When you buy an application, you expect it to work and do what it is supposed to do. Usually this happens without a hitch… for a while. At some point the software will crash, of malfunction or do something plain silly. This is based on the law of averages and you simply cannot escape it. Here are some common reasons as to why this happens.

No software is perfect. In fact, the application you purchase is part of an ongoing development process which is somewhat invisible to you. It is true that the application is released after extensive beta testing and evaluations, but the application is far from being perfect. Based on user feedback and other factors (like a new version of the OS being released), the application has to be “patched” and updated. This is why it is a good idea to leave the automatic update option turned on in your application.

Now throw into the mix the virus and malware angle, and this whole thing turns into a mess. Authors of viruses take great pleasure in exploiting the weaknesses of software. They will also focus intensely on a particular manufacturer or software for any number of reasons. If this happens and your software is one of the targets, then you have only your virus and malware scanner to protect you.

Of course, there could be a simpler reason for a corrupted application as well. If your hard disk is damaged or completely filled up to the brim, then applications will malfunction. Scan your hard disk for errors and if you find any, the best solution is to move on to a newer disk. If it’s a space problem, move some data out or backup the infrequently used data onto DVD’s.