iPod and other MP3 users who download music from online music stores are causing major problems at work, a new study has shown.

According to IT firm Touchpaper, the proliferation of people using gadgets such as the iPod at work, is leading to slower running computers and other more serious technical problems.

It was discovered that a third of internet users download music, while over one in ten (12 per cent) download videos.

The Touchpaper poll also revealed that almost two-thirds of managers believe that their computer systems are being adversely affected by downloading.

Graham Ridgeway, CEO of Touchpaper, commented: “Our study highlights the increasing pressure on IT service departments today with issues such as viruses, gadgets and people tinkering with their computers adding to the problems.”

“MP3 players and other gadgets can eat up data storage space and slow down the network, so it’s no wonder IT directors are complaining,” he said.

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