Truth: It is impossible for a 56K modem to actually connect at 56K. FCC sets the connection limit to 53K and your dial-up connection will not always register accurate speeds. Connection speeds vary depending on line quality, number of users and a few other variables.
Myth: A faster computer means a faster internet speed
Truth: Your connection "speed" will be exactly the same regardless of your computer's speed. However, the faster your computer is, the faster it can process the information being retrieved from the internet and may appear faster.
Myth: Wireless internet means I can connect to the internet anywhere
Truth: Wireless internet means exactly that. You can connect to the internet with your laptop or desktop without wires/cabling. Most people are under the misconception that internet is everywhere and thanks to satellite internet, a wireless-internet ready computer can pick it up at any time. This is incorrect. You can connect to your broadband connection wirelessly in your house if you have a wireless router. You can connect to a broadband connection wirelessly with your laptop at "hotspots". "Hotspots" are found at locations like truck stops, fast food restaurants, and coffee shops and they broadcast wireless internet through a wireless router for you to connect to for free or for a fee. Speak to them first before trying to connect. Satellite Internet for you to connect to is available but is a monthly service through a satellite company. It should be noted that using a wireless connection that you do not own, have not paid for or have not received permission to use is ILLEGAL, as it is considered stealing service.
Myth: My computer is new, its only a few years old.
Truth: Computer age is not measured in time, its measured in speed. This is important to remember when trying to use newer programs or peripherals with older systems. As the speed of computers increase software and hardware requirements increase to accomodate the newer speeds. For example, your system might only be 6 years old but that system is most likely a Pentium III 32-bit 500Mhz to 800Mhz processor with no more than 256mb of ram. To give you an idea of how "old" that is, the newest computer available to the customer for a reasonable price is a Pentium 4 64-bit 3200Mhz processor with atleast 512mb of ram or even 1024mb of ram. The new computer is 12 times faster than yours. Yes, 12 times. When thinking of your computer's age, its a good rule of thumb to compare it to a car's age. If you're computer is 5 years old, multiply that by 2, giving you 10. Therefore, your 5 year old computer is comparable to a 10 year old car.
Myth: I have viruses/spyware but I never connect to the internet
Truth: This is impossible. Viruses and spyware only exist on the internet. If you have viruses and/or spyware on your computer, that machine has connected to the internet. The ONLY way your computer can download viruses or spyware WITHOUT being connected to the internet is by someone maliciously loading a virus laden program into your computer by floppy.
