Research Firm Lowers 2006 PC Sales Forecast

Market researcher IDC cut its forecast for U.S. personal computer sales this year because of less spending by government agencies and Microsoft Corp.’s delayed operating system.

IDC predicts 2006 growth of 6.7% to 68.2 million PCs shipped. That’s down from a November forecast of 8.7% growth to 69.5 million PCs, the Framingham, Mass.-based company said.