Myth: Computers slow down because they “wear out” over time
Fact: A properly maintained computer can last longer than you think

One the biggest myths out there is that PCs slow over time because they age. This myth may be why so many of us discard our computers after just a couple years. The Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network reports that, on average, people discard their PCs after only 30 months of use.

Computers don’t last forever, but they can last a lot longer than we may realize. And while it’s true that PCs tend to slow down after a year or so, this isn’t because of the age of their components; rather, the causes of the slowdowns are errors, clutter and other corruption that can be easily fixed with the right tools.

With proper maintenance, a PC can last up to eight years or more; some users have reported well-functioning PCs for twelve years or more. A few tips on extending the life of your PC: Keep it free of dust, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture, and regularly run tune-ups to keep its software and operating system in top shape.

Myth: Having multiple antivirus programs is better than having one
Fact: Multiple security programs can conflict and result in less protection

When it comes to internet security, you may think that having more than one program would lead to more protection, but it doesn’t: installing multiple security programs can actually reduce your security, and can also lead to an unstable PC.

The problem is that with different configurations, security programs can conflict and work not with each other but against each other. The result is system errors and even less protection than if you had one program. Picture two different traffic lights at one intersection, with one displaying GO and the other displaying STOP—there’s eventually going to be a crash.

Myth: When a file is deleted, it’s gone for good
Fact: Deleted files can be recovered because they aren’t actually erased

Many people believe that when they delete a file it’s permanently erased, but actually the contents of the file remain. This is because of how a computer saves and deletes files.

When you save a file, your computer stores a reference to it in a file allocation table, but the data that makes up the file is saved on the hard drive. When a file is deleted, its reference is removed from the table, but the contents of the file are still on the drive. And emptying the Recycle Bin or formatting the drive doesn’t make a difference: until another file’s contents are saved over it, the information you “deleted” is still there.

In picking parts for a computer, balance is usually a good rule-of-thumb. This also applies here, just in a different way. Balance between your CPU (central processing unit) and your GPU (graphics processing unit) can be the difference between a poor-performing system in which one component outweighs the other, or an efficient, fine-tuned machine. But when it comes to storage, it’s a matter of what you want, and what you pay.

There are two main types of storage: hard drives and SSDs (solid-state-drives). Hard drives are the most common, and thus cheaper. They are (somewhat ignorantly) judged as having poor performance, and not the best for gaming or intense work loads. This is due to their having a rotating component that transfers information much slower than an electrical current (as is the case with SSD’s). From personal experience, a hard drive wouldn’t be my first choice, but I also don’t find them lacking in any way. What if you use your computer for web-browsing, writing documents, or any other general programs? Unless you want the absolute fastest performance, or are running extremely high-performance programs such as a cinema-grade video editor, you should be just fine with a hard drive.

Hard Drive

SSD

SSDs have no moving parts, and use only electric currents to store and transfer data. They are also harder to manufacture, costing much more than hard drives. The biggest difference you will be able to notice is shutting down, booting up, and opening programs, with the difference sometimes being as much as ten seconds.

Another big selling-point is reliability. Hard drives are much less resistant to impacts, but the rotating parts may wear out after a few years. SSDs can be severely damaged from impacts, resulting in a loss of all data, but they also last longer.

And now the big question: how much will it cost you? A 1 terabyte (1,000 gigabytes) hard drive will cost around $50, and an SSD of the same size will cost $400-600. But what if you don’t need 1TB? I’ve had a 1TB drive on my laptop, and after 3 years, I had only filled a quarter of it. While the amount of storage is like bulk pricing (the more you get, the less unit price you pay), you can also get a 256gb-500gb SSD for $100-300. For most users, the price outweighs a slight performance increase, and others may group a small-sized SSD with a larger hard drive for maximum performance for games and big workloads, while still having a cost-effective place for long term storage. It’s really up to you.

1. Bedside Tablets

New York-Presbyterian Hospital is currently transforming all of their nurse call buzzers with user-friendly tablets on which patients can access their health. The hospital has been using Microsoft HealthVault on their website since 2009, a program that lets patients review their records at home. Now it is being expanded to accommodate patients during their stay.

Not only does it make the patient’s life easier by giving them simplified information on their condition, treatment options, etc., but also removes a lot of the nurse’s headache as well. Patients can be more specific on what they need, eliminating a of clamor associated with the old system.

In the pilot test, NYP gave tablets to sixty-nine beds in two surgical nursing units. It has proven cost-effective, taking advantage of existing infrastructure. NYP hopes to provide every bed with a tablet in the near future.

2. Razer Concept: Project Christine

Already well known gaming accessory maker, Razer, is hoping to enlarge their demographic with a new concept system.

Razer is looking to make custom gaming computers more user-friendly. Concept: Project Christine eliminates the convoluted hardware associated with building your own computer. No more frustratingly long assembly times, or strict guides on how the components fit together; all you have to do is plug the part-containing “modules” into a main base.

Also, when new technology comes out, Concept: Project Christine can evolve with it. Once a “module” becomes obsolete, you just swap it out with a new one. The secular/modular design makes it perpetually upgradable and customizable.

No details have yet been released about if or when Concept: Project Christine will be available.

3. Formula E

As the name suggests, Formula E is all about electricity. The new eco-friendly racing series is a big step for both the car and the environment. Two years ago, motorsport’s international governing body, the Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA), released its’ ambitious plans for electric racing that would mimic internationally popular F-1 racing. F-E is meant to be a catalyst for growth from other car makers.

For it’s first year, competitors can only use one specially designed vehicle; the Spark-Reanault SRT_01E. Next season, the teams will be able to create their own cars.

The latest study said that by 2040, Formula E can help sell an additional 77 million EVs worldwide, and save 4 billion barrels of oil.

4. Agricultural Drones

A new generation of farming is giving way to many new changes, including using drones to enhance crop health. These drones use cameras to map out areas where crops aren’t getting enough sun, or have insect issues, etc. Many modern agricultural problems can’t be seen at eye level, and these drones provide a cheaper alternative to satellite imagery. Starting at $1000, a fleet of two or three can efficiently manage a large field.

It’s part of trend towards increasingly data-driven agriculture. Farms today are bursting with engineering marvels, as a result of decades of research. Earth’s population is expected to be 9.6 billion by 2050, and the more effective we can make agriculture, the easier we can feed the world.

5. Virtual Reality: Oculus Rift

You’ve probably heard of virtual reality (VR) by this point. Oculus’ headset, the Rift, isn’t anything new. Although the emerging applications for VR are more in-depth than you might think. Virtual reality is being used to treat PTSD by simulating events which sparked the disorder, and letting the patient work it out via VR so as to have closure. Astronomy is being taught during the day with accurate models of stars and planets. 3D models of buildings can be explored with more precision. Also, Oculus Rift is just plain fun to play with for video games.

Many say that VR is the beginning of a new era in fields like education, business, film, and medicine. This is one technology to look for in the upcoming years.

Oculus Rift

With every release of Apple’s iOS mobile operating system, there have been jokes to accompany. Often these come in the form of satirical mock-Apple graphics that explain some new (made up) feature in the latest release of the software. Such graphics are often so realistic that they convince unknowing consumers to try out the new features, resulting in people doing things such as microwaving their iPhones.

Example: iWave

A recent one of these jokes involved Apple’s AirDrop function, which, in reality, is a Bluetooth file sharing mechanism for iOS devices. However, the graphic described it as a feature in which the device would use the internal vibration motor and some other mechanisms to protect the device in case it is dropped. Of couse, any users who actually tried to make use of this feature were likely disappointed.

Interestingly, though, it seems like such a feature may actually come to exist. Apple just filed a patent for drop protection in a mobile device. The patent does indeed include the use of the vibration motor to re-orient the device into a position that would keep it safer during a fall. The patent also includes other features, most of which are more space-age-esque, including foldable mechanical airfoils, and a mechanism to forcefully eject connected cables. Doubtless, such a feature would be a godsend to users who are prone to dropping their devices.