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4 Common Tech Myths busted

In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in our lives. But along with the rapid advancements and innovations, several myths have persisted.
Is it okay to leave your smartphone charging overnight? Do Macs get viruses? What camera specifications should I look for when choosing a smartphone?
Common tech myths can often lead to misunderstandings. They can even hinder your ability to fully use various tools and devices. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common tech myths that continue to circulate. We’ll also explore the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Leaving your device plugged in overnight damages the battery

First is one of the most persistent tech myths: Leaving your device plugged in overnight will harm the battery life. But this myth is largely outdated.
Modern smartphones, laptops, and other devices have advanced battery management systems. These systems prevent overcharging.
Once your device reaches its maximum charge capacity, it automatically stops charging. This is true even if it remains connected to the power source. In fact, it is often recommended to keep your device plugged in overnight to ensure a full charge by morning.
So, feel free to charge your gadgets overnight without worrying about battery damage.

Myth 2: Incognito mode ensures complete anonymity

Many users believe that using incognito mode in web browsers guarantees complete anonymity. They feel completely secure while surfing the internet using this mode. But this is not entirely accurate. While incognito mode does provide some privacy benefits, they’re limited.
For example, it mainly prevents your device from saving the following items:

• Browsing history
• Cookies
• Temporary files

However, it does not hide your activities from your internet service provider (ISP). Nor from the websites you visit. ISPs and websites can still track your IP address. They can also still watch your online behaviour and collect data.
Do you truly want to remain anonymous online? Virtual private networks (VPN) can help mask your originating IP address, but the caveats listed above still apply. There are other specialised tools that provide enhanced privacy protection but do remember that most businesses have IT Usage policies to prevent equipment misuse – and in some situations using such services could be deemed a breach of trust and leave you open to disciplinary procedures!

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Myth 3: Macs are immune to viruses

Another prevalent myth is that Mac computers are impervious to viruses and malware. It is true that Macs have historically been less prone to such threats compared to Windows PCs, but this does not make them immune.
Some people who tout this myth point to malware statistics. For example, in 2022, 54% of all malware infections happened in Windows systems, and just 6.2% of them affected macOS networks.
So, Windows systems are much more vulnerable, right? Well, no – it’s basically a numbers game, and there are considerably more Windows systems in use globally than macOS (To use technical jargon, this is a much greater threat surface’)
As of January 2023, Windows had about 74% of the desktop OS share, whilst macOS accounted for just 15%.
In reality, the two systems aren’t that different when it comes to virus and malware risk – the infection rate per macOS user is 0.075, which is slightly higher than Windows users at 0.074.
So, both systems have a pretty even risk of infection! The only reason macOS systems appear to be less impacted is simply because there are fewer of them to be infected.
As the popularity of Macs has grown, so has the interest of hackers in targeting these devices. Malicious software specifically designed for Macs does exist and is clearly an increasing threat. Users should take proper precautions, no matter the operating system in use.
You need to install reliable antivirus software and 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 practising safe browsing habits is crucial. This is true for Mac users, just as it is for any other platform.

Myth 4: More megapixels mean better image quality

When it comes to smartphone cameras, savvy marketing sometimes leads to myths. Many people believe that more megapixels automatically equal better image quality, but this is a common misconception.
Megapixels are an essential factor in determining the resolution of an image but are far from being the sole indicator of image quality. Other factors play a significant role including:
• The size of individual pixels
• Lens quality
• Image processing algorithms
• Low-light performance

A camera with a higher megapixel count may produce larger image files, but it does not guarantee superior clarity, colour accuracy, or dynamic range.
Manufacturers often strike a balance between pixel count and other image processing technologies to achieve optimal results at the required price point. When choosing a smartphone or any camera, consider the complete camera system. Don’t only focus on the megapixel count.

Separate Fact from Fiction

In a world where technology is an integral part of our lives, fact is increasingly being confused with fiction. Debunking common tech myths can empower you to make informed decisions and maximise the potential of your digital experiences. An understanding of the truth behind these myths helps you use technology more effectively and will help you better protect your privacy.

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