Every subject area is susceptible to myths and misinformation; that’s how the modern world operates. Truth has a way of decaying over time, particularly when the field is computer-related. Anyone who uses a computer to do their job, which includes a majority of the working population, has heard dozens of incorrect and misleading bits of information about business computers. Surprisingly, at least a half-dozen of these falsehoods still lurks among the collective consciousness of modern-day people who are otherwise quite intelligent and good at their jobs.
Should owners wait for their company’s devices to stop functioning before replacing them? Can new entrepreneurs and small company managers still get by with CPU-enabled spreadsheets? Is it okay to bring a computer from home and use it to do company work? What about anti-hacking software? Is it only necessary for large companies? Are slow devices always infected with viruses? Finally, is it really a wise practice to let a laptop’s battery run down almost completely before recharging it? Consider the following answers to those common questions, and see whether you need to change a few of your work habits.
It’s Wise to Wait for Breakdown Before Replacing Devices
Waiting for failure is a losing proposition. The best time to replace your company’s devices is when they become too slow or inefficient. Waiting for total failure is too late. Fortunately, older machines can be refurbished and sold, which means getting rid of them is not a total financial loss.
CPU Spreadsheets Are All You Need in a Small Company
It’s better to choose GPU-enabled software. Older spreadsheets used a computer’s central processing unit (CPU), but newer, more efficient calculations are possible with a form of parallel processing called GPU-enabled applications. The current GPU vs CPU question among managers and owners focuses on the kind of software used to run everyday spreadsheets, particularly in financial situations. Even with the advancements in technology, the majority of businesses are still using slower, less effective calculation techniques based on CPU applications alone, which has been the industry standard for decades. By leveraging the power of a GPU, or graphics processing unit, users gain all sorts of benefits, primarily better speed and the ability to compute on a larger scale.
Personal and Company PCs are Equally Efficient
Consumers’ devices are not fit for commercial tasks. Never use a retail or consumer-grade machine for office work. In addition to the inherent security risks involved, modern home computers just aren’t up to the office standard. Because most individuals rely on their phones for a variety of digital tasks, retail devices, particularly PCs, haven’t been upgraded as much as their office counterparts.
Small Companies Don’t Need Anti-Hacking Software
Most hackers target smaller businesses. Hackers are smart and know to aim for the weakest links in the digital food chain. In more than half of serious hacking incidents, the victims are owners of small businesses. Never assume that you’re safe just because your organization is a one-person shop or a very small enterprise.
Slowness is Always Caused by a Virus
There are many factors that lead to slow processing. It’s too easy to blame a virus for a lethargic machine. In reality, there are many reasons your device could run slow, and viruses are usually not at the top of the frequency list. Other causes for poor speed include not regularly updating, malware, user inexperience, inefficient electrical connections, and more.
Run the Battery to Near Bottom Before Recharging
Newer PCs can be recharged anytime. One of the oldest digital myths is that it’s best to run batteries as low as possible before renewing them. But today’s devices operate on lithium power, which means users can top them off anytime without harmful consequences.