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Examines the efficiency of electronic mail and its effectiveness in
aiding decision making. Highlights its main functions and typical usage
and also its advantages to the executive. Concludes that electronic mail
does increase efficiency in the decision‐making process and is not a fad
since executives prefer it to other media.

RésuméNous rapportons les résultats d'une recherche exploratoire menée auprès de 44 gestionnaires et visum à élaborer un prototype d'instrument de mesure de la convivialité perçue d'un chiffrier électronique au terme de son apprentissage. Nos résultats indiquent que l'approche est possible mais doit être raffinée avant d'être généralisée à d'autres logiciels.AbstractThis paper presents the results of an exploratory investigation conducted with 44 managers learning a spreadsheet which suggests that literature guidelines can be used as a starting point to operationally the concept of user friendliness, though our prototype instrument needs refinements.

PurposeSpyware is a controversial software technology that allows the surreptitious collection of personal information from computers linked to the internet. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of spyware in internet shareware and freeware and to investigate the personal information collected.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology was a two‐phase, multi‐case study. The first phase determined that five of the 50 most popular pieces of Windows®‐based freeware and shareware available to internet users from CNETDownload.com were suspected of containing spyware: these were included as data sources for phase two. The purpose of phase two was to confirm the existence of spyware and to identify the types and frequencies of any personal data transmissions. For this phase, data were collected and analyzed utilizing a passive network monitor program to examine packets of data transmitted from a personal computer to external destinations on the internet.FindingsThe findings confirmed the existence and use of spyware in three of five suspected cases. However, the data indicated that there was a low occurrence of spyware and that these programs have the capability to collect numerous types of personal data. The main limitation is that these results are based on a snapshot of data obtained during five days.Practical implicationsThe study has practical implications for internet users, who should be aware that spyware exists and understand its potential threat. Spyware developers should provide the user with an effective removal tool. Finally, marketers are cautioned that spyware might alienate customers.Originality/valueThis paper confirms the potential for misuse of these programs.