You are hereCommon Myths
Common Myths
There are many technology-related myths floating around. This is an attempt to debunk some of them.
If my computer is more than a few years old, or is running slowly, I need a new one.
Do you throw away your car just because your "check engine" light is on? Unless you are as rich as Bill Gates, you don't. You take it to your mechanic to have routine maintenance done. The same periodically needs to be done with your computer. After a while, they tend to develop a "waxy buildup" (hey, I work in a Dental School), and need some work done. Fortunately for you, I provide such a service.
Don't go telling the computer manufacturers I told you this. They would really like you to believe that you need a new computer every year or two.
All computers run Windows.
While Microsoft would like you to believe this, it is not true. Windows is what we call an Operating SystemAn Operating System, or OS, is a piece of software that allows a computer how to interact with a person, and how to allow that person to use any devices (such as a keyboard or mouse) attached to the computer. If your computer was a car, you could think of your OS as being your brakes, steering wheel, turn signal, and other things that you use to control your car. There are a bunch of different OSes out there, just like there are different car manufacturers. Some OSes include: Microsoft Windows Apple MacOS X the many flavors of Linux, including: Ubuntu Fedora SuSE or OS. Its what allows you to "talk" to your computer, much like the steering wheel in your car. Other OSes exist besides Windows, although Windows is the most common, and used mainly for business applications. Other examples include:
| Name: | Uses: |
|---|---|
| MacOS X | Used by art people a lot. |
| Various flavors of Linux, including: | Programmers, open-source enthusiasts, and people who just don't like Windows. Also used to power computers that host websites. |
To get on the Web, I need Internet Explorer.
Many people operate under the mistaken impression that the little blue e sitting on their computer labeled Internet When not capitalized, an internet is a system of connecting multiple computers together, typically for the exchange of information. When capitalized, the Internet refers to the internet that most people use on a daily basis. That is, it is the worldwide linkage of computers using a common language known as the TCP/IP Protocol. Most people use the Internet and the World Wide Web interchangeably, but they are in fact separate entities. The World Wide Web is a collection of documents that can be viewed over the Internet. Explorer is the only way to visit websites. Internet When not capitalized, an internet is a system of connecting multiple computers together, typically for the exchange of information. When capitalized, the Internet refers to the internet that most people use on a daily basis. That is, it is the worldwide linkage of computers using a common language known as the TCP/IP Protocol. Most people use the Internet and the World Wide Web interchangeably, but they are in fact separate entities. The World Wide Web is a collection of documents that can be viewed over the Internet. Explorer is just a web browser, which is just a piece of softwareSoftware is a set of instructions that is in a form that a computer can execute. that allows you to view websites. There are other web browsers out there. Try one, you may actually like them more than Internet When not capitalized, an internet is a system of connecting multiple computers together, typically for the exchange of information. When capitalized, the Internet refers to the internet that most people use on a daily basis. That is, it is the worldwide linkage of computers using a common language known as the TCP/IP Protocol. Most people use the Internet and the World Wide Web interchangeably, but they are in fact separate entities. The World Wide Web is a collection of documents that can be viewed over the Internet. Explorer. Some are:
In reality, the Web is just part of the larger Internet When not capitalized, an internet is a system of connecting multiple computers together, typically for the exchange of information. When capitalized, the Internet refers to the internet that most people use on a daily basis. That is, it is the worldwide linkage of computers using a common language known as the TCP/IP Protocol. Most people use the Internet and the World Wide Web interchangeably, but they are in fact separate entities. The World Wide Web is a collection of documents that can be viewed over the Internet.. To get on the Internet When not capitalized, an internet is a system of connecting multiple computers together, typically for the exchange of information. When capitalized, the Internet refers to the internet that most people use on a daily basis. That is, it is the worldwide linkage of computers using a common language known as the TCP/IP Protocol. Most people use the Internet and the World Wide Web interchangeably, but they are in fact separate entities. The World Wide Web is a collection of documents that can be viewed over the Internet., you just need a modem and a subscription with an Internet Service ProviderAn Internet Service Provider, or ISP, is a company that provides you with access to the Internet, much like your telephone company provides you with access to the telephone network..
