Mistakes That Can Damage Your Computer

In the last 20 years, computers have become a necessity. People can spend hours in front of one at work, only to come back home and use their personal one, for which they paid a handsome sum. Sadly, many people unknowingly engage in actions that are harmful to their computer. A list of the 16 most common things we do incorrectly, and how to do them without possibly needing to get your computer fixed are furnished below:

1. Blocking the Computer’s Vents Trying to save space can often lead you to place your computer closely against the wall, desk, sofa, curtains, etc. The vents are vital in keeping the computer cool, and anything that blocks them may cause it to overheat. High temperatures damage the internal circuitry, so keeping the computer nice and cool by not blocking the vents should be a priority. 2. Deleting System Files When we use our computer, we sometimes clog the hard drive with pictures, movies, music, and other junk. When the hard drive is full, it works harder, making your computer sluggish. The problem arises when inexperienced users try to clear up space by deleting files they don’t know, and more often than not – they delete important system files. Deleting these files can render the computer inoperable, or prevent certain features from functioning (example: deleting system files related to the sound drive can disable your ability to listen to music, etc.) Don’t delete any files ending with.SYS,.DLL, or.EXE, in particular from these directories: Program Files, System32, Windows, Users. 3. Cleaning the Screen with Liquids When you want to clean your computer screen, you probably use a wet wipe or some basic cleaning detergent, but this may actually damage it. Any type of liquid can cause corrosion if it gets into the screen and detergents (even natural ones) may damage the special coating on the screen. The best way to clean a computer screen is by using a dry microfiber cloth, or the same kind of cloth you use to clean your eyeglasses. 4. Pushing the CD/DVD Tray to Close it Even I do this from time to time, instead of pushing the open/close button on the drive. You may think that these actions are the same, but when you apply force to the drive you can break the opening and closing mechanism. So next time you’re closing the drive – use the button.

5. Using the Same Password It may be easy to remember your password this way, but it also makes it easy for hackers and criminals to log into your private information, or worse. You wouldn’t want to use the same key for your home, car, and bank account. If you hate remembering passwords, simply get a password management program LastPass or LogMeOnce. 6. Not Restarting After Installing New Software When you install a new piece of software to the computer, some may ask you to restart it. You may feel that it’s a waste of time, but these requests are not mere whims by developers. Some applications need to start up with the computer to function properly, so using them without the initial restart can result in t hem not working properly (or at all). Even if you don’t have the patience for it, make it a habit to restart the computer when prompted to. 7. Browsing the Web without an Up-to-Date Antivirus This is a HUGE NO-NO! One of the most vital things you should have installed on your computer is an antivirus software. Browsing the internet exposes you to many malicious attacks from websites. Some try to collect data on you, some want to trick you into paying them, and some want to steal your identity. So make sure your computer has an antivirus software installed, and that it is updated. 8. Letting Pets Get Too Close to the Computer If you’re a pet-owner, you probably noticed that your pets to use your computer as a pillow. Who can blame them? It’s nice and warm. You may find it adorable, but it’s actually very bad for your computer. Shed fur finds its way into the computer and can block the vents, or jam internal fans, causing the computer to overheat. So keep your furry friends away from your computer, and have it cleaned at least once a year.

9. Installing Programs Automatically You may not to read the information in the various windows during a program installation, and many programs will offer to “save you the effort” and automatically install themselves. The problem arises when these programs install add-ons unwanted toolbars on your computer, which will, at best slow it down, and at worst steal your information. Next time you install anything, take a moment to read what’s going on instead of just clicking “OK”. 10. Opening the Computer Case When it’s Still Plugged In It is recommended that you clean your computer every few months, clearing dust, fur, etc. from the case. Some of us to do it themselves, but sometimes forget to unplug the computer from the power socket. While you may think that when the computer is off, it’s safe to touch the insides, but it is not. There still is a current running inside, and touching any electrified part may short-circuit the computer and damage it, or worse – electrocute you. 11. Putting Magnets on or near the Computer Regular hard drives use a magnetic system to store data. Unshielded cables can experience magnetic interference, resulting in loss or corruption of data. Older CRT computer screens (not the LCD or LED kind) are also very susceptible to magnetic interference. What all that means is that magnets are bad for computers, so keep them away from each other. 12. Exposing the Computer to Heat Exposing your computer to direct heat s such as sunlight or heaters can cause severe damage. Electronic devices such as computers produce heat, so adding more heat can cause plastic parts to melt, as well as soldering. So make sure that you keep your computer nice and cool.

13. Hitting the Case If you hear strange noises coming from inside the computer case, when the computer behaves sluggishly or when it stops reacting, many people feel that a good thump will fix the problem. Computers are full of delicate parts, and hitting them can cause these parts to become loose, disconnect cables, and even break important parts. Next time you feel hitting your computer, take a breath, switch it off, and let it rest for a minute before starting it up. If you hear strange noises, it can mean that something has gotten loose inside, so don’t wait and take it to a technician for a checkup. 14. Not Logging out of Your E-mail When You’re Done Once you’re done with your e-mails, you should log out from the service, even in a safe place your office or home. If you don’t log off, you risk having a stranger accessing your account, exposing all of your personal information. If you need another reason, remember that you can reset your passwords via your e-mail account, so someone with access to it can access your other accounts. 15. Using Force when Connecting a USB Device USB connections are great, they made connecting devices to your computer easy, using one type of connection. We use them for flash drives, charge smartphones, connect our keyboard and mouse, etc. The shape of the USB can sometimes be a of frustration when trying to connect it the wrong way. Even if you tried 2-3 times unsuccessfully, don’t jam it in by force – doing so can break the connector in your computer, and replacing it can cost a pretty penny.

16. Opening too Many Websites at Once When I go online, I sometimes end up with multiple internet browser windows or tabs open ( my e-mail, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) but this requires that the computer allocate more res to your various windows and tabs. The computer has a finite amount of res, and when it is encumbered, it will become slow and unresponsive. Make a habit of not opening more than a total of 9 windows or tabs at any given time. Your computer will thank you.

Scientific reasons behind Indian customs

 

Traditions in Hinduism were considered mainly as superstitions, but with the advent of science, it is becoming evident that these traditions are based on some scientific knowledge and moved from generations to generations as traditions. Though the common people did not know science in it, they were following it very faithfully over the years. This write up is an attempt to bring forward the science involved in these traditions and rituals...

1.Throwing Coins into a River:

The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.

2. Joining Both Palms together to Greet:

 

In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms - termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!

3. Why do Indian Women wear Toe Ring:

Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A

particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.

4. Applying Tilak on the Forehead:

 

On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of "energy", the red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.

5. Why do Temples have Bells:

People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. 

However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose. These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.

6. Why do we have Navratras:

 

Our living style has drastically changed if we compare it to the society hundreds & thousands of years ago. The traditions which we follow in present are not

establishments of today but of the past. Ever thought, why do we have Navratras twice a year unlike other festivals like Deepawali or Holi? Well, both these months are the months of changing seasons and the eating habits of both the seasons are quite different from each other. Navratras give enough time to the body to adjust and prepare itself for the changing season. These nine days were marked as a period when people would clean their body system by keeping fasts by avoiding excessive salt and sugar, meditate, gain a lot of positive energy, gain a lot of self confidence & increase the self determination power (fasts are a medium to improve our will power and self determination) and finally get ready for the challenges of the changed season.

7. Why do we worship Tulsi Plant:

 

Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. 

The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to  the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases,  stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and  mosquitoes from entering the house. 

It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.

8. Why do we worship Peepal Tree:

‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that ‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.

9. Start with Spice & End with Sweet:

 

Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with somethingspicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence,sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.

10. Choti on the Male Head:

Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumnã (nerve) arrives from the lower part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikhã helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojas.

11. Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand

 

 Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.

12. Celebration & Cleaning During Diwali:

Diwali usually falls in October or November which marks the start of winter season and end of rainy season. Rainy season wasn't a good time for everyone back then; many homes needed repair and renovation after a heavy fall. That is why time before diwali was considered the period during which everyone can indulge in cleaning and beautification of their home. And also take out their winter clothes and pack the summer ones.

13. Sitting on the Floor & Eating

This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs  dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standing.

14. Why not to sleep with Your Head towards North

Myth is that it invites ghost or death but science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is agiant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body's magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earth's Magnetic field that cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder