Talk to 10 computer guys and gals and you will probably get 10 different opinions on just about anything computer related from the age old debate over Mac’s vs. PC’s, to what performance tweaks really matter.
I own and operate Eastvale Computer Services. We have been serving Eastvale and surrounding cities since 2003 and LA and Orange Counties since about 1998. I have seen a lot. Our specialty is making slow computers fast again. Nobody does this better than we do. In visiting folks in their homes, we talk to lots of customers and have discovered there are lots of myths around. Friends, brother-in-laws, the IT guy at work all have their opinions on computers. Here are just a few of mine. There are many many more, but I will save them for future articles. I thought I’d talk about the myths and misconceptions that are out there I hear about all the time.
Defragging your hard drive improves performance
Not really. Sure, defragging does organize files so your computer can retrieve them faster, but defragging every few months is sufficient. I have been a staunch defragger for years using both Windows as well as third party tools such as Diskeeper, Perfectdisk and lots of others. Between you and me…and probably a hundred other folks reading this, do not expect to see much performance gains. Are there technical gains? Yes, but not many that are noticeable.
The performance hit your system takes by managing these tools probably outweighs any real disk access performance you see. Windows has a built in disk defragger and it is sufficient. Does defragging help? Sure. Do you see a real difference in speed? Probably not. Your system has far greater issues that are slowing it down. Good practice says defrag every few months and you’ll be ok. Just do not expect much faster performance.
Macs don’t get viruses
False. There are viruses out there for the Mac’s too but Mac’s are such a small percentage of the market they just aren’t publicized as much. Here is an article which covers this in more detail.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/12/02/apple_mac_av_advice/
As for the “super-safe” Safari browser? Read this and come down to earth a little.
Lots of MP3’s and photos slow your machine down
False. Excess files like photos and music take up hard drive space, but do not slow your machine down as far as normal operations. Now, opening up iTunes or your music manager will take longer because it must read more files and opening up your music folder may take a bit longer for the same reasons, but the overall performance of your computer does not change.
I need a firewall for my computer
NEED? No. Most routers do a fine job blocking unrequested traffic. The exception to this may be Laptops that jump on different networks such as taking it to the library or other public venue where internet access is available. That shady character on his laptop sipping on his Half-Caf, Quad, Iced Grande, Soy, Starbucks Doubleshot™ on Ice + Double Energy is on the same network as you are. If you are sharing your C drive or folders, as you may do at home, you are also sharing with this wierdo. I will also add to the fact that most firewalls give constant alerts that most users OK anyway not knowing what they are really saying OK to. XP and Vista have firewalls that are turned on by default anyway.
Two antiviruses are better than one.
False. No long answer here. Just have one. Never more than that. By antiviruses, I mean the kind that are always running. Like a Symantec and a Mcafee. Just have one.
Slow web surfing is my ISP’s fault
Probably not. Our computers process most of the internet pages now a days using “helpers such as Javascript and Flash. Slow computer means you are processing pages slower too. Get your computer tuned up and your “web speed” should be much faster.
Leaving my computer on all the time is better
There is a long answer to this as well, but I will try to keep it short. It is really up to you. Here are some pros and cons.
Leaving it on and never shutting it off:
Pros: It’s always ready when you are. It’s always on the web. If you have automatic routines (like backing up, virus scans, you never have to worry about them. The temp stays constant inside and there is less stress on the components.
Cons: You will probably forget to reboot, which you should do every few days. Slightly higher power bills.
Good practice says leave it on of you are home during the day and turn it off at night. This way you get your reboot in and during the day when you need it, it’s ready for you. Most systems have a slep mode or power saving features you should explore.
For more information, tips, or to request service in your home, you can check us out at www.eastvalecomputer.com.
