• Ask AW Delayed...
  Time: 17:08 EST/22:08 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Dennis Gregory

  We have delayed the Ask AW section, because we are still investigating one question, and considering its Halloween, most people are probably not online tonight. So it just makes sense to release it when the most people are visiting. We'll see you tomorrow! Btw... Chuck, its your TSRQuery issue we are investigating and we should have an answer for you when we release Ask AW.

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• Omikron: The Nomad Soul - Review
  Time: 10:03 EST/15:17 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Byron Hinson

  I have posted my review of the new game from Eidos Interactive called Omikron: The Nomad Soul. Here is a snippet from the review:

  Both music and sound are used to great effect during the game, the music more so. The David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels soundtrack and ambiance music is very well suited to the game. Most of the David Bowie tracks are only played when you visit one of the bars his band is playing in (You pick up flyers that tell you where the next gig is). Unfortunately though you can't actually skip any of these virtual concerts.

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• Ask AW!
  Time: 09:02 EST/14:02 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Dennis Gregory

  Ask AW will be premiering today! We only received 2 questions!!! If you have ANY questions you'd like to ask us about ANYTHING computer/technical related, please email us at askaw@activewin.com so your question will be included in the premiere!

  I'm not going to be the one to answer them! Everyone on the AW team has access to them and has the chance to answer them! So if you have a question to Byron or Bob or whoever, email askaw@activewin.com!

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• Daylight Savings Time Apology
  Time: 09:00 EST/14:00 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Dennis Gregory

  I am very sorry about my post regarding Daylight Savings Time, I didn't think of others in the southern hemisphere who took offense to my post. However, if you look at the post again, there is the way to change your clock for it, whether you're in Antartica or Asia!

  Thanks for visiting ActiveWindows, and we sincerely apologize for the problems the post may have caused.

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• Site News
  Time: 06:03 EST/11:35 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Byron Hinson

  Hi Everyone, happy Halloween to you all. As you can tell we have made a few main page and navigation changes on the site over the weekend, if you don't like them or have any site suggestions, just e-mail them in to me or post them on our community message board.

  Remember to sign up for our online community where you can chat with us and ask questions via our message board, our next chat is on November 13th so mark your calendars. On another note, our new domain for ActiveLinux, A website dedicated to Linux news, tips, downloads and articles which will be run in a similar fashion to ActiveWindows will be http://www.activelinux.net for all of those who have been asking. We are still after a few more Linux fans to help us run it, if you are interested then drop us a line ASAP as we have already started full work on the new site. Here is a list of our upcoming reviews:

  Hardware: Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Racing Wheel, Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer, Regular Visor, Microtek SlimScan6, SoundBlaster Live! Platinum
  Software: Reverent, The Nomad Soul, Asheron's Call, Unreal Tournament, Wheel Of Time, Delta Force 2, Nocturne, Fifa 2000, Prince Of Persia 3D, Flight Simulator 2000 Pro, Pandora's Box, Links LS 2000, Firestorm, System Shock 2, Rogue Spear, Driver
  Applications: Corel Suite 9, Vizact 2000

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• Online Chat Reminder
  Time: 18:03 EDT/23:03 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Byron Hinson

  Just a final note to remind you that our first online chat in a long time will start in just under an hour, so remember to join us for a general chat about windows/dvd/games/linux and just about anything else you feel like.

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• Daylight Savings Time
  Time: 11:30 EDT/16:30 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Dennis Gregory

  With Halloween approaching, we thought we'd remind you to push back your clocks one hour tonight. If you're lazy, Microsoft has implemented a feature in their clock program just for you! Here's how to get Windows to automatically update its time for Daylight savings time, and it will remind you to change your other clocks.
  
  

  • Double click your time at the lower right hand corner of your screen. If you have that disabled, go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Date/Time
  • Go into the Time Zone Tab, and check "Automatically adjust clock for daylight savings time changes"

  That's it! We at ActiveWindows wish you a happy and safe Halloween! We hope you like our slight changes to our posts and layout!

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• Asheron's Call Went Gold, Where to get it?
  Time: 11:22 EDT/16:22 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Dennis Gregory

  Sorry, we havn't posted this, but we thought it was pretty much self explanatory when Asheron's Call's beta ended. Asheron's Call did go gold on October 26, 1999. Gold means that it is ready for release. Asheron's Call is expected to be in stores on November 2-4, 1999 depending where you go. You can purchase it online and get it the day its in stores. We've compiled a list to where you can pre-order Asheron's Call and get a free month in addition to the other free month, for a toal of 2 free months!

  GameStop (Babbages & Software Etc) - $ 44.99 - November 2nd
  EBWorld - $ 44.99 - November 2nd

  GameStop uses an overnight delivery and I don't believe EBWorld does, so we recommend GameStop, however with not that many stores online preordering, it will be hard to get it when it first comes out. As thousands of people are preordering it and I doubt they'll have enough copies.

  We will be receiving our Asheron's Call Gold copy next week, and will post an update to our review. If you emailed comments about the review, I will be taking those into consideration when I update it.

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• AOL launches beta for voice-enabled messenger
  Time: 07:19 EDT/12:19 GMT News Source: News.com Posted By: Alex Harris

  America Online is planning to take its AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) service one step closer to the telephone.

  The company is testing a voice-enabled service on its next-generation instant messenger product called AIM Talk. The software allows users to communicate by voice through their PCs by speaking into a computer microphone.

  An AOL representative said the company plans to officially release the new software by the end of this year.

  AOL's messenger product has gained enormous popularity that spans beyond its proprietary membership. Web users who are not AOL members can download the software and communicate in real time with AOL members and other AIM users.

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• Rambus-based PCs set to debut at Comdex
  Time: 07:15 EDT/12:15 GMT News Source: News.com Posted By: Alex Harris

  PCs containing next-generation Rambus memory will make their debut at the Comdex trade show, sources said, although sales could be fairly negligible this year.

  Several major PC makers, including IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Micron Electronics, and Dell Computer are expected to release business and/or consumer desktops containing high-speed memory chips based on the Rambus design during the high-tech convention, which begins November 15 in Las Vegas.

  These PCs will contain Pentium III processors and 820 chipsets from Intel. IBM, according to sources close to the company, is expected to release a Rambus-based PC for around $1,300 and a workstation, with Rambus memory and the 820 chipset, for close to $2,000.

  An Intel spokesman would not comment on the prospective release date, but said that final validation is taking place and that the 820 chipset will be out by the end of the year.

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• Firms work to kill Net congestion
  Time: 07:03 EDT/12:03 GMT News Source: News.com Posted By: Alex Harris

  Although companies have built the biggest, fastest series of high-speed networks the world has ever seen, they've overlooked the points where they all come together.

  Despite billions of dollars invested in fiber-optic Net connections across the country, the system still breaks down at the points where all of these lines meet--often acting like an over-burdened freeway on-ramp at rush hour.

  But a handful of start-ups--such as hub builder Equinix and Web-caching firms Akamai Technologies and Edgix--have come on to the scene with new technology and ideas for eliminating these reoccurring bottlenecks.

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• Lost NDS feature muddles NetWare/Win 2000 management
  Time: 18:17 EDT/23:17 GMT News Source: IDG Posted By: Alex Harris

  Novell has quietly shelved a key directory-integration tool, which will likely force IT executives with mixed environments to make an either/or choice between NetWare and Microsoft's forthcoming Windows 2000.

  And that choice may not be good news for Novell.

  At issue is the redirect capability of Novell Directory Services (NDS) for Windows NT. Redirect allows users to reroute authentication and access-control calls made to NT 4.0 domains into NDS, which nearly eliminates user management on NT servers.

  However, in NDS 8 for NT -- the next version of the software -- redirect is being replaced by a bidirectional synchronization tool called DirXML.

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• Hollywood and Paul Allen go Pop.com
  Time: 18:15 EDT/23:15 GMT News Source: Red Herring Posted By: Alex Harris

  Hollywood was abuzz this week over a newcomer in town. But this potential starlet is an Internet startup.

  Ron Howard's Imagine Entertainment, Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks SKG, and Paul Allen's Vulcan Ventures teamed up to announce a company called Pop.com. The new Internet entertainment venture will launch in Spring 2000.

  "Just about every Hollywood exec I run into is thinking about how they can get into a dot-com company," says John Geirland, who cowrote Digital Babylon: How the Geeks, the Suits, and the Ponytails Fought to Bring Hollywood to the Internet.

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• Microsoft Releases A Bear of a Workflow Designer
  Time: 18:08 EDT/23:08 GMT News Source: Windows NT Magazine Posted By: Alex Harris

  Microsoft has released what is arguably its first tool in the knowledge-management realm. Access Workflow Designer for SQL Server, formerly code-named Grizzly, is available for free to licensed users of Office 2000 Developer.

  According to Microsoft white papers, Access Workflow Designer is designed to ”create and enforce business rules for your Microsoft Access 2000 data projects.” Workflow Designer “simplifies designing the basic linear workflow process with a wizard-driven interface that automatically generates the business rules for the workflow process, saving weeks or months of development time.”

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• IBM Plans Cheap Roll-Up Computer Screen
  Time: 17:58 EDT/22:58 GMT News Source: Techweb Posted By: Alex Harris

  Researchers at IBM said Thursdaythey had created a thin, flexible kind of transistor thatcould be used one day to make, for instance, a computer screen that could be rolled up.

  Their invention is cheap and can be sprayed onto plastic, making it useful in a variety of applications, they said.

  "We are really talking about a new class of materials for transistors," said Cherie Kagan, a materials scientists at IBM, in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., who led the study.

  The transistors are made out of very thin layers of materials that can be laid down onto plastic.

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• Judge 'No Show' For Microsoft Findings This Week
  Time: 17:57 EDT/22:57 GMT News Source: Techweb Posted By: Alex Harris

  Update - A federal judge Friday put on hold for another week his eagerly awaited findings of fact in the Microsoft antitrust suit.

  The court said at 4:30 p.m. EDT that the findings, which will signal how U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson will finally rule in the historic case, would not be released this week. A Justice Department spokeswoman said no other indications were given regarding the findings.

  Jackson's findings will follow the findings presented last month by the two protagonists. This is not Jackson's final ruling. The final finding of law is due out in early 2000.

  "The judge's findings of fact foreshadow his conclusions about whether the company violated the law and in what way," said William Kovacic, law professor at George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. The federal court said last week that Jackson would issue his findings on a Friday, but did not stipulate which Friday.

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• Big Blue names Java VP
  Time: 17:52 EDT/22:52 GMT News Source: ZDNet Posted By: Alex Harris

  IBM Corp. Friday named Rod Smith as its new vice president of Java, replacing Pat Sueltz, who joined Sun Microsystems Inc. in September.

  Smith was IBM's chief technology officer for Java and has worked closely with Sun (Nasdaq:SUNW), especially on embedded Java where standards are not yet established. Smith also worked closely with Sueltz before she was named as Alan Baratz's replacement to run Sun's software business.

  Smith's appointment is expected to be good news for Java because Sueltz and Smith have worked well together in the past. IBM (NYSE:IBM) has played a pivotal role in supporting Java while at the same time pushing Sun to keep Java open.

  Smith said his priorities are to "keep IBM's full focus on Java going and to keep the team together."

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• Can Gates the salesman sell Win2000?
  Time: 17:51 EDT/22:51 GMT News Source: ZDNet Posted By: Alex Harris

  Can Bill Gates still sell software? That's the critical question Microsoft faces, as its CEO hits the road to stir up corporate demand for Windows 2000. Microsoft Corp. CEO Gates on Thursday spent his 44th birthday in the Big Apple. While there, he was scheduled to call on Chase Manhattan's top IT brass to discuss why Chase isn't committed to deploying Windows 2000 next year, say sources close to the New York bank.

  Individual Chase divisions are, in fact, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) shops. But the financial giant is largely committed to rival products Novell Directory Services, Lotus Notes and Unix.

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• Judge may announce findings in MS trial
  Time: 15:56 EDT/20:56 GMT News Source: USA Today Posted By: Matt Sabean

  In the year since the antitrust trial opened against Microsoft Corp., the nation's high-tech industry has made some of its most dramatic shifts since consumers began discovering the Internet in droves.

  The former Netscape Communications Corp., whose pioneer browser software helped popularize the Web, has a powerful new owner in America Online Inc., plus another strong new ally whose chief executive is no friend to Bill Gates.

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• Microsoft Project virus discovered
  Time: 15:44 EDT/20:44 GMT News Source: Computer World Posted By: Matt Sabean

  A new computer virus has emerged that infects Microsoft Corp.'s Project application, according to anitvirus vendor Data Fellows Corp.

  P98M/Corner is the first macro virus to infect Project, the Finland-based company said in a statement. It is also capable of attaching itself to Microsoft Word and traveling between the two applications. When an infected document is opened in Microsoft Project 98, Corner.A infects the Word application, even if it isn't running.

  Researchers at Data Fellows said the virus sample arrived in an anonymous e-mail sent through a re-mailer server and hasn't yet been observed in the wild. They said the Corner virus spreads through infected Word .doc and Project .mpp files.

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• The Papyrus/Sierra NASCAR 3 Racing - Review
  Time: 13:12 EDT/18:12 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Robert Stein

  We have posted our review of the latest racing gaming from Papyrus/Sierra - NASCAR 3 Racing. Here is a snippet from the review:

  Then, there's the sound. One of the biggest knocks on the NASCAR Racing series was that its engine sounds didn't quite measure up. So, in development of this game, Papyrus took recorders to Richard Petty's Driving School and was allowed to tape one of their cars on test runs for use in the game. These cars, incidentally, use the same engines as the real WC & BGN cars. This guarantees that the sound will be realistic. And, the computer-controlled cars use the same engine sounds, so it's guaranteed to make your teeth rattle.

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• MS consumer group: your executive departures tonight
  Time: 11:06 EDT/16:06 GMT News Source: The Register Posted By: Byron Hinson

  The turnover of executives at Microsoft's consumer and commerce group continues. Pete Higgins pulled the plug about a year ago; Peter Neupert - who did much to bolster Microsoft's new media efforts - went last year; Brad Silverberg is leaving today, and now it's the turn of Rob Bennett, director of marketing for the consumer unit.

  He has left to join encoding.com as director of product marketing. There can be little doubt that the internal pressure to make the group he leaves profitable and world-leading is very strong, but it remains a tough area in which to work for such a demanding company. Microsoft probably now regrets that it is not charging for IE. Bennett worked recently as co-director with Yusuf Mehdi (who achieved some notoriety during the trial on a videotape), and was previously on various Windows and IE products. He took the flack when the Windows 98 serial number (the Globally Unique Identifier, GUID) scandal erupted.

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• The F.A. Premier League Football Manager 2000 - Review
  Time: 10:23 EDT/15:23 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Byron Hinson

  I have posted my review of EA Sports latest foray into Soccer management - The F.A. Premier League Football Manager 2000. Here is a snippet from the review:

  The main area from which you view statistics, stadium date and results are all in full view, moving the mouse over to the right side of the screen brings up a pop-up menu where you can jump to different sections such as training, results, transfers, and you can also move to the business area where you can employee new staff, change ticket prices etc.

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• Microsoft Acquires Entropic, an Innovator in Speech Technologies
  Time: 09:26 EDT/14:26 GMT News Source: Press Release Posted By: Byron Hinson

  Committed to making speech a powerful, reliable method of interaction for Microsoft® Windows® platforms, Microsoft Corp. today announced it has acquired Entropic Inc., a worldwide leader of software and toolkits for speech recognition. Entropic's proven expertise in speech recognition, dialogue development and telephony integration technologies will complement Microsoft's ongoing efforts to facilitate speech-enabled applications, promote speech technologies and specifically advance server-based telephony solutions.

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• Age Of Empires 2 - Released In The UK
  Time: 06:08 EDT/11:08 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Byron Hinson

  Just a note to say that Microsoft's Age Of Empire 2 has finally been released in the UK today as we mention a few weeks ago. A few other titles were out that might take your fancy:

  Omikron: The Nomad Soul
  Nocturne
  FA Premier League Manager 2000 (Review later today)
  Abomination
  Age Of Empires 2

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• Community Updates
  Time: 05:46 EDT/10:46 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Matt Sabean

  Just another reminder about signing up for our ActiveWindows Community on MSN. It allows you to chat with us in our chat room or via our message board, it also lets you post your own screensavers and backgrounds for other ActiveWindows readers to download.

  So please don't hesitate to join our community--we would love to have you! We are currently the largest Windows site on the MSN community list.

  We have an upcoming chat taking place on October 30th at 7pm EST 12pm GMT, we will all be there.

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• IBM To Adopt Win 2000 Companywide
  Time: 04:42 EDT/09:42 GMT News Source: TechWeb Posted By: Matt Sabean

  IBM is set to become one of the biggest early adopters of Windows 2000 and plans to standardize its many desktops on the long-awaited Microsoft operating system worldwide.

  Big Blue's integrated solutions marketing manager Dick Sullivan told journalists in London this week that Windows 2000 Professional would be the company's desktop OS of choice across the enterprise when it becomes available next year. The company will buy 300,000 copies, he said.

  "We have a standard desktop across the corporation and ours will be Windows 2000, with Notes and Lotus Smartsuite," Sullivan said.

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• Union group accuses Microsoft of mishandling permatemps
  Time: 04:28 EDT/09:28 GMT News Source: Computer World Posted By: Matt Sabean

  A labor group trying to unionize contract workers at Microsoft Corp. has accused it of illegally withholding performance reviews from the so-called permatemps who work long-term assignments there.

  The Washington Alliance of Technology Workers claimed yesterday that Microsoft has refused to let permatemps see evaluations done by their managers -- violating Washington state law.

  Microsoft countered that, technically, the contract agencies through which the temporary workers found their jobs are their employers -- not Microsoft. Therefore, Microsoft doesn't have to reveal the reviews.

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• Microsoft Sees No Jump To NYSE From Nasdaq
  Time: 03:54 EDT/08:54 GMT News Source: Yahoo Daily News Posted By: Matt Sabean

  Microsoft Corp (Nasdaq:MSFT - news).'s Chairman and Chief Executive Bill Gates said Thursday he was comfortable with the software giant's listing on Nasdaq and doesn't expect a move to the New York Stock Exchange.

  ``As far as what exchange we're traded on, I doubt we'd make a change there,'' he said in a speech to the New York Institute of Technology, where he was honored for his contributions in education and technology.

  ``Our financial people are always looking at that,'' he said. ``But we've done very well as a Nasdaq company. So I wouldn't expect we'd make a change.''

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• ActiveWindows Mouse Pads
  Time: 03:45 EDT/08:45 GMT News Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Matt Sabean

  The Mouse Pads have been so popular that we have had to order another batch so don't forget that the first ActiveWindows piece of merchandise is now available to order. The first product in our new range of logos is the ActiveWindows Mouse Pad.

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• IT Week calls Windows 2000 Professional the system of choice for laptop PCs
  Time: 03:09 EDT/08:09 GMT News Source: Microsoft Daily News Posted By: Alex Harris

  Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional is an "essential upgrade" for laptop PCs, according to IT Week.

  The British magazine's review of Windows 2000 Professional recommended the operating system based on the strength of its support for power management and Plug and Play. IT Week also praised system improvements that make it easier to set up virtual private networks, synchronize files and install Windows 2000 on legacy hardware.

  Improved support for mobile computers was one of Microsoft's goals for Windows 2000 Professional.

  Features in Windows 2000 Professional can help people extend the battery life of their laptops. And the operating system supports the latest power-management technology, called Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). When run on computers that support the ACPI standard, Windows 2000 can manage power in response to the user, applications and device drivers.

  When running on a laptop, for example, Windows 2000 can notify applications that the system is on battery power; this will prevent the applications from running battery-draining operations like compressing mail files. In another example, a computer can be set to wait for a fax with only the modem on. When a fax arrives, the modem can automatically turn on the computer, and then shut it down again when the fax is finished.

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• New music by platinum artists pumps up the volume for Windows Media
  Time: 03:07 EDT/08:07 GMT News Source: Microsoft Daily News Posted By: Alex Harris

  Microsoft® Windows Media™ is in tune with new music.

  Over the next month, new songs by leading artists such as Alice in Chains, Michael Hutchence, Shania Twain, Robbie Williams, Stone Temple Pilots, Queen and the Grateful Dead will be available for download in the Windows Media format. Fans can click on WindowsMedia.com for links to the music downloads.

  The announcement marks another milestone in establishing Windows Media as the leading technology for Internet-based entertainment.

  "[This] announcement means more great digital music from leading artists will be available in Windows Media format," said Will Poole, general manager of marketing and business development for Microsoft's Streaming Media Division. "We're gratified that more and more major labels are choosing Windows Media to deliver their artists' music to millions of fans via the Internet."

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• Microsoft's Wireless Priorities
  Time: 03:04 EDT/08:04 GMT News Source: PC World Posted By: Alex Harris

  "Any time, any place, and on any device" is the new strategic target for Microsoft's software--and the software giant's plans for mobile data growth go well beyond running handheld gadgets.

  "We are taking our core business ... and making sure that wireless is a built-in part," says Jonathan Roberts, general manager for market development of Windows CE.

  Seen as coming from behind with its Windows CE operating system for handheld devices, Microsoft is scanning a much vaster horizon, aiming to leapfrog into the mass market by making more everyday items smarter.

  From voice-operated computers in cars to personal organizers that can play music downloaded from the Internet, Microsoft is experimenting across the board, flagging a $3.8 billion research spend for next year.

  "We are going to continue to make big bets and take risks," says John Leftwich, European vice president for marketing.

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• Strange Bedfellows
  Time: 02:36 EDT/07:36 GMT News Source: Windows NT Magazine Posted By: Byron Hinson

  This seems to be the week to think about Linux. First, as you’ll see in the news section of this newsletter, Red Hat is now shipping the Linux Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) client with its version of Linux. You can download this software for free from the Citrix Web site, but now Red Hat users don’t have to go to the trouble of downloading the client—they’ve already got it. "So what?" I hear you cry. Okay, think of it this way: The sellers of an open-source OS think it's desirable to include a tool that lets Linux users easily run Microsoft applications. You can think of this development as either a triumph for Microsoft or, as I prefer, a triumph for true interoperability. You can use the OS you need when you need it, but you’re not prevented from using the abilities of another OS from the same desktop—no reboot required.

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• Dear Microsoft: Apology not accepted
  Time: 15:04 EDT/20:04 GMT Source: ZDNet Posted By: Byron

  Although Microsoft doesn't think so, I (begrudgingly) do try to give the company credit when credit is due. But Microsoft's recent reversal of its decision to kill its Most Valuable Professional (MVP) advocacy program is not a move that merits kudos.

  Many MVPs who vented vociferously when Microsoft sent them a note last week, informing them their services were no longer needed, publicly thanked Microsoft for being quick to respond to popular outcry. (CEO Gates and President Ballmer's inboxes were supposedly flooded with thousands of heart-felt pleas from MVPs and their friends as soon as Microsoft delivered the bad news.)

   
• MS dangles 'server appliance' in front of ISPs
  Time: 15:03 EDT/20:03 GMT Source: ZDNet Posted By: Byron

  Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) has a number of initiatives in the works targeting service providers, including an as-yet-unnamed server appliance ISPs can resell to small businesses.

   
• X-Box: Microsoft's Handheld Revealed
  Time: 10:21 EDT/15:21 GMT Source: FGN Online Posted By: Byron

  Industry sources have confirmed to FGN Online that Microsoft is working on a portable handheld project to accompany its X-Box console.

  A number of industry sources have confirmed to FGN Online that Microsoft is working on a new handheld and the whole project is nearing completion. "There is a handheld in development that is part of the X-Box project," said one source. Another informed, "The project is nearly complete and Microsoft has already started working with a select number of developers."

  This news follows IGNPocket's reports that the handheld is said to feature a powerful 3D graphics chip and processor that could be supplied by Toshiba. The unit is said to be compatible with Microsoft's Direct X API, making it easier to program for, as well as to port PC code to. The new unit could also hook up to X-Box in some way.

   
• ActiveLinux Site News & Community Update
  Time: 10:21 EDT/15:21 GMT Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Byron

  Remember to sign up for our online community where you can chat with us and ask questions via our message board. On another note, our new domain for ActiveLinux, A website dedicated to Linux news, tips, downloads and articles which will be run in a similar fashion to ActiveWindows will be http://www.activelinux.net for all of those who have been asking. We are still after a few more Linux fans to help us run it, if you are interested then drop us a line ASAP as we have already started full work on the new site.

  On a last note, we are not going anti-MS (We got enough e-mails about ActiveLinux being a bad idea thanks), we just despise one person at Microsoft at the moment (No names) and we have had plans for the new site for over 2 months. Here is a list of our upcoming reviews:

  Hardware: Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Racing Wheel, Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer, Regular Visor, Microtek SlimScan6, SoundBlaster Live! Platinum
  Software: Unreal Tournament, Wheel Of Time, Delta Force 2, Nocturne, Fifa 2000, Prince Of Persia 3D, Flight Simulator 2000, Pandora's Box, Links LS 2000, Firestorm, System Shock 2, Rogue Spear, Driver
  Applications: Corel Suite 9

   

• Ask ActiveWindows
  Time: 10:19 EDT/15:19 GMT Source: ActiveWindows Posted By: Dennis

  While we are working on ActiveLinux, we are also working on a question and answer page, in which we will answer 7 questions a week. This new section named Ask AW will be released this weekend. You can email your question about software/hardware at askaw@activewin.com. We will try to answer all your questions.

   
• MSN Is First National ISP to Offer Nortel Networks' Internet Call Waiting Service
  Time: 10:10 EDT/15:10 GMT Source: Press Release Posted By: Byron

  Microsoft Corp. and Nortel Networks™ Corp. today announced an agreement to provide MSN™ Internet Access subscribers across the country with Nortel Networks' Internet call waiting (ICW) service. ICW alleviates the need for a second telephone line and enables consumers to quickly and easily receive and manage incoming telephone calls while remaining connected to the Internet. With MSN ICW, consumers can take advantage of traditional call waiting and caller ID services via the Internet, meaning while online they can identify who is calling and manage the call without losing their Internet connection.

   
• Microsoft CEO Bill Gates and Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. Launch Encarta Africana 2000
  Time: 10:10 EDT/15:10 GMT Source: Press Release Posted By: Byron

  In a speech before educators and students, Microsoft Corp. CEO Bill Gates and Harvard professor Dr. Henry Louis "Skip" Gates Jr. today announced the latest version of Microsoft's award-winning CD-ROM encyclopedia about black history and culture: Encarta® Africana 2000. During a demonstration of the new product, Bill Gates highlighted it as an example of how technology can enhance learning.

   
• Bill Gates Speaks of Opportunities and Challenges Facing "Generation I"
  Time: 09:36 EDT/14:36 GMT Source: Press Release Posted By: Byron

  In an address today to New York educators, students, faculty and friends of New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Microsoft Corp. Chairman and CEO Bill Gates outlined the opportunities and challenges facing "Generation I," the first generation of American kids to grow up with the Internet. Gates said Microsoft is helping to lead the way in preparing the nation's parents and educators to take advantage of the Internet, and he used the opportunity to call for comprehensive technology training in education to empower teachers to meet the needs of this new generation.

   
• PC makers may shutout MS
  Time: 08:49 EDT/13:49 GMT Source: Wall Street Journal Posted By: Byron

  Major personal-computer makers in the U.S. are quietly working on a new wave products that won't use Microsoft Corp. Windows. The new desktop machines, which are expected to become available early next year, and will be designed primarily to surf the Internet and will be priced far below standard PC's running Microsoft's ubiquitous Windows 98 operating software, industry executives said.

   
• MS wins Big Brother award for Linux spam atrocity
  Time: 08:26 EDT/13:26 GMT Source: The Register Posted By: Byron

  Microsoft Austria has collected the top prize in the Community category of the Austrian Big Brother Awards. The prize, a tacky looking robot thing which can be viewed here, was given for the company's activities in spamming Austrian Linux users with questionnaires.

  Microsoft Austria recruited G3 GMBH to handle the mailing. This outfit seems to have helped itself to the email addresses of Austrian users registered with the Linux Counter and then sent them the questionnaire, which asked about their views on the software industry, about Linux, and about their employment.

   
• Unisys Expects Most Web Revenues To Come From Web
  Time: 03:33 EDT/08:33 GMT Source: Yahoo Daily News Posted By: Alex H

  Computer services supplier Unisys Corp (NYSE:UIS - news). expects more than half of the revenues of the now more than $7-billion-a-year company to come from the Internet within about three years, its chief executive said Wednesday.

  At a news conference here, Unisys Chairman and CEO Lawrence Weinbach unveiled a portfolio of Internet services and aggressively priced products aimed at winning a piece of the fast-growing Web market and boosting the company's flagging financial performance.

   

• Microsoft, Sun Hung Kai in hi-tech alliance
  Time: 03:30 EDT/08:30 GMT Source: Press Release Posted By: Alex H

  Microsoft Hong Kong, a unit of Microsoft Corp (NasdaqNM:MSFT - news), and Sun Hung Kai Properties announced on Thursday a partnership to develop opportunities in information technology and property development.

  The companies said in a joint statement their first joint project would help create a new generation of ``intelligent'' commercial properties.

  Microsoft technology will be used in Sun Hung Kai commercial and industrial developments to provide knowledge-management capabilities to tenants, giving them faster access to information, it said.

   

• Microsoft solicits game console opinions
  Time: 03:28 EDT/08:28 GMT Source: News.com Posted By: Alex H

  Like a political candidate who hasn't "officially" announced candidacy but is testing the waters, Microsoft is holding meetings and hammering out strategies on a potential plan to enter the game console market.

  One such meeting happened this week, as Microsoft played host to representatives from companies such as Thomson Consumer Electronics and Toshiba--as well as game developers and other PC firms--at the company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

   

• AIM glitch affects users coast to coast
  Time: 03:25 EDT/08:25 GMT Source: News.com Posted By: Alex H

  A "network routing issue" today prevented as many as ten percent of all AOL Instant Messenger users from logging on to their accounts, America Online said.

  The problem was spotted earlier this morning by News.com readers in the San Francisco Bay Area. An AOL representative said that some users from the New York area also notified the company of the problem.

• Commtouch and Microsoft Enter Into Distribution and Service Agreement
  Time: 17:51 EDT/22:51 GMT Source: Yahoo Posted By: Alex H

  Commtouch Software Inc. (NASDAQ: CTCH - news), a leading global provider of outsourced email for businesses and consumers, has signed an agreement with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT - news). Microsoft will utilize the Commtouch Custom Mail(TM) service to provide private label web-based email solutions for select MSN partners and international markets. In addition, Commtouch will provide MSN Messenger Service and Microsoft Passport to its customers while building upon its Windows NT expertise by supporting future MSN messaging technologies.

  The Commtouch Custom Mail solution, built on the Windows NT platform and other Microsoft technologies, will provide reliable and scalable communication services to key MSN partners and international markets.

   

• Microsoft Announces 1999 Industry Solution Award Winners For Customer Relationship Management
  Time: 17:44 EDT/22:44 GMT Source: Press Release Posted By: Alex H

  Today at DCI's Customer Relationship Management conference, Microsoft Corp. announced the winners of the 1999 Industry Solution Awards for customer relationship management (CRM). Sponsored by DCI, Microsoft, and Sales and Marketing Automation Magazine, the awards are designed to recognize the independent software vendors in the CRM market that best utilize Microsoft^® technology to provide tangible business and customer benefits. The awards were presented to four leading independent software vendors, Clarify Inc., Onyx Software Corp., Pivotal Corp. and UpShot.com, during a ceremony at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston.

   

• TransPoint Expands Global Reach With Agreement to Develop Electronic Bill Payment and Presentment Service for Australia Post
  Time: 17:42 EDT/22:42 GMT Source: Press Release Posted By: Alex H

  Marking a significant step in its global growth plans, TransPoint today announced it has signed a contract to help develop and implement an electronic bill payment and presentment (EBPP) service for the Australian Postal Corp., which serves more than 18 million Australians. The EBPP service, the most comprehensive of its kind in Australia, will allow Australia Post's customers to receive and pay bills electronically through the Internet by accessing the postal service's Web site. The announcement was made today in Sydney.

   

• Main Street USA Meets the Information Superhighway
  Time: 17:40 EDT/22:40 GMT Source: Press Release Posted By: Alex H

  The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Microsoft Corp. today announced a partnership to help ensure that small businesses don't get left behind on the information sup