Response time

[Albert Kemp Jr.]

On Thu, 30 Nov 1995, Hans-Christoph Hobohm wrote:

> >Does anyone know of studies (formal or informal) on how long users of
> >networked computer systems are willing to wait for a document page/image to
> >be displayed?  
> 
> 
> I have _heard_ about 5 seconds. And I always tried to stick to this criteria
> for instance when building web-pages or database interfaces.
> 

Hans....5 seconds sounds a bit unrealistic, especially when one considers
that not every service provider out there is running SGI Indy servers,
and not every user has a T3 connection to the net, with a fiber optic line 
running through their building.  There are numerous other factors that can 
influence network throughput and system performance.  Cirumstances will
vary from one user to another and therefore any studies of the kind that
Michael was inquiring about can only be used as a sample.

However, let me say that any developer of web material is wise to consider
this issue when constructing pages, interfaces, etc. as it will benefit
equally those who are still using 2400 baud modems, as well as those with 
a direct connection.

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