Over 92% of households in America have at least one computer, and that number is slowly rising every year. In modern life, a computer is a must-have item since it gives you the ability to connect with family, work jobs long distance, and stay entertained on one of the dozens of streaming services.
Although most households have a computer, there’s still so much the average person doesn’t know about these devices.
Whether you only use your computer to play Sims or you’re a graphic designer who uses their computer for work: these are the top three things most people don’t realize about their computers.
Over Six Thousand New Viruses Are Released Every Month
Although nobody wants to deal with a computer virus: over six thousand new viruses hit the internet every month. This horrifying number, thankfully, doesn’t mean that you have to worry about all of them. Many of these are automatically stopped or only affect a small number of people.
Still, it’s vital that everyone stays diligent about how they get online, who they connect to, and what links they click. Just one wrong click can give someone your personal information, like your location, and if you’re too trusting, you could give away the rest of your personal information that should be kept secret. Getting a VPN and practicing proper internet hygiene are the best things anyone can do.
Even Deleted Information Stays On it Forever.
Files that are deleted remain on your computer’s hard drive for as long as there’s space on it. Your computer won’t be able to locate the file, so it’s invisible, but the data still there, broken into smaller pieces. This means if you commit a crime using your computer: that information may be able to be accessed since they still occupy disk space.
If a private network has access to your computer’s information, like a computer at work, they’ll be able to see what you do on the internet even if you’re in a private browser. It’s vital to always be aware of what device you’re on and who has access to that information.
You Can’t Simply Throw it Away When It Dies.
Although you may have thrown a computer away in the past, e-waste recycling is the far better- and far more legal- way to discard any old computers. Take the time to consider how much use is left in your computer and whether you can sell, donate, or recycle it. If it’s seriously broken beyond repair, and you can’t find anywhere that would be willing to take it off of your hands for parts, you might want to consider researching your local state and city laws on how to get rid of electronic devices safely.
Some areas have laws on discarding electronics, and breaking them comes with a high fine.
Computers Are a Natural Part of Modern Life
Our computers have quickly become an extension of our lives. They’re our entertainment, connection to loved ones, and also where we work. Make sure your computer gets the proper send-off when it’s time.
