It’s the set of frustrations that everyone can relate to: slow browsers, lengthy startups and general slowdowns.
These are just a few of the problems getting our goat in 2013.
Antivirus software provider Bitdefender released the set of gripes, with Tech Assist Architect Florin Andrei commenting that the problems are often simply the result of poor maintenance.
Like humans, PCs are liable to suffer slowdowns and even viruses if not properly taken care of. “An overload of applications that open at startup, improperly uninstalled software and an avalanche of temporary files are the computer equivalent of sleepless nights and unhealthy addictions,” Andrei said.
“A common phenomenon that slows computers down is bloatware; crowded toolbars, software preinstalled by the manufacturer and programs that users don’t really need but are installed with free tools or accidentally downloaded,” Andrei added.
The top 10 technical complaints reported by PC users in 2013 are listed below, coupled with the likely source of the issue as identified by Bitdefender:
1. “My PC is very slow”
Cause: Multiple apps running in the background, too many programs loading at startup.
2. “My PC is slow to startup/reboot”
Cause: Too many programs running at startup, hardware malfunctions.
3. “My browser is sluggish”
Cause: Multiple toolbars, different add-ons and plug-ins, adware and spyware, multiple security solutions.
4. High CPU usage
Cause: Several applications running at the same time, hardware issues.
5. “My browser has been hijacked”
Cause: Free tools may install dubious software that adds toolbars and browser extensions to your computer changing the homepage, search engine etc.
6. Windows update errors
Cause: Inappropriately installed updates; update errors on .Net Framework and Service Packs. “Windows Update and Windows Installer are most targeted by malware that can easily be infected in an attack,” Andrei said.
7. “I have issue with my system/software after upgrading my Operating System”
Cause: Crashes, ‘Blue Screen of Death’, start-up errors and non-functional Windows services.
8. General browser issues
Cause: Computer freeze, crashes, ads, pop-ups, multiple redirects.
9. Rogue software
Cause: Accidentally downloaded. “Fake Antivirus and Fake Tune-up software are the most popular which purport to scan the computer and find hundreds of infections and system errors; convincing users to pay for a license to fix the problems. Many rogue software programs infect computers with nasty rootkits, Trojans and backdoors,” Andrei said.
10. Ransomware
Cause: malicious downloads. Ransomware cuts access to the systems and forces users to pay hundreds of dollars to the authorities.
