Tuesday, April 6

News.com reports that this month Compaq will begin offering PCs pre-configured to access the Internet through Hughes Network Systems DirecPC Internet satellite service. Compaq already offers PCs with cable and DSL modems.

California bill AB991 would require telephone carriers such as Pacific Bell to allow other companies to offer DSL service through their equipment.

In response to complains from privacy groups, Windows has issued a software tool to remove the GUID number from Windows 98 systems. The GUID (Global User ID) uniquely identifies a computer, much as Intel's Pentium III chips can contain an identifying ID number. The GUID is transmitted to Microsoft by the Windows 98 Registration Wizard, and can be read by web sites using an ActiveX control.

InfoWorld reports that Microsoft Office 2000 will require Internet Explorer 5.0 for many of its features.

Add John Giannandrea to the list of people leaving AOL/Netscape. The five-year Netscape veteran created the Smart Browsing feature. Jamie Zawinski resigned last week.

Apple has a new iMac flavor: hot tamale. An iMac production plant in Mexico was damaged in a fire. No injuries were reported, but iMac production may be affected.

Chris Range sent us a link for Baddesigns.com, which chronicles poor design in everyday objects. The site's motto: "When simple things have signs, especially homemade signs, it is usually a signal that they aren't well-designed." For examples of poor web design, visit the venerable Webpagesthatsuck.com.

Friday, April 9

Viking Components is shipping a new USB modem with a suggested retail of $119. This is USB modem #9 on the Link Board.

Apple has a modem update package for the iMac and PowerBook G3s. The firmware was previously released in February, but the CCL files (modem scripts) are new.

The San Francisco Chronicle looks at Pac Bell's new low-cost DSL service and other high speed alternatives.

David Smith, the alleged author of the Melissa virus, appeared in court in New Jersey on Thursday to hear the charges against him. He was not required to enter a plea, and he made no statement following the hearing. Meanwhile, a Swedish virus analyst believes someone else may have written the virus.

The New Scientist dismisses the idea that cell phone microwave radiation causes cancer, but presents evidence that cell phone usage actually improves reaction time. The article includes links to other information on cell phones and health, such as Microwavenews.com.

Reliable Software Technologies has discovered a Java security hole, though Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine is not affected:

The flaw allows an attacker to create a booby-trapped Web page, so that when a victim views the page, the attacker seizes control of the victim's machine and can do whatever he wants, including reading and deleting files, and snooping on any data and activities on the victim's machine.

Possible proof that Microsoft is Satan department

Found on a default screen for Microsoft's Internet Information Server:

A good place to begin browsing the Internet is www.microsoft.com, where you will find information about Microsoft products. ... Another good place to start browsing is The Microsoft Network Web site.

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