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Ford shows 24x7 Web car – If you had any doubts about the Internet converging into every aspect of life, consider the Ford Motor Company Internet and PC-enabled prototype car called the "24x7." The vehicle was on display at the JavaOne convention in California this week, the first time a major automaker has exhibited at a computer show. The car, which looks like a cross between a HummVee and a VW beetle, features an all digital dashboard that uses virtual displays and voice-activated commands, instead of traditional buttons and switches. While it displays the critical information a driver needs like speed, engine temperature, and the like in a design style that can be configured to the taste of the individual user, it uses an Internet connection and onboard computer to display maps and driving directions, read e-mail, and to deliver by synthesized voice the latest news and sports. To see what's behind you look at the video screen which displays images from a pair of  backwards-pointing video cameras. The screen also shows videos from a built-in VCR. It's all experimental, says Ford, and the car is not intended for actual production, only to show the possibilities of how wireless Internet technology and PC-based mobile processors can be mixed to enhance the driving experience.

Internet security workers on alert - A network security firm has alerted the FBI that 2,000 computers around the world infected with a so-called "zombie" virus that could be "awakened" by hackers to launch denial of service attacks on major Web sites. The program, which masquerades as an attached pornographic video file, was initially distributed in the alt.sex online newsgroups. Since then, anti-virus software agents for Network Security Technologies have infiltrated hacker chat groups and intercepted messages indicating the hackers, identified as "Serbian" and "Badman," tested their network of infected computers Wednesday night and could launch an attack at any time. The list of compromised computers obtained by the company, some of which were home machines attached to the Net via cable modem or DSL lines, was turned over to the FBI. The security firm suspects the hackers are adding to their numbers daily and could soon launch a major attack. "They're gathering up their armies, and as that number increases, so will their testosterone level," said Todd Waskelis, a vice president at NETSEC. Other experts weren't so sure, noting that most anti-virus software in use today would detect the virus as it is installed and eradicate it before it can do any damage.

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Download Estimator

What ever your connection speed, a dial up, ISDN, Cable, LAN or xDSL, you just type in the size of the file and your current connection speed and it automatically calculates the time to download. Very handy if you are downloading a very large file and want to catch some shut-eye while it downloads and wake up later to disconnect.
Click here for more information and your "free" download.   

Version Conflict Manager in Win98

Are you confused as to whether to keep older versions of files or drivers as you install programs on you Win98 system.  Use this handy little known program on Win98 to make the easy decision or fix what you have messed up.

 

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