5 Common Tech Myths

Technology moves at a lightning pace, so fast that many people have trouble just keeping up. Unless you work in IT, you may not be familiar with the latest and greatest gadgets, operating systems, and software. Even if you are a tech professional, chances are, you do not know everything there is to know about this rapidly changing industry.

No matter who you are or what you do for a living, you may be further hindered by some common myths about technology. These myths repeatedly have been proven false, yet they still endure in the minds of many people. Here is a list of five common myths about technology, and the truth behind them.

1. Leaving Your Phone on the Charger Overnight Will Kill It

This myth has been making the rounds ever since the first smartphone rolled off the assembly line, and it endures to this day. Many people still think that leaving their phone, tablet, or other gadget tethered to its charging cord overnight will fry the battery and render the device unusable.

Some people take this misconception a step further. They are afraid to leave their laptops plugged in because they think the constant flow of electricity will overcharge the battery and harm the computer.

Fortunately, there is no truth to this common myth. Modern devices, including the smartphone in your pocket and the tablet on your table, are protected from overcharging. So feel free to keep it plugged in or leave it on the charger overnight.

2. You Should Drain Your Battery Completely Before Recharging

This myth is a holdover from the old days, when most batteries were made from a combination of nickel and cadmium. Those old nickel-cadmium batteries did indeed charge better when they were allowed to drain completely.

These days, however, the lithium-ion batteries in your tablet, smartphone, and other devices do not need to discharge at all. Whether they have a 90 percent charge or a 10 percent charge, connecting the charging cord will restore them to full power without any problems.

3. Third-Party Chargers Will Kill Your Device

Original equipment manufacturers would love for you to believe this common myth, but for the most part it is not true. While some third-party chargers are poorly made and do not last long, they will not harm your devices (as long as it has the right voltage!).

You do not have to spend a fortune to replace a lost charger with one from the original manufacturer. It is a good idea, however, to buy only from reputable third-party manufacturers such as Belkin, PNY, and Insignia. Brand-name charging cables reduce the time it takes to charge your device as usually have higher amps, and they tend to last longer as well.

4. You Should Defragment Your Hard Drive Regularly

This one is true, but only if your computer is an antique. Older computers did indeed benefit from regular defragmenting, since they stored files in an inefficient manner. Over time those file fragments slowed down performance and made computers hard to use.

Today, however, hard drives no longer need regular defragmenting. Modern hard drives are far more efficient, and they do not suffer from the same degree of fragmentation that older hard drives once did.

5. You Should Shut Your Computer Down Each Night

If shutting down your computer before you go to bed each night makes you feel better, go ahead and do so. You should know, however, that doing so will not extend the life of your hard drive or make your computer run more efficiently.

It is a good idea to restart your computer when it starts to run slowly. Your computer will let you know when it is time for a restart for updates, but you can leave it on 24/7 until that happens.

If you believe any of these five untrue but enduring myths about technology, it is time to rethink your approach. The world of technology changes fast, and many of the things that were true yesterday are completely false today.