Look here for Brian M. Westbrook's tech news and details on topics heard on-air during weekly "Tech Expert" segments on FM News 101 KXL (101.1 FM) in Portland, OR. Listen Fridays at 6:20am and 8:20am as part of Portland's Morning News on KXL or online at: KXL.com. Also find details of radio and television appearances. Feedback or questions to: techexpert (AT) brianwestbrook (dot) com
Monday, February 23, 2009
Busting Tech Myths on The Square Live @ 7 w/Stephanie Stricklen (KGW-TV)
Watch the video on KGW.com.
Megapixels matter. -- many consumers are falsely led to believe that "megapixels", a measure of image resolution recorded by a digital camera, are the most important aspect of a camera purchase. While one aspect of a camera's performance, often the megapixels are secondary to lens quality, a camera's speed, and other features.
You must buy software to keep your computer secure. -- while you certainly can buy anti-virus software and other online protection programs for your computer, some of the best tactics to keep your computer free from malicious virus and spyware don't cost anything at all. Free anti-virus software is in many cases just as good at the paid versions and keeping your computer safe frequently involves diligence, "cautious computing" and staying current with the latest software patches.
Online software is inadequate. -- Today's software no longer comes in boxes with large manuals. More often this software -- even the most elaborate professional applications -- is loaded electronically. Other types of applications, such as Picnik.com or Google Docs solutions. Many online web-based software packages do as much if not more than their traditional counterparts. Key advantages of using online apps: No need to update your local computer, access your programs (and often data) from any machine, often less expensive (free?).
Must upgrade your system every two years. -- This is even *less* true today. There as a time when computers were advancing quickly and became obsolete every few years... now, with more and more computing happening online, it's not uncommon for the older computers to perform just as well. Many users find completely whiping their hard drives and re-loading the operating system will give them that "showroom performance".
High-Definition TV requires subscription service. -- While it is true a large number of premium high-definition television channels are available only to those willing to pay for cable or satellite service-- most network channels are available free, over-the-air, using your existing antenna (or in some cases a low-cost upgrade). You will, of course, need a HDTV to watch the higer-quality broadcasts, but if you're looking for Heroes, my favorite 30 Rock, or want to see Live @7 in all it's stunning HDTV glory, consider over-the-air HDTV.
Online video is illegal. -- On the contrary! Most online video is very legal and supported by the very content providers that bring these shows to your television nightly. Look towards supported services such as Hulu, iTunes and the networks' own websites to stream first-run TV shows directly to your PC or mobile phone.
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