While most of us utilize computers every day, not everyone is a computer repair expert. That’s why we’re able to stay in business as a computer repair specialist in Tucson! However, it’s helpful to have some basic knowledge of the issues that may befall your laptop or desktop PC. Below, we’ll look at some of the most prevalent computer repair myths, so you can take better care of your devices.
Myth: Automatic updates cause computer bugs.
Many Windows users opt out of automatic system updates because they think that these updates cause bugs. However, updates are routinely released to patch existing software issues and address any weak points in system security. So, skipping automatic updates could leave your computer more vulnerable to computer viruses, malware, and performance issues.
Myth: Antivirus software will stop all computer viruses.
While antivirus software is helpful in preventing computer viruses, it doesn’t stop everything. Even with the most advanced antivirus program, you should still use smart browsing practices on the web. For example, don’t click suspicious links or open obvious spam in your email inbox.
Another common virus-related myth is that only Windows users can be targeted by computer viruses. Macs, however, can still get viruses. While most viruses are written to affect Windows systems, an increasing trend among users toward Mac devices has made these machines a more frequent target.
Myth: Computer repair isn’t worth it for older PCs.
If you have an older computer, you might think that it’s not worth seeking expert computer repair when a problem arises. However, most repair technicians will give you a free estimate before you commit to any services. So, it’s always worth it to see what the problem is before shopping for a new computer. Plus, your repair specialist may have some suggestions for the right computer for your purchase if it is time for an upgrade.
Myth: You must turn your computer off at night.
Turning your computer off each night certainly won’t cause any harm, and it’s ideal for your electric bill. Even still, if you do leave your computer on for the night, you aren’t likely to see any lasting damage. As long as your laptop or PC is in sleep mode, it can be left on for longer periods. However, do remember to fully shut down your machine occasionally to complete software updates.
Another of the most popular computer repair myths is that it’s harmful to charge your laptop before the battery has fully died. In fact, routinely allowing your battery to drain to 0% can reduce your overall battery life. Instead, try to keep your laptop charge in the 40-90% charge range most of the time.
Myth: A hard shutdown will damage your computer.
In contrast to the previous myth, some computer users believe that the power button can do lasting damage to a computer. While you should make a habit of shutting your computer down through your operating system, you won’t do any lasting harm by holding down the power button for a hard shutdown. You may lose any unsaved files currently open when the computer is turned off, but your system data will not be affected.
Myth: If your computer is slow, it has a virus.
Computer viruses may cause some performance issues, but often viruses work quietly to harvest data. Therefore, if your computer has slowed down significantly, it’s not likely a virus or malware at play. Still, many computer users will simply download antivirus software as a bandage for the problem. The more likely culprits for a slow computer are an overloaded hard drive, outdated software, or unnecessary software clogging up your system. In addition, you may have internet connectivity issues affecting your load times when browsing the web.
If you have computer problems causing you headaches, visit Smart Parts PC in Tucson for fast, affordable repairs. We work on all types of laptops and PCs, and we can fix a wide range of computer issues including broken screens, computer viruses, and operating system errors. Call (520) 468-2320 for a computer repair estimate.