What are common causes of performance issues in workstations?

Common performance issues in workstations can often be traced to outdated hardware and malware infections. Outdated hardware can lead to bottlenecks, as older components may struggle to handle modern software demands. This can result in sluggishness, longer boot times, and overall reduced efficiency in completing tasks. On the other hand, malware infections can severely impact performance by using system resources, leading to increased CPU and memory usage, which can cause unexpected slowdowns, crashes, and security vulnerabilities.

Identifying and addressing these issues—such as upgrading hardware or implementing effective malware protection—can significantly enhance workstation performance and user experience. While other options mention factors that may contribute to performance problems, they do not typically align with the most common root causes found in a wide range of workstation environments.