The True Cost of Spyware

Ever wonder why The VAR Guy is so happy running Mac OS X and Ubuntu Linux? Perhaps it has something to do with the true cost of spyware — an epidemic problem mostly limited to the world of Windows. So, how does spyware impact user productivity? A new report from CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) provides some clues.

Generally speaking, users of spyware-infected work computers “live with” the problem for 18 work hours – more than two full workdays – before getting it repaired, asserts CompTIA.

Plus, it takes a support technician roughly 2.8 labor hours per infected PC to eliminate spyware and correct the related problems. (Note: The CompTIA survey covered employees at North American businesses with 10 to 200 computers.)

Of course, research reports have their limitations. Companies can certainly use remote administration tools and managed services platforms to apply blanket fixes to their systems. But nevertheless, CompTIA’s findings reinforce why The VAR Guy blogs away using either Mac OS X or Ubuntu Linux.

Neither he — nor his nonexistent support staff — can afford a 20-hour spyware distraction. Mac OS X and Ubuntu Linux certainly have room for improvement, but our resident blogger doesn’t lose much sleep worrying about spyware, worms or viruses.