Which of the following is a sign that a computer's performance is degrading?

Increased boot time is a clear indicator of a computer's performance degrading. When a computer starts taking longer to boot up, it often suggests that there may be underlying issues such as a fragmented hard drive, insufficient RAM, or the presence of unnecessary startup programs that slow down the loading process. This increase in boot time can also be symptomatic of hardware failures or corruption within the operating system that might require attention.

On the other hand, higher graphics performance and shorter response times are generally signs of a system operating well. These factors indicate that the hardware, particularly the graphics card and processor, are functioning optimally. Frequent software updates, while they may seem inconvenient, are typically aimed at improving performance and security rather than indicating degradation. Hence, they do not suggest that performance is declining; in fact, they often help to maintain or enhance system efficiency.