7 popular technology myths debunked
This video is sponsored by Xfinity. All views are my own.
Mr. Noobie reveals 7 popular technology myths and explains why you shouldn’t believe them.
Hello everyone, Mr. Noobie here. In this video I am going to debunk seven popular technology myths. Let’s jump right in.
#1 You should shut down your computer every time you’re done using it.
While you may save a few dollars on electricity, shutting down your computer every time you’re done using it, prevents automated processes like software updates, backups and system maintenance tasks from running on their automated schedules. This also forces these all to catch up the next time you turn on your computer, which can make your computer feel slow or sluggish when you first start using it. Don’t be afraid to leave your computer on for extended periods of time. Then give it a quick shutdown or reboot every week or so just to give it a fresh start.
#2 All home internet providers are the same.
Think it doesn’t matter who you get your internet service from? Think again. Some internet providers over-promise and under-deliver on your service. Others provide value-adds that go beyond just providing an internet connection to your home. Xfinity provides the fastest internet, based on over 111 million tests taken by consumers at speedtest.net. Plus, they offer parental control by device or person via xFi, and give you access to 18 million outdoor hotspots across the nation. Additionally, if you find yourself needing a service technician, Xfinity supplies a 2-hour window and lets you see your tech’s ETA and what your service person will look like through its My Account app.
#3 Laser printers are way more expensive than inkjet printers.
A few decades ago, laser printers cost several hundred dollars and were primarily reserved for business use. But, now anyone can get an affordable laser printer in their home. Not only can you get a reliable laser printer for under $100 (slightly higher for an all-in-one print, copy and scan model), but you will save a ton of money when you compare the cost of ownership and page output between using a toner cartridge in a laser printer and inkjet cartridges in an inkjet printer.
#4 I know what my child is doing on his phone at all times.
If you think knowing your child’s phone password, or following them on their social media accounts, means you know what your child is doing on their phone at all times, you might be in for a surprise. Tech-savvy kids these days use messaging apps with disappearing messages or encrypted messaging that even the government can’t trace. And that social media account you’re following? It’s likely just the one your child is okay with you seeing. It’s not uncommon at all for children to have multiple accounts on the same social media platform.
#5 I can’t disable my kids’ Wi-Fi access without disabling my access.
Does this sound familiar? You’re frustrated your child isn’t listening to you or won’t get off their smartphone or stop playing video games, so you unplug your internet connection. Problem solved… sort of. You also just cut out your own access to the internet. But, if you have Xfinity xFi, you can set up individual profiles for each person in your house and assign individual devices to each profile. Then, next time one of your children acts up, you can turn off internet access for just that one child. Worried your children are staying up late on the internet when they should be sleeping? Xfinity xFi allows you to set bedtime limits for both weekdays and weekends for each child, where your home Wi-FI automatically turns off at a set time every night.
#6 My Facebook account has been hacked.
I hear this one all the time. Somebody finds out that their Facebook friends are getting friend requests from them when they are already friends on Facebook. They quickly post the message, “Do not accept my friend requests. I’ve been hacked!” The truth is, they haven’t really been hacked. Getting hacked generally refers to someone gaining unauthorized access to your account. That’s not what’s happening here. Rather, someone has created a new account with your profile picture and is pretending to be you. The technique is referred to as catphishing, or the more generic term, phishing. Report the fake account to Facebook and likely the problem will go away.
#7 I saw it on the internet, so it must be true.
This one is often said in jest by tech-savvy people. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of other people who still believe it to be true. They see a news headline on Facebook, or see a political meme on Twitter or Instagram, and immediately assume that if someone posted it to the internet, it must be true. Things couldn’t be further from the truth. While there are still reputable sources on the internet, before you share someone’s social media news post or meme, or bring it up in your next spoken conversation, take a few minutes to do some research to see if it’s true. Just because the message agrees with your own ideals and values, doesn’t mean it’s true. Often, a quick Google search will lead you to reputable sources which can prove or disprove what you’ve seen.
Do you have your own technology myths you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe and turn on that notification bell.
This video is sponsored by Xfinity. All views are my own.
