INTERNET & COMPUTER MYTHS

Myth:  I don't use my e-mail account, so there's no possible way my computer can be infected by a virus.
Truth:  If you use your computer to connect to the internet, your computer is susceptible to computer viruses.

Myth:  I received an e-mail from a friend/family member/co-worker.  This person would never send a computer virus to me so I don't have to worry about opening the attachment.
Truth:  Computer viruses spread by AUTOMATICALLY mailing themselves to everyone in the infected computer's address book and/or history file.  That's how they spread so quickly, most of the time they DO come from friends.  A computer can be infected with a host of viruses without the user's knowledge.  Their computer will send the infection to others without the user's knowledge. 

Myth:  My computer came with an anti-virus program installed on it, so there's no way my computer can be infected by a virus.
Truth:  Unless you RUN your anti-virus program regularly and UPDATE it regularly (at least one time a week), your computer is a prime candidate for a virus.  Some anti-virus programs self-update.  If yours does update itself, you will be given pop-up messages telling you this.  If you're not seeing messages like this and you are not updating the anti-virus program yourself, your computer is as good as unprotected.

Myth:  I have a good anti-virus software program which I keep updated regularly and run frequently.  There is no way my computer can become infected with a virus.
Truth:  While a good anti-virus program is your best defense against infection, no program is 100% fool-proof.  You should always be careful when opening any e-mail attachments or clicking unknown links while surfing the net.

Myth:  When it storms, I always turn my computer off.  There is no way my modem can be damaged by lightening when my computer is turned off.
Truth:  Whether or not your computer is turned on during a storm, lightening can run in on your electric and/or phone lines, damaging your computer.

Myth:  When it storms, I always unplug my computer from the electrical socket.  There is no way my system can be damaged by lightening since the computer is not even plugged in.
Truth:  Over 95% of electrical damage done to computers by electrical surges comes through the PHONE lines, not the electrical lines.  Unless you unplug your computer from both the electrical socket AND the phone jack, your system is susceptible to electrical damage.

Myth:  I use an electrical surge protector so there is no way my computer can sustain electrical damage during power surges or storms.
Truth:  Unless you are using a surge protector that you plug both your electrical power supply AND your modem into, your computer is in danger of being damaged by electrical surges. 

Myth:  I always clear my history and delete my cookies after using the internet.  There is no way my internet history can be traced.
Truth:  Your computer creates several levels of file history.  While clearing your history and cookie cache does make it more difficult to trace your online steps, there are files deeper within your system that indicate what sites, chat rooms, pop-up windows, etc. have been viewed on your system.  In addition, all ISP's are required to log their customers' internet history for a certain period of time.  While this information is strictly confidential, it can be subpoenaed by legal authorities if there is suspected criminal activity.

Myth:  My online information is strictly confidential.  No unknown parties can know the sites I visit and/or when I visit them.
Truth:  Almost all sites load information into your system which is shared via your internet connection.  This is why after visiting a certain kind of site, like a gardening site for example, you will often receive e-mail messages from other gardening sites, even though you didn't sign up for e-mail notices.

Myth:  I bought my computer a couple of weeks/months ago.  It is brand new.  I don't have to worry about updating it for a long time.
Truth:  While purchasing a new computer does give you a definite advantage on the latest technology, it is very important that you keep your Windows program updated regularly.  To do this, you should visit the following site and scan for updates.  Whenever Critical Updates are available, you should download and install them.  You should also view any other available updates to see if they would benefit you.  http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/  You should also set your computer to automatically scan for updates and to inform you when updates are available. 

Myth:  There is nothing I can do, other than upgrading my computer or purchasing a new one, to increase the speed of my system or the stop errors and lock-ups.
Truth:  Actually, there is quite a bit you can do to keep your computer running smoothly- even if you are practically computer illiterate and even without spending any money.  The most important thing you should do to keep your computer working its best is to keep it updated.  If you have an internet connection, are able to click your mouse or hit your "enter" button, you can easily keep your system updated.  Visit the following page and check for updates then install ALL Critical Updates available.  You should also review other available updates and install any which would benefit your computer for the way you use it.    http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/  Setting your computer to automatically scan for updates and to inform you when updates are available is a good idea, as well. You should also perform general system maintenance regularly, along with cleaning unused files and programs out of your system occasionally. 

Myth:  I'm using Windows 95.  I can go out and purchase any new software program that is Windows compatible and use it.
Truth:  Almost all new software programs are specifically designed for Windows ME and Windows XP.  While most will work with Windows 98, many will NOT run on Windows 95.  The same will soon be true for Windows 98.  This is one reason why upgrading your computer system is crucial. 

Myth:  I am using an older version of Windows (Windows 95, Windows 98).  Even though newer versions are available, I am able to do the same things with the version I already have so there is no need to upgrade my system.
Truth:  While WELL-UPDATED older Windows versions are certainly acceptable for use, they are quickly becoming outdated.  Windows 95 users should be aware that most new software programs can not be used with the 95 platform.  This will soon also be true of Windows 98.  You do not have to update your computer system each time a new version of Windows is released, but it is very wise to not let your system become two or more system-grades behind.  For this reason, Windows 95 users should be strongly considering updating to Windows XP.  Windows 98 users should also be prepared to update.

Myth:  I use Windows 95/Windows 98.  I'm comfortable with it and know how it works.  If I upgrade to a newer Windows version, I won't know how to operate my computer anymore.
Truth:  While it always takes a little while to adapt to a change, the newer versions of Windows are actually easier to use.  One of the main reasons new versions are released is user-friendliness.  For example, setting up an internet connection in Windows 95/Windows 98 requires several more steps than setting up an internet connection in Windows XP.  Another reason new versions are released is to increase computer system security.  It is much easier for a hacker to access your personal information if you are using an older version of Windows. 

Myth:  Computer upgrades are always expensive.
Truth:  *Computer upgrades CAN be expensive.  The cost of upgrading your system depends directly on what you want upgraded and how "renewed" you choose to make your system. 
The cheapest way to upgrade your computer is to keep it up-to-date to begin with, by upgrading a little at a time when new technology becomes available.  Here is why:
Windows 98 and Windows ME are no longer widely available for purchase. When upgrading, it's always best to upgrade to the latest technology available.
In most cases, it is not possible to upgrade from Windows 95 to Windows XP because Windows XP requires more memory than most Windows 95 computer systems are equipped with.  For this reason, you can't simply install Windows XP (which costs around $100) and be updated.  Your system will probably also require more memory ($30 and up) and possibly even a new motherboard ($80 and up), depending on the memory capability of your computer.  With increased memory and a newer Windows version, you will probably also want to upgrade your processor ($150 and up) so your computer will be able to run faster. 
The older the computer, the more expensive the upgrade.  Sometimes upgrades are impossible because the out-dated hardware installed in older systems is no longer manufactured.
For these reasons, it is often cheaper to purchase a new computer system than to upgrade a Windows 95 computer. 

Myth:  The more money I spend on a computer, the better off I'll be in the long run.
Truth:  When purchasing a new computer, there are several things you need to keep in mind.  Computers range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.  Buying an expensive, best-of-everything computer system does not mean you won't have to worry about updating/upgrading the system for a long period of time.  It also doesn't insure that you will be happy with your choice.
The first thing you need to do when buying a computer is consider how you plan to use your computer system.  Is it going to be used primarily for business or educational purposes?  Is it going to be used for gaming?  Is it going to be used to download and play music files?  How many and what kinds of programs are you planning to install on it?  How much information do you plan to store in the system?  Is that information confidential? 
Most of the high-dollar computer systems include advanced video cards.  If you're not planning on using the computer for high-tech games, you really don't need to spend a lot of money on that kind of technology.  The same is true of advanced sound cards.  There's no sense in buying the biggest and best part if it's only going to be used to play the Quicken opening sounds. 
The common sense approach to purchasing a new computer on a budget is to look at it from the same viewpoint you would when buying a car.  If a single person is only going to use the car to drive 2 paved miles to the grocery store once a week to pick up bread, eggs and milk, they really don't need a four-wheel drive vehicle that seats eight, has a DVD player for passengers, dual climate control and two fuel tanks.  Someone who uses their computer primarily for balancing their checkbook, sending and receiving e-mail and playing solitaire, doesn't really need a $5000 computer system.  They can definitely use it for their purposes, but they've basically bought $4000 worth of toys they never play with.  Worse still, those toys will become outdated just as quickly as the rest of the system. 

Myth:  I have a "brand name" (i.e. Gateway, Dell) computer.  It has recently gone out of warranty and the modem is failing.  I can go to Wal-Mart and buy a new modem, install it and my problems are over.
Truth:  Unfortunately, some "brand-name" computer systems often contain proprietary parts.  Many of these proprietary systems are specifically created so that ONLY the name-brand parts will fit into the appropriate slots.  Always try to avoid purchasing computer systems with proprietary parts.  Not only are the parts generally more expensive, many of them can only be installed by the manufacturer, making what would normally be a 10 minute computer service stretch into several weeks of shipping the computer to the other side of the country for the simplest repairs.

Myth:  I have one phone line and I have Call Waiting service.  When I'm on the internet and someone tries to call me, I will be disconnected from the internet and will be able to answer the incoming call.
Truth:  While this is true for some internet users, it's not true for all customers.  To check and see if are receiving all of your incoming calls, you should periodically arrange to have someone call you when you are online to see what happens.

Myth:  I have one phone line and I have Call Waiting.  When I'm online, Call Waiting is automatically disabled so I don't have to worry about my connection being interrupted.
Truth:  Unless your internet connection is set up specifically to disable to Call Waiting, you will probably experience disconnection of your internet service when you have an incoming call. 

Myth:  I check my internet "history" regularly.  If someone visited a website, it would show up in the history.
Truth:  It is simple to edit the internet history to delete the entire history OR particular pages from being shown in the internet history.  For this reason, checking the internet history is not a reliable method of monitoring what kind of page content is being viewed using your connection.

Myth: I use filtering software to protect my family from certain types of internet content.  Therefore, it is impossible for anyone to visit websites with restricted content.
Truth:  While filtering software is a great way to help protect your family from unwanted web content, it is not 100% fool-proof.  The most reliable form of supervision is still the personal variety.

Myth:  I can check my "sent mail"  and "inbox" folders and see all e-mails that have been sent and received using my e-mail program.
Truth:  It is extremely simple to entirely delete e-mails, so checking the sent  and inbox folders (and even the "deleted" folder) in your e-mail program is not a reliable method of monitoring incoming and/or outgoing e-mail content.

Myth:  I dial into the internet using a local phone number.  It is impossible for me to incur long-distance charges using the internet.
Truth:  There are many "scam" sites on the internet which, when visited, offer "free" services and content.  Many people do not read the user agreements attached to these sites and so they are not aware that these sites disconnect your local internet access and use your modem to dial a long distance number, many times a "per-minute" toll number.  ALWAYS read user agreements carefully before accepting them, especially for adult-related "free" services, otherwise you may find yourself with a huge phone bill that you "agreed" to and can't get out of paying.