Waiting for old PCs to load costs us almost an entire day each year, new research by Microsoft claims.
The study, which looked into the biggest frustrations users in the UK have with their computers, found the age of a lot of PCs was one of the main causes of problems.
According to the results, the average home computer is more than three years old. According to Microsoft, such computers take 65% longer to boot up. This, Microsoft says, leaves many Brits losing out on a day (23.5 hours) each year in waiting time.
The survey also revealed those whose PCs are three years old or more spend three and a half times longer than the average PC user attempting to fix issues – including dealing with viruses.
The resulting lag from ageing computers has also proved too much for some, with the survey claiming nearly two-thirds (65%) of those with a computer between five and 10 years old admitted to either hitting or shouting at it in frustration.
Some six per cent even said computer issues had driven them to tears or drink.
However, Microsoft’s research has linked some of the issues to the age of consumers as well as the computers themselves.
The research found that those over 55 lose more than two hours a month waiting for their computer to load as one in five (19%) is still using a PC that’s at least five years old.
The study also revealed that many people actually underestimate the modern features they can access on their machines. According to the results, most think it will be more than two years before they’ll be able to use facial recognition on their PC while 42% don’t think it’s possible to use voice command to control a PC.
Both features are available right now in Microsoft’s own Windows 10 as well as other platforms.
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