The most important use for the Internet to home users is research and information gathering, according to a 1998 study done by Evans Research Corp. Thirty-four per cent of respondents listed it as their top choice, while 18 per cent chose e-mail.
However, 56 per cent of respondents had used the Internet to shop in the past, with 36 per cent purchasing something on a monthly basis.
Those surveyed were asked to list three things they would consider buying online. Computer software was the most popular choice, with computer equipment and books rounding out the top three.
Source:Evans Research Corp., cited in The Globe and Mail, December 8, 1998
