Proof that even some of the most self-proclaimed techies can be caught out by so-called tech truths, we’ve dug out some distorted tales in tech, revealing those which carry an element of truth, and the ones which are as false as your grandmother's teeth.

A 5.1 sound system will deliver you the ultimate audio haven

Yes, it is technically true but only unless it is set up properly. Ensuring that speakers are positioned from specific distances from your seating area and the sound source is encoded in a surround sound format is essential. However that leaves most of us with ordinary devices like CDs and televisions which boast just stereo sound, struggling to capture true directional sound.

Airport X-ray machines can do damage to your memory card

Picture the scene; You've just spent three months trekking across South America taking in all the spectacular sights, and when you reach arrivals the pics you saved appear to have been erased. Well, the likelihood of this actual scenario occurring is minimal, contrary to what some are led to believe there is no case to suggest that the machines will affect the data on your memory cards. Magnets on the other hand may be more of a threat, so perhaps keeping your camera away from the beginning of the conveyer belt will help keep your pics and data safe.

Buy a camera with a high ISO for the best pictures

Another case of 'one function does not make a great picture', while a higher ISO gives you higher sensitivity, it is better suited to low light photography, so a very high ISO on your typical cam can lead to extreme noise in your pictures. The tale of the digital camera tape, is don't judge your buying on the higher ISO alone, and think about what kind of pics you are likely to take.

CD/DVD Media will live forever

Manufacturers have been split on whether the disc-based media can live for over 100 years, but it seems its life will only be immortal should you store it in ideal conditions, not piled high and out of their cases by your telly. Some CDs and DVDs simply left on a shelf unused can stop working after five years, so to get the most life out of your discs, we suggest backing them up, and keeping the away from sunlight and dusty spaces.

Donkey Kong was meant to be called Monkey Kong

Considering there's not a donkey in sight in this console classic, it sounds like game naming gaffe from a mile. However game inventor Shigeru Miyamoto has gone on record may times stating that the name was intentional and a play on "King Kong" to evoke the image of a stubborn, foolish gorilla.

Emptying your recycle bin will delete those files forever

A question asked by many, and the answer is of course, no. Emptying the recycle bin leaves you trash in a landfill that can still be got at with the aid of file recovery software that can search your hard disk for files that are still lingering. There is tools available that will allow you to delete the files permanently, but we suggest not downloading that dodgy file in the first place...

Forget the Internet, get ready for the Internet 2

The sophisticated super-powered private network that runs across America for a select few and is headed by colleges and universities, is highly unlikely to make a more public appearance anytime in the near future. The cost to run the suped-up net on a greater scale would be truly astronomical for both ISPs and the consumer.

It's all about the megapixels

It's easy when looking to buy a new camera, to see 14-megapixels, and think 'that's one for me'. Well before you hand over the cash, remember there's more to that final pic than your pixels. Make sure you are considering image sensor size and type, lenses, image stabilization, because as much as a load of megapixels sounds like powerful pic-grabbing, a DSLR with 5-megaxpixels could do an equally if not a better job than a brand new compact.

Magnets can damage your storage devices

Now this is true only if for some bizarre reason you are still holding onto a floppy drive, your more updated storage devices should be a little more safe. Hard drives can be affected by magnets but only by the kind you find scientists playing around with in their labs. Other magnets are simply not strong enough to cause damage to your stored data, so go crazy on the fridge magnets we say.

Pong was the first video game

True hardcore gamers will know that Pong was in fact not the first video game, but the first video game that was playable for the masses. Before the simplistic tennis title was revealed to the world on November 29th 1972, the little known, 'Computer Space' was the first commercially sold video game released a full year before Pong. It was however, rock hard to play, and is the reason why most recognize the more playable Pong the birth of the video game.

Rechargeable batteries are better value than disposable ones

Now this conundrum simply boils down to how often you use your gadgets. Rechargeable nickel cadmium and nickel metals hydride batteries lose their charge quickly when stored, so for gadgets like a flashlight you should probably opt against the rechargeable variety. So, occasional snappers need not invest to heavily in rechargeable batteries, or for that matter those ones from down the market.