A survey carried out by the consumer watchdog, Which?, has given some interesting insights into the UK perception of the Internet.

Over 70% of all those questioned expressed the opinion that the internet had become "essential".

Results also showed that, on average, a UK Internet user will spend seven hours a week online, and visit 13 different websites in that time. However, nine percent of all users spend more than 20 hours a week online.

The report also found that over 19 million UK adults (that's over 40%) now use the internet regularly. Men make up just over half of those users. Growth in this area has slowed, however - only 11% last year, compared with 33% the previous 12 months.

Nearly 75% of all those questioned admitted using the Internet for personal use while at work, but only 14% of those felt guilty for doing so.

See www.which.net