Jul 1, 2006 | file_sharing, software, web_services
Windows Live Messenger is now the official face of Microsoft instant messaging. It takes over from MSN Messenger, but it doesn’t alleviate the confusion between it and the messenger program built into Windows XP. (I routinely remove the built-in program –...
Jun 8, 2006 | parents, software, web_services
Over the years various programs have promised to filter Internet browsing to prevent access to inappropriate content. Net Nanny, for example, was reputed to be one of the leaders a couple of years ago, but I found it wildly confusing and abandoned it almost...
May 31, 2006 | audio, business, web_services
Recently I wrote some notes about Sony’s record of failure in developing consumer electronics and music products. Here’s the story behind the collapse of the Sony Connect online music store, a tangled tale of personalities and corporate politics gone...
May 28, 2006 | audio, business, DRM, web_services
The Urge music service, an iTunes competitor jointly sponsored by Microsoft and MTV, is supposed to be one of the major selling points of the new Windows Media Player 11. When I clicked on it the first time, the service asked permission to download some software. I...
May 5, 2006 | audio, web_services
After the death of the file sharing program, the Napster brand was revived for an online music web site. There’s been speculation that it was struggling to survive in a world dominated by Apple’s iTunes.Napster’s newest promotion is pretty enticing....
Apr 14, 2006 | hardware, phone, web_services
Skype has a hard-earned reputation for handling Internet telephone calls with style – simple interface, great voice quality. Installing the software is a snap. Calling another Skype user anywhere in the world is free; it’s relatively cheap to add the...
