Observed Trends in Global Computer Performance Metrics

iolo Labs actively tracks global computer performance statistics for the purposes of identifying trends that may be affecting large populations of PC users. Statistics are submitted by a random sampling of opt-in participants who have chosen to securely and anonymously share system analysis data for purposes of further study. The statistics below reflect the average values found in the “wild” among the specified number of sampled computers over the specified date range.

Sample date range: April 29, 2010 to July 27, 2010
Total number of analysis samples: 59,834

System Clutter

Risks posed by junk and obsolete files

As programs are used or websites are visited temporary files, cache files, and tracking-cookies are saved to the hard drive. Most of these are files that are never used and do not need to be saved. More unneeded buildup occurs from deleted files accumulating in the Recycle Bin, program crashes, and sudden system restarts. All this debris clogs computers and overtaxes their resources.

Average clutter levels found on sample PCs

View Extrapolations

• Combined clutter found on sample PCs: 210,325 GB (205 TB)
• Number of 120 GB hard drives combined clutter would fill: 325
• Cost of combined 120 GB hard drives filled (@ $100 / drive): US $32,469.00
• Storage replacement cost per PC of combined clutter on 120 GB hard drive: US $0.54
  Storage replacement cost for all PCs in use worldwide as of Aug 2008: US $542,661,895.00
• Years to download combined internet clutter on sample PCs: 189.5 @ 56.6KBps (8.8 @ 1.2MBps)

System Speed

Risks posed by speed and performance drains

Various inefficiencies can bring down a computer’s processing efficiency, including fragmented hard drives, splintered system memory, scattered registry detritus, and unneeded programs starting with Windows.

Average performance drains found on sample PCs

System fitness

Risks posed by PC entropy or data corruption

As a result of ongoing everyday use, a computer can slowly degrade and become unstable, resulting in unexpected crashes, difficult to diagnose error messages, and a host of other nuisances that can perplex and frustrate users. Some defects that normally begin appearing over time are invalid registry references, broken shortcuts, hidden spyware, obsolete uninstallation files, and physical errors or disjointed data on the hard drive and other devices.

Average fitness detractors found on sample PCs

System Security

Risks posed by security vulnerabilities and destructive programs

Computer performance and stability can be greatly affected by security holes that allow viruses, spyware, hackers, and other destructive and/or destabilizing forces to deeply lodge themselves between the operating system and its user. A destructive program infection can not only result in actual computer or file damage, but also a conduit for identity and data thieves seeking to funnel personal or financial information away from the host PC.

Average security vulnerabilities found on sample PCs