OCEAN STATE FREE-NET USER SURVEY RESULTS 223 users submitted a survey, a return rate of approximately 10% (there are an estimated 2,500 active users). 1. Where do you log-in from most often? telnet from another location (please specify) Academic Institution - (9) 4% Commercial Provider - (1) .4% Other - (1) .4% Public Access Workstation (please specify) Library - (7) 3% School - (2) .8% Other - 0 Dial-in through RINet from (please specify) Home - (176) 79% Work - (25) 11% 2. What other on-line services do you use? America-On-Line - (47) 21% Hands-Net - (1) .4% CompuServe - (23) 10% Ids - (23) 10% BBS - (9) 4% LORI - 0 Prodigy - (13) 6% None - (130) 58% Other Internet Provider - (48) 21.5% University/College - (5) 2% No response - (27) 12% 3. Does your communications software allow for automatic redial when you get a busy signal? Yes - (196) 88% No - (15) 7% I Don't Know - (12) 5% 4. How long have you been an Ocean State Free-Net user? Six months or less - (52) 23% More than six months but less than one year - (59) 26% One year or more but less than two years - (85) 38% Two years or more - (27) 12% 5. On average, how often do you log on to the OSFN? Occasionally - (12) 5% Once per month - (5) 2% Twice per month - (3) 1% Three times per month - (11) 5% Once a week - (15) 7% Twice a week - (20) 9% Three to four times per week - (41) 18% Five to six times per week - (28) 12.5% Once a day - (38) 17% More than once per day - (50) 22.5% 5a. If you log on to OSFN more than once per day, on average how many times per day do you log on? Two times - (28) 12.5% Three times - (21) 10% Four times - (5) 2.5% Five times - (6) 3% Six times - (1) .4% Seven times - (1) .4% Eight times - (2) 1% Nine times - (1) .4% 6. What time of day do you most frequently log on? 6:00AM-8:00AM - (27) 12% 8:00 AM-10:00AM - (33) 15% 10:00 AM - 12:00PM - (18) 8% 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - (7) 3% 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - (13) 5% 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - (19) 8% 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - (37) 17% 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM - (47) 21% 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM - (15) 7% 12:00 AM - 6:00 AM - (9) 4% 7. Of the following, which OSFN features have you used? On-Line Services e-mail - (218) 98% file transfers with other OSFN users (ups) - (43) 19% gopher - (131) 59% IRC - (61) 27% lynx/www - (134) 60% listservs -(62) 28% Other Free-Nets - (102) 46% Local Content Local newsgroups/discussion groups - (64) 29% Local information - (79) 35% Library catalogs - (136) 61% 8. In the space below please list the three OSFN resources you use most frequently: e-mail - (178) 80% file transfers/ups - (6) 3% IRC (chat) - (35) 16% lynx/www - (87) 39% listservs - (16) 7% Other free-nets - (49) 22% Local & State Gov't. info. - (16) 7% gophers - (41) 18% Library catalogs - (63) 28% Local info. - (27) 12% Local newsgroups/discussion groups - (23) 10% 9. Please give us an example or two of how you've used local information, and what purpose you've had for accessing it: (5) - I use the local newsgroups for information and enjoyment (46) - I have done library searches and holds from home/work I use the General Discussion Board in the Public Square it is a great deal of fun. (3) - I use the OSIS area frequently for information about the Internet (2) - I get meeting locations and technology updates from the OSIS area (5) - I get local and national weather forecasts/reports (8) - The Arts/Culture information is very helpful and fun (4) - I have obtained information about sight-seeing and local events in Rhode Island I searched for Bed and Breakfasts for visitors to RI and for campgrounds for myself I'm awaiting further development of the on-line Banner Trail feature (20) - I get information about RI State government & all the agencies (6) - I go to the Governor's homepage (4) - I have been able to track specific bills currently at the State House, and then I am able to make comments to my representatives I was able to locate local City information (Providence) and then share it with my Neighborhood Association I gophered to ERIC and got lots of information for my job I was able to obtain information about my Town Council members (3) - It has taught me how to use the internet I have looked up State regulations and laws I have obtained addresses and phone numbers of local politicians (16) - I have used OSFN for employment information and to do job searches (3) - I have met lots of people through Chat It gives me access to a listserv with specialized information on medical and disability issues I was able to get information to help me fill out college financial aid applications 10. What additional resources would you like to see on OSFN that are not currently there? (specifically local content) (14) - Much more State and Local Government information - including all the databases from state agencies (health surveys, employment, wage and other relevant information, police reports, tax info, etc.). (and please update what is already there - The Governor's Page) (2) - Interactive access with the Government homepages, specifically the GovernorÕs office and the legislative branches (5) - I want to see proposed legislation and reports on how it progresses (2) - Decisions of the RI Supreme Court A list of vendors for disability services (i.e. training and equipment) (3) - Employment (job) information needs to be more accessible. Not just the descriptions of the DET and related services, but also job search resources. This information is available through the www. The local listings should be available on OSFN. (2) - Link current job search information with the career planning department at Brown and add professional jobs, not just clerical (4) - Information from local nonprofits and national nonprofits - give them web sites (e.g. ACLU, Samaritans, Save the Bay,) (8) - More usenet news groups and local newsgroups (including areas for Apple users, artists, writers, a Save the Bay group, etc..) (6) - Easier access to weather and local marine forecasts (9) - Local News (5) - A web site with the Providence Journal archives (4) It is fine the way it is (3) - Local TV news link A non-commercial classified section More computer/networking information and resources Instant RI Lottery results. An on-line encyclopedia (e.g. Comptons or Grolier) (6) More local government information and happenings - including times and agendas of local council meetings and then the minutes following (it would also be nice to be able to e-mail my opinions in and not have to attend) I would like to see more international news about particular countries, particularly Latin America, Mexico and Liberia. I would like to connect with the NY Times, where I can do research on international stories that interest me. (3) - An intensive tutorial on the internet (to print out or purchase) (4) - List everything from the NYNEX Blue Pages - all government addresses, phones, e-mail addresses if they have them, etc. Course registration for URI and RIC I would like to see the Washington DC IRC reinstalled On-line access to Sea Grant (URI) publications with on-line ordering (4) - Some local on-line education/courses offered A RI Monthly page (3) - A restaurant guide (10) - A local Arts and entertainment calendar (5) - Local recreation opportunities (3) - Add an area for local High School, College and Professional sports scores and stories A business area with more local businesses in it Vital Statistics on-line (2) - A listing of available RI housing/housing information Add more listservs and link related ones (7) - Increased access to local web sites (3) - RIPTA Bus Schedules and rates for the whole state MBTA train schedules and rates Beach hours and park information (3) - A listing of local political events/voting information (2) - A local download section of public domain software and shareware Add games Easier access to out of state libraries A meeting or listserv system to allow business to have some dialogue with public education - would include conversation on school-to-work transition, school-curriculum, finding student interns, finding faculty looking for summer work, etc. A listserv with state agencies, businesses and nonprofits working on defense conversion - RI is still losing jobs and tax base as defense builds down. 11. Please indicate your satisfaction with the OSFN in the following areas: Registration: Very Satisfied - 55% Satisfied - 21.5% Somewhat Satisfied - 20.5% Not Satisfied - 3% Configuration of menus: Very Satisfied - 23% Satisfied - 34% Somewhat Satisfied - 37% Not Satisfied - 15% Look and Feel/user friendly: Very Satisfied - 17% Satisfied - 32% Somewhat Satisfied - 31% Not Satisfied - 19% Responsiveness of Helpdesk: Very Satisfied - 16% Satisfied - 15% Somewhat Satisfied - 22% Not Satisfied - 10% Responsiveness of Steering Committee: Very Satisfied - 7% Satisfied - 12% Somewhat Satisfied - 22% Not Satisfied - 10% Convenience/ease of dialing in: Very Satisfied - 14% Satisfied - 11% Somewhat Satisfied - 25% Not Satisfied - 43% Responsiveness of Technical Staff: Very Satisfied - 17% Satisfied - 15% Somewhat Satisfied - 17% Not Satisfied - 12% On-line services: Very Satisfied - 22% Satisfied - 27% Somewhat Satisfied - 27% Not Satisfied - 9% Local information/content: Very Satisfied - 12% Satisfied - 28% Somewhat Satisfied - 29% Not Satisfied - 9% On-line help files: Very Satisfied - 10% Satisfied - 25% Somewhat Satisfied - 25% Not Satisfied - 19% 12. What do you most enjoy about using the Ocean State Free-Net? (13) - It's Local (13) - It has introduced me to the internet - a chance to explore and get my feet wet (27) - It's free (79) - e-mail (28) - lynx/www (6) - FTP (3) - telnet - (where did it go)? (23) - IRC-Chat (5) - The General Discussion Board and local discussion groups/newsgroups (5) - Other Free-Nets (3) - The weather services The flexibility of communicating with anyone on-line - it's like ham radio - we are hooked! (2) - Access to academic information (8) - The local people I have met - the on-line community (6) - gophering (7) - OSFNÕs low cost made access to the internet possible for me (5) - The ability to access Government (State and Local) information. (8) - It's simple, easy to use, direct and to the point. (6) - The huge variety of information (9) - Access to listservs (2) - Access to the World from home The ability to locate and ftp shareware that I would not be able to afford otherwise The quality of written communication, the quickness of acquiring information. Access to religious political or scientific view points not available locally (17) - Access to local libraries I live and work in Maryland, I wanted an OSFN account in order to have an e-mail address and to do library research during the several weeks I spend in RI each year. 13. What suggestions do you have concerning possible improvements to the Ocean State Free-Net? (2) - Chat lines are full of teenage garbage set some policies about use of IRC (37) - Add graphical browsing capabilities (to support Netscape) and make the system graphically based (4) - Would like to see a search tool like veronica and the Slipknot browser I would like anonymous FTP (13) - More on-line help in non-technical terms. Need a user-friendly Administration. Tell the users what's going on up front! Convince West Warwick Library to allow holds on books (12) - Better and easier access to www/more sites (7) - Easier file transfer (like Tallahassee and Cleveland)(ftp of non-ascii files). (2) - Give us back Washington DC IRC (2) - Speed up the system and upgrade the technology Many of the "GO" commands do not work properly. Assist in establishing more local information resources Make the system more user friendly (6) - ftp is really slow and ftp of binary files (3) - Need more than the 1 hour time limit The systems "file system is full" occurs too Frequently. Enforce the file storage limit-(delete files after so many days). Have REAL USERS on the Steering Committee. (most of the committee folks now seldom use the OSFN. Some don't even have accounts!) Committee members who were real users would really try to improve things. Make use of volunteer users to help develop the OSFN into something good, if that is possible at this point. The Steering Committee needs to realize that the users are the greatest source of energy and resources - be inclusive! Expand the user base as widely as possible, especially to groups who would not otherwise have access to the Internet. Fundraise from the users if you truly include the users I want to be able to access URI and Brown Make the system more reliable (2) - Add usenet groups Develop a system so user groups can take initiative to form and establish interest groups on OSFN to share concerns, ideas and establish community - current newsgroup technology is cumbersome. I would like to be able to back space in VT 100 emulation More weather and easier to get to. Evaluate the TAOS/LaPlaza Community Network model. (3) - Restore the capabilities recently removed from the lynx. (8) - Change e-mail - it would be nice to be able to view all mail, rather than just 4 or 5 at a time and a better editor. Get the PINE mail system. Try adding SMTP & POPmail access for those of us who just want to check our mail. (5) - Want to create our own e-mail directories of frequently called addresses (3) - Consider having OSFN - devoted access phones. Why the middle-man? Should be able to call into OSFN direct, without two sets of Usernames and Passwords. The other Free-Nets do not have a "RINet" to deal with. Get volunteer programmers from local computer user groups to volunteer or compete to redesign the interface. (3) - A zip utility file (zipfile) would be great Put members of OSIS on the Board Have a fund drive each year and do something good with the funds. Must have USER representation in deciding what to do with the money, though! (2) - Between 5-9pm the same kids on for hours at a time, its very difficult to get in (6) - Change the menu system. While the city metaphor is interesting, it is simply difficult to navigate. Menu should be simpler. Why should users have to use a decoder ring just to get to where they want to go. (53) - Increase capacity, give us more access/more modems - sick of busy signals! Establish a telephone number restricted to only e-mail users The only time I can immediately get on line is either very late in the evening or early in the morning. (3) - Explicit lessons about how to use the Internet Some groups to have - For sale, pen pals, literary section and jobs wanted Perhaps a user fee such as on CIAO of $25.00 per year Adding color would be nice The limitations on receipt or decoding of Cyrillic documents and the inability to access graphic materials (e.g. maps) is a hassle Easier and faster registration Set a policy for use by children - maybe different accounts and limited hours and access Offer an on-line course on the possibilities available More freenets on the telport list Develop "how to" brochures with common questions and problems Develop a local "Yankee Trader" type area Chat room strictly for seniors Need a manual giving instructions for using OSFN. (2) - System is slow (2) - The look and feel is antiquated - most new and potential users must be very uncomfortable not to be able to use a mouse to navigate the service. Give us more work space. (3) - Editing is a pain if you are use to a Windows interface (2) - I would like lynx updated to the latest version (version 2.4) I would like all members of CLAN system to provide ability to review patron record. There is a need for a teen-corner, so they can be safe from adults. (3) - More emphasis on information - less on Chat. Reading Room, a list of the best or most interesting books and a way to get them on-line to read in sections at a time or a story hour for the children (5) - The ability to down load files, it is currently a pain - too many steps and many things are off limits. Allow two names on an account (4) - Make sure you can correct problems over the weekend and after 4:00 PM Provide a list of web site addresses to users that are linked - put the list in each library site too. My numbers (Cumberland and Providence) are always busy, but I always get through on Portsmouth (a toll call). Is Portsmouth underutilized? Could resources be re-allocated? (2) - Allow users to choose usernames (16) - In general more of everything - many selections are empty! (9) - Reconfigure the Board - put users on it, how can non-users make decisions for the rest of us responsibly? (4) - Let users have SLIP accounts Where is the veterans information? Re-enable saving web files to disk or OSFN will simply be a bad local bbs. Shrinking the Internet to passive TV watching is a disservice to all. It would also make sense to configure the software so these files save to the callerÕs disk rather than to OSFN, which requires a double download and is a waste of time. Re-enable the DIREDIT functions so on-line time is not spent manually deleting saved files. Configure the software to accept off-line reader software; this would drastically reduce the busy signals. Retrieval of information for browsing off-line should be a standard option for any service with limited in dial capacity and a large population of users. Get a SYSOP - have a named person to direct bug reports and function requests to. (22) - Re-enable telnet. This progressive loss of function represents an alarming devolution of OSFN. Get forms capability and use OSFN callers as a focus group - real local issues could be floated and voted on - a great straw poll. OSFN could be one of the best things about the state but the current attitude seems to be to yank functions out from under users, as though were trespassing, or children likely to damage the equipment. The Local Government area is very shallow. The information there was stale for a long time. Officials names were obsolete. State information was not very useful. Jobs and employment information is misleading and not helpful. If individuals are to use the OSFN as an aid for employment search (a real service) then it should be more accessible and complete. Mail slots for elected officials Users need to be better informed of changes and need to have a voice in those changes (OSFN is the worst Free-Net in this regards - I belong to 10 - other Free-Net's seek and respect users opinions). (6) - Limit access for regular users to 2 hours per day to allow more people access Rewrite OSFN Software to include a separate direct connection IRC # for the kids so the users of other areas can still get in using standard mode # without loosing access due to kids on IRC. Gain access to Finger command (5) - PINE editor for E-mail/off-line mail readers (to download mail easily) (5) - Offer full IRC including Chat rooms and two-way Chat Charge a small fee of $10.00 a month to have 24-hour full access to the internet (2) - Offer software for ham radio (3) - Offer more editors 14. How has the Ocean State Free-Net helped you or changed your life? (3) - It keeps me in contact with friends and associates (20) - The ability to find information. (12) - It has allowed me internet access that I could not afford otherwise - Thank you! (5) - It has helped with my school work - my grades have improved. (10) - It has helped me with my job/business e-mail allows immediate advocacy on many issues. (3) - It has provided me with unprecedented access to local government and policy information. It is the best! We are both retired, on a fixed income, when our children moved away they gave us a computer and introduced us to OSFN. We e-mail them frequently. We could never afford the services provided by other on-line commercial services, thank you for OSFN! (2) - I have gained computer confidence - thanks! I canÕt thank RI enough for the OSFN! My self-esteem has improved - I now have a girlfriend that I met on-line. It has given me a broader outlook on World situations and given me something constructive to do in my search for knowledge -- itÕs one of the best time consuming activities that I ever got involved in! I have taken several courses by e-mail and OSFN is my only e-mail access -- expands my horizons. (2) - I am disabled and it allows me access to the World It has brought me a great deal of pleasure It's appearance on the RI telecom scene reveals that technologically astute, visionary people are working hard to improve access to information and community development in the State, however, it's lack of general use reveals how much work is needed in RI to bring telecom awareness up to general US and global standards (4) - I watch less TV I have made friends on the IRC from all over the World Met many folks that I otherwise would not have. I spend lots more time at the computer. (13) - Access to the libraries has saved much time and driving - itÕs great! Have better insight into how agencies and organizations in Rhode Island are administered. (8) - Great source of information both local and beyond. The Freedom to communicate quickly and easily. (5) - ItÕs fun! (39) - e-mail has allowed me to connect to many people and places. Gave me a great and inexpensive introduction to the internet. (22) - It has opened the internet to me - a great introduction I stay in touch with a volunteer non-profit historical group which is a distance from me. We use e-mail to get messages to and from each other. Time is short, travel is inexpensive. I find the IRC one of the most useful and enjoyable resources on the OSFN - please donÕt let a few bad eggs ruin it for the rest of us! I am continually impress with the new features I find. I am amazed to find this quiet commitment to a democratic use of information in RI, and IÕm proud to be a member of such an initiative. This service sets the tone of universal access at a critical point in the information revolution. Keep it up!! WWW saved me hours of time and miles of traveling in search of information. (9) - I am able to stay in contact with family more often and I save money on long distance calls. I am able to communicate globally OSFN has changed my life greatly by giving me much needed relaxation from the daily routine of taking care of two small children in a home without the help of another adult. OSFN has the potential to become a major source of education, resources, views, opinions, research, global communication and much more. Unfortunately, even when you finally do get on-line (which is rare these days), you quickly discover that this potential (not to mention all the phone lines and modems) is being wasted on users tying up the network with useless juvenile ÒchatÓ. The old CB radio and antenna has been replaced by the PC and the modem. And, as happened to CB radio users, anyone who wanted a useable and reliable system simply went elsewhere and left CB to the foul-mouths and fools. I think OSFN is allowing itself to head for the same fate. It has allowed me to be part of a community electronic network (4) - My typing skills have been increased I have been able to contact Spanish speaking people, my English as a second language has improved. INFORMATION ABOUT YOU: 15. Your Age: Under 5 - 0 5-17 - (19) 8.5% 18-20 - (2) 1% 21-24 - (9) 4% 25-44 - (88) 39% 45-54 - (48) 21.5% 55-59 - (23) 10% 60-64 - (17) 8% 65-74 - (12) 5% 75-84 - (3) 2% 85 or older - 0 No response - (2) 1% 16. Your Gender: Male - (178) 78% Female - (41) 18% No Response - (4) 2% 17. Your race/ethnicity: White - (173) 78% African American - (3) 1.5% Hispanic - (1) .4% Asian/Pacific Islander - 0 Native American - (2) 1% Other - (20) 9% 18. Town of Residence (in Rhode Island): Barrington - 5 Bristol - 5 Burrillville - 2 Central Falls - 1 Charlestown - 2 Chepachet - 1 Coventry - 9 Cranston - 15 Cumberland - 10 East Greenwich - 3 East Providence - 7 Gloscester - 1 Jamestown - 6 Johnston - 5 Lincoln - 4 Little Compton - 1 Middletown - 6 Narragansett - 1 Newport - 9 North Kingstown - 13 North Providence - 2 North Smithfield - 3 Pascoag - 1 Pawtucket - 11 Peace Dale - 1 Portsmouth - 4 Providence - 30 Rumford - 3 Slatersville - 1 Smithfield - 2 South Kingstown - 3 Tiverton - 10 Wakefield - 4 Warren - 1 Warwick - 2 Westerly - 3 West Greenwich - 2 West Warwick - 3 Woonsocket - 7 19. Town and State of Residence (outside of Rhode Island): Seekonk, MA Cleveland, OH Wadsworth, OH Clinton, MD Somerset, MA Fruitvale, British Columbia, Canada Rehoboth, MA 20. # of adults in your household One - (35) 16% Two - (138) 62% Three - (27) 12% Four - (10) 4% Five - (2) 1% No response -(11) 5% 21. # of children under 18 in your household Zero - (133) 60% One - (39) 17% Two - (35) 16% Three - (15) 7% Four - (1) .4% 22. # of OSFN accounts in your household One - (171) 77% Two - (33) 15% Three - (5) 2% Four - (2) 1% No response - (12) 5% 23. Household income: Less than $10,000 annually - (7) 3% $10,001 to $15,000 - (3) 1% $15,001 to $20,000 - (13) 6% $20,001 to $30,000 - (22) 10% $30,001 to $40,000 - (35) 16% $40,001 to $50,000 - (28) 13% $50,001 to $60,000 - (17) 8% $60,001 to $75,000 - (17) 8% $75,001 or more - (31) 14% No response - (50) 22% 24. What kind of software/operating system are you using? DOS - (109) 49% Macintosh -(39) 17% Windows - (145) 65% UNIX -(12) 5% OS/2 - (4) 2% Other - (19) 9% I don't know - (2) 1% 25. What kind of hardware are you using? PC 286 - (8) 4% PC 386 - (22) 10% PC 486 - (57) 26% Other IBM compatible - (35) 16% PC -XT - (1) .4% PC - AT - 0 UNIX - (2) 1% Compaq (presario) - (9) 4% Pentium machines - (11) 5% Macintosh (older models, SE's, Quadras, etc.) - (10) 5% Macintosh Performas - (7) 3% Macintosh Power PC - (10) 5% Other - (39) 5% No response - (12) 5% .