PC problems lead Brits to frustration
Over 1.5 million Britons kick, punch or hit their PC when they experience computer problems. Instead of exercising good old-fashioned British reserve, technology troubles drive the nation into a wild rage according to new research from PC Tools.
When trusty PCs and laptops disappoint, 45% of worked-up Brits swear at their computer, over a quarter bang their keyboard or mouse, and almost a third of us shout and scream out of pure frustration. The fury doesn’t end there - some computer users pushed to the end of their tether have gone to extremes such as smashing up their computer or even dropping their laptop in a fish tank.
The research, commissioned to mark the launch of the PC Tools 2011 range of performance and protection products, identified the main source of frustration as tardiness - programs running slowly, snail-paced internet connections and PCs taking too long to start up. Nearly one in ten wait more than 5 minutes just for their computer to boot – for those who use their computer every day that adds up to over one day each year spent sitting and waiting for computers to start up. It’s no surprise that one in four have experienced feelings of stress and anxiety as a result of a computer crisis.
Richard Clooke, Worldwide Review Program Manager at PC Tools, commented, “It can be incredibly annoying when your PC lets you down. Technology and the internet now play such a significant role in our day-to-day lives, when your PC isn’t performing as well as it should it can have a huge impact. We need to understand that embracing technology doesn’t have to be stressful or frustrating, and that there are many simple and effective ways to speed up and protect our PCs.”
Chartered Psychologist and anger management specialist Gill Bloxham, commented on the startling findings of the research, “whilst acting out in frustration may relieve the initial feelings of anger, it rarely resolves the issue. To tame your temper it’s important you identify a solution to your problem.”
PC Tools’ philosophy is to develop powerful solutions without any fuss and confusion. Brand-new PC Tools Performance Toolkit provides a set of core tools to improve the speed, stability and privacy of PCs. Independent testing shows PC Tools Performance Toolkit improves the experience of Windows 7, XP and Vista users, including reducing boot time, while also improving responsiveness and email accessibility within Microsoft Outlook and other resource-intensive applications.
The PC Tools 2011 range of protection products, PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus and PC Tools Internet Security, improve performance behind the scenes with minimum impact to the user or slowing the PC down. Including PC Tools Registry Mechanic, all products are built on PC Tools’ award-winning technologies – with independent test results that prove their effectiveness. The products are sharp and easy to use – they get the job done so you can focus on enjoying your PC.
Top tips to prevent computer rage:
• Many of us experience computer rage because being unable to solve technology problems makes us feel stupid. You must remember that technology trouble is something that everyone experiences and it’s perfectly ok if you don’t know how to fix it – don’t beat yourself up about it.
• When you feel like you’re about to get angry, step away from your computer and count to ten. This will help you distance yourself from the problem.
• Change your mental focus – instead of just sitting and waiting for your computer, make a cup of tea or do something else to take your mind off the situation.
• It’s not true that anger needs to be let out in an outburst – it will fade if you don’t feed it by angry thoughts or actions. It’s also not true that anger needs to be kept in either – if you sulk or dwell on it, your health suffers long-term.
• Slow-running computers are often an indication of something much worse, such as a virus or malware. Make sure your PC is sufficiently protected by installing an effective internet security product that’s kept up to date.
• To speed up you computer, get into the habit of cleaning it regularly - get rid of files you don’t use, especially large ones that may be taking up useful space.
• Use products that are specifically designed to improve the speed, stability and privacy of PCs, such as PC Tools Performance Toolkit.
For more information visit: pctools.com
