1. PC myths
Exploded

2. Magnets Zap Your Data Floppy disk – TRUE
Hard Drives – Nope! Unless you have a government-spec drive eraser.

3. Cookies track everything
Partial truth!
LIMITED tracking on the web
Multi-site cookies track across THOSE sites
e.g. - Double-click sites

4. Disaster will strike if you power off without doing a Shutdown
According to MS:
Fragmenting
Data corruption
Lost data
All possible

5. “Opt out” will stop the spam
True for reputable business sites
False for others

6. Your HD is open to attacks
Absolutely!
Worms (e.g. MyDoom.f )
Viruses (many)
Port attacks on open hi-speed lines
Hijacking is prominent

7. Power off is a good idea Shortens component life (heat/cool stress)
Processor lasts about 10 years
BUT
It saves power
Memory clutter, etc. gets cleared

8. email Forward it and donations will be made
Forward it and you’ll get a check
Forward it or else
Gov’t/MS tracks your
ALL FALSE!!!

9. Nobody uses DOS anymore
1 million systems still in use
Research firm IDC
1,000 NEW installs last year
Few new this year
Hotels, restaurants, muffler shops, dental offices

10. You need to protect your power
Maybe
Surge protectors
UL1449 rating is the only one to watch
UPS
Useful for full failures
Watch rating
Watts and VA’s
USB or serial connector

11. You have to drain your batteries
Depends
NiCds – absolutely – full drain
Li Ion – NO!
Partial drain is better
Full drain in laptop after 30 charges
Only needed for PC meter