Frustrated computer users curse, take bat to PCs

Computers have the ability to drive the sanest people crazy. Programs can close unexpectedly and viruses have the potential to screw up your whole system.

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Not surprisingly, people deal with computer frustrations in different ways. Some choose to verbally encourage their computers to hang in there, while others choose a more drastic route, going so far as to hit their machines with a baseball bat.

According to the security software firm Avira, one of the most common ways people deal with their computers in a moment of exasperation is to yell obscenities at it. In fact, about 39 percent of people have cursed or yelled at a computer out loud in the past.

About 9 percent of people have taken their frustrations out on the computer by hitting it with an object, such as a baseball bat or a fist. Only 3 percent have actually thrown a computer to the ground or against a piece of furniture, such as a desk.

Frustrated computer users not only blame the device itself, but also its makers. About 11 percent have wished for a catastrophe to strike the company that makes the computer or its operating system software, Avira said.

But not everyone reacts this way when faced with a computer issue. On the other end of the spectrum, about 38 percent of people said they would never yell at their computer because it's "too sensitive." Instead, they encourage it to keep working with positive words.

"It's funny that an equal number of people curse at their PC compared to those that are nice to them," said Avira spokeswoman Elisabeth Rothbart. "(We) don't recommend violence of any sort toward computers, but can relate to the feelings of frustration."

Reach TechNewsDaily senior writer Samantha Murphy at smurphy@techmedianetwork.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Follow her on Twitter @SamMurphy_TMN

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