive? Modern operating systems don’t need it unless you’re actively copying files. Yet, some still perform a full ritual every time they unplug a thumb drive. If you’re curious about modern IT support, check out eMazzanti’s IT support 24/7 for real solutions, not rituals.
- Megapixel Madness: My cousin bought a 108-megapixel phone camera thinking it would beat his DSLR. More megapixels don’t always equal better photos. It’s like saying a bigger pizza is automatically tastier.
- HDMI Cable Hype: My brother-in-law spent $100 on a “premium” HDMI cable. Digital signals don’t care if they travel through gold-plated unicorn hair or basic copper. If it works, it works.
Security Superstitions and Privacy Paranoia
Private browsing mode is a favorite. My friend thought incognito mode made him invisible online. In reality, it just stops your browser from saving history locally. Your internet provider and employer can still see your activity. Want to keep your data truly safe? Learn more about security and privacy best practices.
- Wi-Fi Worries: My aunt refuses to use Wi-Fi because she thinks hackers can “see through walls.” While Wi-Fi signals can technically detect movement, your bank details aren’t visible through your living room window.
- Password Paranoia: My colleague types his password with one hand covering the keyboard—while working from home, alone, with a webcam cover on. Hackers aren’t watching you through your webcam unless you give them a reason.
Battery Beliefs and Charging Myths
Let’s talk about phone charging. My sister warned me never to use my phone while charging because it would “explode.” Unless you’re using a questionable charger from a shady source, modern phones handle charging just fine. The same goes for leaving your laptop plugged in—modern devices stop charging when full and manage power intelligently. For more on how to protect your devices, see our small business cyber security tips.
- Battery Calibration Apps: Draining your battery to “calibrate” it is like running your car out of gas to improve its mileage. Modern batteries hate being fully drained.
- Closing Background Apps: Constantly force-closing apps uses more battery than letting your phone manage them. Trust your device—it’s smarter than that viral Facebook post.
Internet Legends and Maintenance Myths
Deleting browser history to speed up your internet? It might free up a tiny bit of storage, but your slow connection is likely due to network congestion, not your cache. And no, having two antivirus programs isn’t better than one. In fact, they often fight each other and leave your system less protected. For robust protection, see network security and cyber security solutions.
- Cloud Storage Fears: Cloud storage is typically more secure than your home laptop, especially if your cat likes to walk across the keyboard.
- Refresh Rate Rumors: Higher refresh rates won’t ruin your eyes. Limiting your monitor to 30Hz just makes your games look choppy.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Tech (and Experts)
After years of debunking myths, here’s the truth—technology is smarter than most myths give it credit for. Instead of worrying about outdated advice, focus on the basics:
- Keep your software updated.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Don’t download files from sketchy sites.
- Trust your device’s built-in intelligence.
And please, for the love of all things digital, stop force-closing your apps every five minutes. Your phone knows what it’s doing better than that random Facebook post your uncle shared.
Ready to get real answers and let go of tech myths for good? Contact eMazzanti Technologies today to learn how we can help your business thrive with honest, expert IT support.
