Millions of Americans were projected to buy a new computer in 2010. In fact, the 2010 holiday season saw a 25% increase in computer hardware purchases, according to research firm comScore.
New computers often come with pre-installed demoware, or trial versions of software applications, many of which start running as soon as the computer is turned on. These third-party programs help subsidize costs for the manufacturer, lowering prices for the consumer. Some of these programs can be helpful and may even introduce computer users to new software. However, many demoware programs are rarely or never used and unnecessarily harm the system's performance by consuming memory and slowing the machine down.