20 technology myths exposed - part 2

Blame it on the mystique of how technology works, the hyperbole of hysterical media or even a product of diehard fans in the never-ending Apple/Microsoft software wars, but in the last thirty years tech myths have blossomed into their own sub-genre of urban legend. Unfortunately, because of our reliance on computing, it would be ill advised to disregard all of the stories you hear.

To help seperate fact from fiction, we'll be looking at 20 tech myths and exposing them for what they are - either a made up lie that deserves to die, or a shocking truth you need to take notice of.

11. The more megapixels the better

The megapixel rating on digital cameras has become the standard by which all cameras are judged. However, contrary to popular belief, more megapixels are not the answer. After around the six-megapixel range, the difference in quality starts to tail off. The only advantage of owning a 13-megapixel beast is that if you select a part of the image and blow it up, the quality won’t suffer – not really a concern for the average snapper.

If you want to choose a camera that will provide quality shots, focus on the lens quality instead. This will give you noticeable improvements without the horrendously excessive stepup in price.

12. High-speed memory cards will speed up your snapping

Many companies sell digital camera users high-speed memory cards on the premise that it will speed up your picture taking. The reality, however, is a little different. Owners of point-and-click compact digital cameras will notice no difference in the time it takes to take pictures and maybe a slight difference in saving and viewing. Digital SLR users may see more of a difference.

However, faster memory card speeds will improve the time it takes to transfer pictures into Windows Vista, which may be advisable if you are using highmegapixel kit.

13. You need a super-spec PC to run Windows Vista

Windows Vista was released to a chorus of complaints that it wouldn’t run on low spec PCs. People complained that they’d have to buy another computer to get their hands on the new operating system.

If you can do without the Windows Aero features, however, Windows Vista can be successfully run on as little as 512MB of RAM and basic graphics cards. If you’re struggling to run Windows Vista, then try using Windows ReadyBoost to speed up your machine, or think about buying some extra RAM.

14. Social networking is for dangerous fiends

For once, the news may have got it right. MySpace recently provided US authorities with details of 7,000 convicted sex offenders who had accounts registered on the service.

But those were just the honest ones and thousands more who use fake aliases could still remain. It’s important that children are as aware online as they are offline – they should set their profile to private and never give out personal details.

15. Games will turn your kids into killers!

The violent videogames debate is one that is never likely to be resolved. The positive rewards for violent in-game behaviour are often blamed for encouraging real-life aggression and indeed studies have shown increased levels of aggression in youngsters who play violent games.

However, all titles in Britain are strictly rated for age-appropriateness and studies have also shown that videogames in general increase problem-solving skills, co-ordination and, in multiplayer domains, positive interaction between players.

16. Once you delete something, it's gone for good

One of the major PC misconceptions is the idea that when you delete something it’s lost forever. In fact, while it may seem to have disappeared, the file is simply lying dormant until the segment of the disk holding the information is written over, and it can be retrieved using the appropriate software.

The only downside to this is that if you sell your PC, personal information can be retrieved from the murky depths of its memory. Software such as MediaRecover can wipe your hard drive securely, meaning those snippets of valuable personal information will disappear forever.

17. Windows Vista comes with all the security you need

Windows Vista comes jampacked with improved security features designed to make your online ventures secure. However, this is not the answer to complete home security.

Windows Vista doesn’t ship with either anti-virus capabilities or mail scanners, which monitor email attachments for hidden nasties, so it’s a good idea to invest in software such as McAfee or Windows Live OneCare.

18. Readyboost will improve your gaming

Windows Vista comes with the new ReadyBoost function, which is designed to speed up your PC. However, many mistakenly believe this will improve the all-round performance of their computer.

ReadyBoost uses flash memory to expand the cache memory of the PC, meaning you can achieve significant improvements while using Windows Vista. However, this doesn’t improve the processing of games, which is handled by different parts of the system. We tested the performance of games with and without ReadyBoost using benchmark software and found no real differences.

19. Your credit card details are no longer safe online!

With all the internet scare stories out there, you’d be forgiven for thinking that entering your credit card details is as good as handing them to fraudsters. Well, luckily, the consumer still has some sanctuary from invisible thieves.

When you’re prompted to enter your valuable details, check a golden padlock is displayed in the top-right corner of Internet Explorer 7. This is evidence of the security certificate needed to make sure your details are safe. It’s also worth looking into the company you’re buying from to make sure it’s a registered and legitimate one.

20. Mp3 players play any music you download

A common misconception is that when you download your music, you’ll be able to put it on your player. Wrong! Due to anti-piracy limitations, there are many restrictions on downloaded music. For example, iPods will only play music downloaded through iTunes and not music from other download services. This has come as an unpleasant surprise to people who have downloaded music from Napster to play on their iPod.

PlaysForSure is an initiative that aims to respond to the confusing nature of the music download industry. Look for the logo on hardware and software for reassurance of compatibility, or visit www. playsforsure. com for more information.