Use and Utility of Alternative Information Sources about PCS: A Disk-Based Survey of PC User Group Members

Abstract

A disk-based interviewing techmque is used to conduct an extensive survey among members of a large PC user group The survey includes a series of questions on the sources of technical knowledge used by these PC users to gain information about software and hardware. The extent of use and the relative utility of 11 alternative sources of information are assessed. Data on the information source attributes and on the end-user characteristics that might affect the use and utility of the information sources are also analyzed. We conclude that PC magazine articles and friends and colleagues are the most frequently used sources and that these 2 sources and user group members are attributed the greatest utility. In general, whereas accessibility is the most important factor in determining the level of use of an information source, those sources that are less biased and more interpersonal receive the highest utility scores from end users. Keywords personal computers, information utility, information use, user groups, disk-based surveys, opinion leaders, end users.