Users' Attitude and Strategies in Information Management With Multiple Computers

Abstract

This article reports the result of a survey study on how users utilize multiple computers in personal information management tasks. Two hundred ninety-five experienced computer users answered questions regarding the selective use of computers in three usage scenarios in managing multiple types of information: files, bookmarks, and e-mails. Results showed that users pursue simple computing environment by simplifying multiple computer configurations, avoiding distribution of information among multiple computers, and avoiding conceptual distinction of multiple computers. Selective use of a computer was based on the characteristics of the computers and the tasks to be performed. Information retrieval was still primarily done manually due to problems of memory decay and information overload. It was concluded that user attitudes and strategies in using multiple computers were characterized by reactive coping and avoidance of challenges. This article provides evidence of users' problems with multiple computers and highlights the need to support the seamless usage of multiple computers.