Additional Misconceptions In The Tech World

#1: If your computer is working fine right now, it does not need any maintenance.

I don’t think people really think this, but I find that people often will not have their computer worked on until it’s too late. If everything is working fine, I won’t get a call. There are several maintenance checks that should be done regularly. Not only should this be considered preventative maintenance, but during this Tune-Up Process, a technician can notice things that most people wouldn’t.

Lack of system maintenance is one of the most common causes of data loss and/or  heavy computer repair bills.

#2: The maintenance tools provided in the Microsoft Operating System and software are all the maintenance you need.

This is a common and terrible misconception, similar to the idea that any antivirus program is fine as long as you have something. Microsoft doesn’t even come close to providing the programs and features which can protect your data from viruses, hackers and data loss or prevent your PC from running slowly.

Additionally, Microsoft (and other software vendors for that matter) are constantly providing critical patches and updates to their software to protect you from viruses and hackers. However, if you don’t know to look for them, or if you don’t know how to install them properly, you could easily end up getting burned.

#3: My nephew/neighbor’s kid/brother-in-law knows this computer stuff and can help me solve my problems.

This one is actually my favorite because it gets me more business! Jokes aside, not all technicians are created equal, and I have run into countless machines which have clear residue from past tinkering. Just because a person is good with computer applications (what we call a power user) does NOT mean they know how to properly maintain a PC or complex networks. Technicians also need to be well versed in the latest tech to ensure that you are not only getting the most for your money, but that everything you are using is statistically rated the most reliable. Reputable programs change all the time, and I know of many “technicians” who are using the same programs and processing that they have been using for 10+ years.

Most people look for a part time “guru” to help them save money, but this often comes back to haunt them. If the person you have working on your machine is not a licensed technician by trade, it is almost a certainty that they don’t have the knowledge and experience to help you in an effective and reliable manner. Technology advances at lightning speed and it takes constant learning and practice to master it. If your part-time technician is not working on PCs and networks every day, they probably only know enough to be dangerous.

#4: All computer technicians are created equal. Your best option will be the one who offers the lowest price.

For the most part, you get what you pay for. I have gained many regular clients who, when I first met them, had several cheap computers that all needed serious work done. Instead, I usually replace these computers with one or two good, middle of the road machines. Just as with computers, if the technician is the cheapest, it could just mean that they have no idea what they are doing. When it comes to your tech world, the cheapest anything could end up costing you time and money. 

PC Maintenance Misconceptions

Through aggressive marketing, scare tactics and misinformation, many programs and practices have found their way into self proclaimed, mandatory parts of routine PC maintenance. Most of the time, however, they are just a waste of time and money. Further, they distract from what is actually important, which in my opinion, makes them harmful to your tech world.

I addressed Registry Cleaners a few years back in http://mooreithelp.blogspot.com/2011/12/registry-cleaners-good-or-bad.html But they are so popular and so bad that I’d like to touch upon them once again real quick;

The Windows registry is basically a huge database of settings, both for Windows itself and for programs. When you uninstall a program, there’s a good chance that all its registry entries are left behind. A Registry Cleaner will usually simply look for Registry entries that appear unnecessary and remove them. Registry cleaner companies want you to believe that this would result in big performance improvements so you’ll buy their software.

Though many users swear by the difference in system performance before and after running a registry cleaner, you will not find any reputable benchmarks or testing which irrefutably show the advantages to registry cleaning. You will, however, find reputable sources recommending against the use of these softwares, even going on to say that they are more likely to cause damage to your system than help in any way. One source being Microsoft themselves – the people who made your registry hive. (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2563254/microsoft-support-policy-for-the-use-of-registry-cleaning-utilities)

Then there’s paid maintenance programs such as Iolo’s System Mechanic. These programs use graphics and wording to give the user a warm fuzzy feeling, delaying inspection by licensed technicians. This means that the real problems with your computer will pile up, creating a larger bill in the end. I cant count how many computers I have encountered with programs like Webroot and System Mechanic installed that end up needing a ton of work done. These programs are heavily lobbied and aggressively advertised as essential pieces of owning a computer. If you attempt to research the software through unbiased articles, you will find that the first few pages of Google results are from the manufacturer of said software, showing aggressive SEO strategies. I was, however, able to find this one. The truth is, most of the features of these paid programs are already a part of Windows and/or can be done better by free programs.  Further, many reputable programs designed for technicians will actually register the aforementioned maintenance tools as PUPs – Potentially Unwanted Programs (non-malware). This basically means that they advise the use of these softwares only at your own risk. These facts in themselves should make anyone skeptical of using said softwares.

Maintenance programs should be used by professionals, anyway. Reputable PC maintenance or anti-malware programs can misconstrue parts of valid programs as malicious. The program will usually present the user with the scan results, giving them the opportunity to check which items should not be deleted. However, a user is far more likely to simply click through all the dialogue boxes until the program is finished, let alone be familiar with the registry keys and files the program is claiming are malicious. Further, a good deal of the program’s potential goes unused due to the user’s unfamiliarity with how to properly use the program, or what the program is even doing.

Driver updaters are another thing I have come across quite often, to my surprise.
These programs are amazingly unnecessary and can definitely cause harm to the system, mostly for the aforementioned reasons. These programs will quite often incorrectly replace critical drivers, causing Blue Screens as well as general odd behavior. And once again, Windows already does this for you through Windows Updates!

Many people also seem to be under the impression that any Antivirus or Internet Security program is fine, and are nonplussed to find that they have become infected regardless. No Antivirus or Internet Security program is completely infallible.  However, it is a step in the right direction to go with what is statistically rated the best, not necessarily the cheapest. Further, these programs change all the time, going from best to worst in only a few years. 

Basically, this all boils down to – if you want to maintain your PC, bring it to a technician every 3 – 6 months. They are trained and have the experience to look for the right things and how to fix them properly. Also, you can blame them if something goes wrong 😊