If you read ‘Data recovery myths that really need to be busted’, you will already know that I have an intense dislike for the misinformation that plagues the computer repair industry. Some are accidental but many are perpetuated by some within the industry to keep itself profitable.
Dave’s Computers isn’t like that. We prefer to deal honestly with our customers and I personally think that information should be free and open, not used as currency. That is much of the intent behind this blog, to share my knowledge and to hopefully make using a computer safer and easier for all. That is why I put ‘Ten common computer repair myths that need to be busted’ together.
Computers are technical and they can be complicated but if you follow some simple rules, you can fix many issues yourself. Dave’s Computers Blog regularly features how-to guides to help you do just that. Plus, once you know what computer repair myths are exactly that, you might feel more confident to tackle an issue yourself. You can always bring your device to our Hillsborough computer store if things go wrong.
So here are those ten common computer repair myths that need to be busted.
Can only computer technicians perform computer repairs?
No, not only computer technicians can perform computer repairs. Like auto repair or home maintenance, there are things that the average person can do themselves and things they likely cannot. While some tasks are better left to experienced hands, there are also lots of things anyone with the will to learn and a little patience can do.
Does hardware always need replacing if it isn't working?
No, hardware does not always need replacing if it isn't working. For example, if your computer boots but doesn’t see the hard drive, that does not mean the hard drive needs replacing. There are a number of causes for this including software, configuration, cabling, operating system faults or partitioning. It is rare indeed that hardware is actually faulty.
Are expensive brand name computer parts always the best?
No, expensive brand name computer parts are not always the best. Some computer stores insist on selling only brand name spares and will tell you that unbranded or OEM parts are inferior, but this is not usually the case. In many cases, the branded product and OEM product are the same or made by the same manufacturer in the same factory as those branded ones. There are relatively few large-scale component manufacturers in the world, and each often makes unbranded products alongside big brand ones.
Can I use a magnet to securely wipe my hard drive?
No, you cannot use a magnet to securely wipe your hard drive. Secure data deletion needs specialist software, not a magnet. The magnet trick worked back in the days of floppy disks but would never work on a hard drive and certainly not on a solid state drive. Magnets can cause corruption but will not wipe data, let alone securely.
If Windows won't load, do you always have to reinstall it?
No, if Windows won't load, you do not always have to reinstall it. There are at least a thousand different causes for a Windows computer not booting, and having to reinstall Windows from scratch is the repair of last resort. There are lots of things we would do before that, some of which are simple, some more complicated. Reinstalling Windows is the very last step we would take, not the first.
Does paid antivirus offer better protection than free antivirus?
No, paid-for antivirus does not necessarily offer better protection than free antivirus. This is a very common and completely wrong computer repair myth. Free antivirus programs are often used by companies as an inducement, like a free sample. The difference between paid antivirus and free antivirus is typically the features in the box, not the effectiveness of the protection itself.
Do Macs need antivirus software?
Yes, Macs do need antivirus software. While Apple computers used to be predominantly virus-free, that is no longer the case and hasn’t been for years. Browser vulnerabilities, weaknesses in third-party software, and some very clever viruses have been able to infect Apple devices for a while now. Unfortunately, you need effective antivirus whatever flavor computer you use.
Are bought computers more reliable than homemade ones?
No, bought computers are not necessarily more reliable than homemade ones. Buying a ready-made computer from Dell, HP, or other manufacturers does not necessarily give you a more reliable computer. As long as you buy your components carefully and follow some simple rules, building your own computers will provide just as much reliability, sometimes more as you can over-specify cooling and interior space.
Is water cooling a PC dangerous?
No, water cooling a PC is not inherently dangerous. While water and electricity don’t mix, the idea that water cooling a PC is dangerous is a myth. As long as you build it properly and thoroughly test for leaks before switching on the computer, water cooling is a very safe and effective way to cool a computer.
Will switching the computer off at the socket kill it?
If your computer freezes or won’t respond and you switch it off at the wall, it will not kill it. We call that a ‘three pin reset’ and is a legitimate computer repair technique. It is not the recommended way to reboot, but it will not kill your computer. The fuse in the plug and the power supply within the computer will protect the components. If you can avoid turning it off at the wall to reboot it, you should. If you have to do it, it will not kill your computer.
Got any other computer repair myths you want to check? Tell us about them below if you do!