New York Times Millennium/Microsoft Poll, July 1999

This special topic poll, fielded July 17-19, 1999, focused on respondents' perceptions of themselves and of others in society, as well as their opinions about the future of the next generation as the year 2000 approached. Those queried were asked to assess the importance of the following in their own lives: being married, having children, physical appearance, financial security, faith in God, ability to communicate feelings, good health, having many friends, standing up for oneself, job satisfaction, and ability to handle life's challenges. Respondents were also asked to consider the qualities of other individuals in society, including whether others were generally helpful, trustworthy, self-centered, appreciated, and likely to take advantage of others. Those queried were asked to consider their personal and professional growth over time, and to assess their satisfaction with their place in life. A series of questions addressed respondents' opinions about the future of families, moral and ethical standards in the United States, and the environment. Respondents' opinions were also elicited on the anti-trust case in which the United States government and 20 states accused Microsoft of using its Windows operating system to eliminate competition. Demographic variables include age, sex, education, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, marital status, computer access, age of children in household, race, Hispanic descent, stock market investments, and household income.