User perceptions of computer speed

Abstract

Delays in response times experienced when using a computer can be caused by many factors. One such factor is if the computer is connected to a local area network. Performance measures for a network do not give any indication of the effect the network may have on response times. The first part of this study details one approach that attempts to relate users' perceptions of response times to network performance measures. This approach consists of surveying users working on networked computers at the same time as timing selected computer operations. The results show that users' perceptions of response delays do not correlate with network activity.

A second experiment to examine users' perceptions of response times in a more controlled environment is also reported. Users may have expectations of how long the wait for an operation should be, based on their previous experiences, or based on delays experienced when starting a session on the computer. The experiment determines whether users perceive changes in response times for specific operations, and whether a delay when starting the program affects those perceptions. The results indicate that users identify the direction of a change in response times but they are less likely to identify the degree of change. Those users who experience a change in the delay when starting the program on two different occasions are more likely to perceive any changes in delay when using the program.