Surf these sites: $499 PCs coming to market -- The low-cost phenomenon shows no signs of letting up, as a little-known vendor will try to make its mark on the PC market with systems costing less than $500. [News.com] "Special master" to aid Java suit -- A federal judge said today that he wants to appoint a "special master" to help determine which documents should be unsealed in the ongoing lawsuit filed by Sun Microsystems against Microsoft over Java. [News.com] "Virtual University" gets boost -- Fattened up with a total of 1,600 courses, the California Virtual University (CVU) relaunched its online catalog today, and announced a $75,000 infusion from Oracle. [News.com] 1GB memory due in early 1999 -- Early next year, Hitachi Semiconductor plans to begin offering chip technology that would allow a personal computer''s main memory to store as much as one gigabyte of data--an amount rivaling the size of many hard drives in use today. [News.com] 2000 census to address Net use -- In a definitive sign of the times, the year 2000 U.S. Census may start tracking computer and Net usage. [News.com] 3Com inks China deal -- 3Com, the world''s second-largest maker of computer network equipment, inked an agreement today to invest as much as $100 million in China and said it plans to start selling its Palm Pilot handheld computer in Asia. [News.com] 3Com names president and COO -- 3Com today named Bruce Claflin, former senior vice president of sales and marketing at Digital, its president and chief operating officer, effective August 10. [News.com] 3DO posts loss -- Video game developer 3DO reported a slightly narrower-than-expected loss for its first quarter and said revenues rose on the strength of its Might and Magic VI and Army Men games. [News.com] 3Dlabs cuts 15 percent of staff -- Graphics chip vendor 3Dlabs said it cut its workforce by 15 percent, or about 20 staffers, as it reported a wider-than-expected operating loss for its second quarter. [News.com] 400-MHz system falls to $1,999 -- The low-price wars that started in early 1997 are taking their toll on the market''s high end too, as one of the price-cutting leaders brings out a system with Intel''s fastest Pentium II chip below the $2,000 mark. [News.com] 450-MHz chip spurs price cuts -- A new round of price cuts arrived from Intel, while a 450-MHz chip--the fastest Pentium II yet--should hit the streets next month. [News.com] 700-MHz, integrated Pentium IIs for 1999 -- In 1999, Intel will boost the speed of its Xeon chips to 700 MHz, desktop Pentium IIs to 600 MHz, and mobile chips to 366 MHz, according to sources, while the company will also release its first Pentium II with high-speed "cache" memory integrated directly onto the processor. [News.com] 7th Level animation goes mainstream -- 7th Level announced today that its animation software can be used to create talking characters on the pages of all major personal computer software programs and link them to the Internet. [News.com] @Home to go to more homes -- @Home, which provides high-speed Internet access using cable modems, said today it signed ten new distribution agreements with North American and international cable operators representing more than 10 million new homes. [News.com] A big week for tech earnings -- This is a week of reckoning for the high-tech sector, as companies across the board--from giant chipmakers to Internet start-ups--post quarterly earnings. [News.com] A look at the FTC -- From an overall market perspective, the railroad, sugar, oil, and computer industries don''t appear to have much in common--except for the Federal Trade Commission''s scrutiny of them all. [News.com] A new kind of palm reading -- A Boston-based publishing concern is betting that 3Com PalmPilot users, famously loyal to free applications developed for the handheld platform, will pay to read books on the increasingly popular devices. [News.com] A new look for AOL.com -- Charging ahead with its portal push, America Online today quietly launched the long-awaited redesign of AOL.com. [News.com] A peek at Disney Blast for Mac -- After more than a year of exclusive Windows software deals, Walt Disney announced today that its Blast Online service for children is available to Macintosh users in a beta version. [News.com] A spam-free email address? -- A Washington state-based nonprofit group is introducing an email service that uses the state''s month-old antispam law to create what it hopes will become a spam-free email address. [News.com] A whole new Macworld -- Some think that the Macworld Expo should be renamed iMacworld for all its emphasis on the new Apple consumer system. The excitement surrounding the New York show seems to highlight Steve Jobs''s profitable business strategy, though it remains to be seen whether the company can complete its turnaround. [News.com] AMD eyes copper, 1-GHz chip -- Motorola''s chip division and Advanced Micro Devices detailed a technology-sharing alliance today that will give AMD the ability to make copper-based microprocessors and give Motorola needed components to build "system-on-a-chip" parts for intelligent devices. [News.com] AMD keeps its distance -- Just has it has done for over a year and half, Advanced Micro Devices has adjusted its processor prices to undercut Intel''s by 25 percent. [News.com] AMD losses shatter estimates -- Advanced Micro Devices reported a loss of 64.6 million, or 45 cents a share--double the consensus estimate--on sales of $527 million for the second quarter. [News.com] AMD stock drops on reported loss -- Advanced Micro Devices shares fell nearly 13 percent today to close at 15.875 after the company yesterday reported a loss of 64.6 million, or 45 cents a share--double the consensus estimate--on sales of $527 million for the second quarter. [News.com] AMD to postpone IBM K6 effort -- Just months after recruiting IBM to manufacture its processors, Advanced Micro Devices is putting the brakes on the deal. [News.com] AMD walking microprocessor tightrope -- Sales of processors are way up at Advanced Micro Devices, but that''s just part of the problem. [News.com] AMD, Motorola in copper chip deal -- On Monday, Motorola''s chip division and Advanced Micro Devices will announce they''re teaming up to advance the use of copper-based chipmaking technology, giving both companies a needed boost in a fiercely competitive, resource-intensive industry. [News.com] AMP restructures, cuts 3,500 jobs -- Beset by weak market conditions and a strong dollar, AMP has unveiled a major restructuring that calls for the elimination of 3,500 jobs or about 7.5 percent of the company''s global workforce. [News.com] AOL 4.0 released -- After two years of development and beta testing, America Online today quietly premiered the highly anticipated new version of its software, AOL 4.0. [News.com] AOL deploys 56-kbps standard -- America Online today said it has deployed the International Telecommunication Union standard V.90 modem protocol for 56-kbps access across its network, in an effort to open up access lines for users who increasingly are taking advantage of faster modems. [News.com] AOL hosts federal antidrug push -- The White House today launched a new national antidrug campaign, with America Online as an online partner. [News.com] AOL scores Unilever ad deal -- Scores of consumer brands will be appearing online under a new marketing deal announced today between America Online and Unilever, Europe''s largest consumer products company and one of the largest global advertisers. [News.com] AOL tests AOL.com feature -- AOL.com, the Web site and portal progeny of online service America Online, has quietly launched a preview version of its My News section, the latest step in the site''s redesign. [News.com] AOL ups stake in video firm -- America Online has opted to take an increased equity stake in Videos Now, sending stock in its parent company higher. [News.com] AOL, Netscape push portals -- The battle to be Net users'' home page rages on, with AOL beefing up its AOL.com offering with a beta of its personalized news service and Netscape launching a multimillion-dollar showbiz campaign to push the consumer content on its Netcenter portal. Meanwhile, AOL is tapped for a high-profile government antidrug campaign. [News.com] AT&T outlines post-TCI vision -- AT&T is ready to wire the world, or at least the 17 million households it will add to its customer base when its merger with cable giant Tele-Communications Incorporated is complete. [News.com] AT&T revenues up slightly -- AT&T the largest U.S. long distance carrier, today posted better-than-expected second-quarter profits and slightly improved revenues as growth in business services, online ventures, and wireless services was partially offset by a decline in the company''s consumer business. [News.com] AT&T''s acquisition strategy -- Though AT&T''s new international partnership with British Telecommunications is the latest move by AT&T chairman C. Michael Armstrong to assemble a bold strategy to transform the once sleepy telecoms giant, his biggest challenge may be making the pieces fit. [News.com] AT&T, British Telecom face scrutiny -- AT&T and British Telecommunications will face intense regulatory scrutiny for their new $10 billion international partnership and may be required to agree to concessions to gain approval, analysts said. [News.com] AT&T, British Telecom strike deal -- British Telecommunications and AT&T today announced a $10 billion global venture that links the two industry giants in the world''s most competitive telecom markets. [News.com] AT&T, Lycos unwrap Web service -- AT&T WorldNet and Lycos today officially introduced their joint Web service, offering Internet access with the portal as a default home page. [News.com] AT&T: TCI buy is a done deal -- Tele-Communications Incorporated, which agreed to be bought by AT&T for $48 billion, may not solicit rival bids but is free to consider any unsolicited offers, the companies said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. [News.com] Ad-driven Net firms in danger -- If their Wall Street valuations are any indication, advertising-supported media companies are ruling the Internet roost these days. But the nature of Internet advertising may cause a precipitous fall for these firms, attendees here at Internet World learned today. [News.com] Adaptec chief resigns -- Adaptec, a data transfer hardware and software company, said yesterday that Grant Saviers, its chairman and chief executive officer, has resigned and Larry Boucher has been named interim CEO. [News.com] Advanced Fibre warns, plunges -- Shares of Advanced Fibre Communications lost more than half their value today after several brokerage houses downgraded the stock following a negative earnings forecast on yesterday. [News.com] Advanced chipmaking on the way -- In October, Canon will start shipments of semiconductor production equipment capable of making the most densely packed circuits to date. [News.com] Alarmists serious about 2000 -- Fears the Year 2000 computer bug could black out power plants and turn cities into war zones have some Americans stockpiling food and water, buying guns and ammunition, and heading for the hills. [News.com] All Macworld''s eyes on iMac -- Apple Computer''s translucent Macintosh, the iMac, will be the focus of this week''s Macworld trade show in New York, as Apple seeks to whip up more interest in its new consumer product before it goes on sale in next month. [News.com] Allaire targets Web developers -- Allaire is stepping up its attempt to capture a chunk of the corporate Web application development market. [News.com] Allen buys second cable firm -- Billionaire investor Paul Allen today got some more connections for his "wired world." [News.com] Allen increases DreamWorks stake -- Venture capitalist Paul Allen has increased his stake in entertainment company DreamWorks SKG, according to his investment group, signaling his increasing interest in the content arena. [News.com] Alpha chip may reach 1 GHz in ''99 -- Samsung subsidiary Alpha Processors aims to bring out a 1-GHz chip in 1999, possibly becoming the first chip manufacturer to reach this lofty goal, while Compaq announced price cuts on Alpha-based computers. [News.com] Alpha eases e-commerce entry -- Setting up an e-commerce Web site may soon be as easy as swinging by CompUSA to pick up the latest version of Doom. [News.com] AlphaBlox delivers tools via Web -- Software start-up AlphaBlox today rolled out a beta version of a new package for simplifying the delivery of its analysis tools over the Web. [News.com] AltaVista plans children''s area -- AltaVista will launch a new Family Zone later this year that includes a retooled children''s search engine, according to sources close to the company. [News.com] AltaVista searches for its roots -- AltaVista is joining the ranks of its competitors by strengthening its search engine, a trend in portals that is bringing the site back to its roots. [News.com] Amazon partners with Intuit -- Amazon.com said today that it has entered into a pact with Intuit to be the exclusive bookseller in the U.S. on Intuit''s popular Quicken.com Web site. [News.com] AmeriTrade signs on with AOL -- For $25 million, cyberspace brokerage AmeriTrade has bought two years'' worth of face time on America Online, the company announced today. [News.com] Ameritrade announces stock split -- Online brokerage Ameritrade today became the latest Internet company to declare a 2-for-1 stock split--a reminder of the sharp run-up Net stocks have seen lately. [News.com] An optimistic view of Y2K -- In a direct contradiction to many recent predictions, a new survey says corporations across the world are making aggressive efforts to tackle the Year 2000 technology problem, and most are making headway. [News.com] Analog Devices falls on warning -- Analog Devices shares fell more than 12 percent today after the company announced that sales for its fiscal third quarter, which ends August 1, could be approximately 10 percent below the previous quarter, significantly lowering earnings. [News.com] Analysts eye Apple lineup, profits -- As the Macworld Expo show opens in New York today, Apple Computer steps into the industry spotlight as a stronger company. [News.com] Analysts scope Microsoft -- When Microsoft reports its fourth-quarter results today, Wall Street will focus on key information such as how its deferred revenue is shaping up and how many enterprise license agreements the giant is entering. [News.com] Andreessen buys into e-commerce -- Netscape Communications is likely to acquire at least one e-commerce company to round out its own software offerings, particularly for specific industries like financial services, cofounder Marc Andreessen told a group of venture capitalists and investment bankers today. [News.com] Another Network Associates buy -- Acquisition-hungry Network Associates announced today that it has agreed to buy CyberMedia for about $130 million in cash. [News.com] Another source code bug surfaces -- Web servers using Microsoft Internet Information Server 3.0 and 4.0 software are vulnerable to a bug that can expose the source code to scripts on certain Web sites, and could reveal sensitive information such as passwords stored in the script. [News.com] Antiporn group, police face off -- A member of the Belgian antipornography group Morkhoven, which tipped off Dutch police about an international child pornography network, is being questioned by police for a second time, Belgian police said today. [News.com] Antivirus firm adds spam filter -- Antivirus firm Trend Micro is joining the race to offer antispam software to keep unwanted email off corporate networks. [News.com] Apple back in the fold at Yale -- The old adage "nothing succeeds like success" is apparently holding for Apple Computer at universities these days. [News.com] Apple extras fill up show -- While the focus at Macworld Expo is squarely on Apple''s iMac consumer computer, plenty of new software and hardware is being rolled out for Apple Computer''s "other" desktop and notebook products. [News.com] Apple manufacturing on the upswing -- Apple''s third straight profitable quarter shows how far the company has come during the last year in getting its manufacturing processes up to speed with the rest of the PC industry. [News.com] Apple posts $101 million in profits -- Driven by strong sales of its Macintosh G3 computers, Apple Computer today reported third-quarter profits that far surpassed Wall Street estimates. [News.com] Apple ready to tackle Asia -- Apple Computer, fresh from reporting a stronger-than-expected set of third-quarter results, said today that it''s geared to grow in Asia despite the region''s downturn. [News.com] Apple subpoenaed in Microsoft case -- Apple Computer has been subpoenaed by both sides in the antitrust fight between the Justice Department and Microsoft. [News.com] Apple to downsize at Irish plant -- Apple Computer said today that it will cut 150 jobs at its County Cork plant in southwest Ireland. [News.com] Apple-Microsoft match paying off -- Apple and Microsoft--a match made in heaven? Apple acting chief executive Steve Jobs thinks so, and analysts seem inclined to agree. [News.com] Applied Materials to miss target -- Applied Materials, the largest wafer fabrication supplier to the worldwide semiconductor industry, warned Friday that its fiscal third-quarter earnings would fall below market expectations. [News.com] Arbor rolls out new analysis tools -- Just in time for fiscal year-end audits, Arbor Software is rolling out a series of new analysis tools. [News.com] Are PDAs the wave of the future? -- Motorola''s buyout of Starfish Software signals the growing convergence of wireless phones, pagers, and personal digital assistants into palm-sized devices that do nearly everything but make coffee. [News.com] Armstrong: Time to focus on Net -- AT&T tapped British Telecommunications to strengthen its international strategy, but the telecom giant still needs to bolster its presence in the Internet market, AT&T chairman C. Michael Armstrong said yesterday. [News.com] Arrest made in pager scam -- PageNet, one of the largest wireless message providers, said U.S. federal agents arrested a San Diego man who allegedly set up unauthorized voice mailboxes and paging accounts on its system, costing the company about $1 million. [News.com] Artemis adds cost estimation -- Project management software maker Artemis Management Systems is adding cost estimation to its software development project management system. [News.com] Ascend beats estimates -- Shares of Ascend Communications were up in morning trading following a positive earnings announcement and an upgrade in estimates from a Wall Street brokerage. [News.com] Ascend descends on rumor -- Ascend Communications stock fell more than 13 percent today on renewed rumors that the company may soon acquire Stratus Computer. [News.com] Asia woes take toll on Sun stock -- Sun Microsystems stock fell nearly 6 percent in midday trading after an influential Wall Street analyst downgraded the stock based largely on concerns about sluggish sales in Asia. [News.com] Atmel reorg forces job cuts -- Atmel said yesterday that it will cut about 650 jobs, or about 10 percent of its workforce, as part of a restructuring needed in light of continued weakness in the semiconductor market. [News.com] Auction site files for IPO -- Creative Computers said yesterday that its Internet auction unit, uBid, has filed a registration statement for an initial public offering of common stock, raising about $20.54 million, based on the midpoint price of the shares. [News.com] BBC maps digital broadcast plan -- The British Broadcasting Corporation confirmed today that it plans to invest about 1.0 billion pounds ($1.63 billion) over the next five years to set up its digital television, radio, and online services. [News.com] Baan beats Street estimates -- The Baan Company today beat Wall Street''s profit predictions of 11 cents a share, posting profits instead of 13 cents per share, or $26.9 million, for the second quarter ended June 30. [News.com] Baan chairman to step down -- Jan Baan resigned today as chairman of the management board of business application software maker Baan. [News.com] Baan revised profits down -- Computer software firm Baan said today that it had revised its first quarter net profit down to $2.136 million from $2.4 million, the figure announced on April 22. [News.com] Baan''s inroad to auto industry -- The Baan Company''s buying binge continued today with the purchase of Compact 3000, a British consulting firm specializing in supply chain systems for the automotive industry, particularly lean manufacturing. [News.com] Baby Bells appealing telco law -- Regional Bell telephone companies are asking a federal appeals court today to toss out parts of a 1996 telecommunications law and allow them to offer long distance service immediately. [News.com] BackWeb backs Microsoft -- Push software maker BackWeb has extended its client support for Microsoft''s desktop software. [News.com] Ballmer named Microsoft president -- Microsoft today appointed Steve Ballmer, formerly executive vice president of sales and support and Bill Gates''s longtime business partner, as its president. [News.com] Banyan beats earnings estimates -- Networking software provider Banyan Systems beat earnings estimates for its fiscal second quarter by a cent, continuing a comeback from a sea of red ink. [News.com] Barksdale takes Amazon profits -- Dell''s top dog, Michael Dell, and Netscape Communications chief executive Jim Barksdale both have filed to unload some of their shares in online bookseller Amazon.com. [News.com] Battle over worst-case EPA data online -- When Pam Nixon''s husband took a teaching position in West Virginia''s Kanawha Valley, her family moved within a quarter-mile of a pesticide plant--something that was hard to avoid in an area that ranks second in the nation for chemical production. [News.com] Bay Networks back in black -- Bay Networks today posted a net profit of $20.6 million for its fiscal fourth quarter, compared with a loss of $118 million reported for the like period a year ago. [News.com] Bay to acquire NetServe -- Bay Networks intends to marry voice and cable networks, the latest in a laundry list of signs that portend a converged future. [News.com] Behind the Compaq curtain -- Although Compaq Computer surpassed analysts'' expectations with a slight quarterly gain, it still must face market conflicts that could affect the company in the long run: slowing demand and lower prices for PCs. [News.com] Beleaguered CA getting overhaul -- At Computer Associates'' annual users conference last year, chief executive Charles Wang dazzled the crowd with a spectacle of dry ice, explosions, and a magician dressed like a bumble bee. [News.com] BellSouth offers ADSL for Macs -- With Apple Computer making its comeback with the upcoming release of iMac and acting CEO Steve Jobs predicting profits, it seems fitting that BellSouth today is singing the praises of Mac users and offering them its high-speed Net access service. [News.com] Bertlesmann chair seeks Net rules -- The designated chairman of German global media giant Bertelsmann, Thomas Middelhoff, called for "appropriate" international rules for the Internet and online services. [News.com] Big names to invest in NTT unit -- Microsoft, Sony, Softbank, and other Japanese firms are expected to make fresh capital investments in Nippon Telegraph and Telephone''s (NTT) satellite unit, the NTT unit said today. [News.com] Birth of a telecom giant -- AT&T and British Telecom launch a $10 billion venture linking the industry giants in the world''s most competitive telecom markets. But the firms will face intense regulatory scrutiny, and analysts say the partnership may leave much to be desired. [News.com] Book sites chase each other -- The online book battle is beginning to look like the portal wars, with players constantly trying to one-up each other. [News.com] Bork says DOJ has strong case -- Judge Robert Bork calls the antitrust case against Microsoft brought by the Justice Department "rock solid." [News.com] British Telecom profit falls -- British Telecommunications announced today that first quarter profit fell 19 percent, largely because of intense competition with Europe''s telco giants. [News.com] British ministers join digital age -- Britain moved a step closer today to the day when government ministers will start using laptop computers instead of paper. [News.com] Broadbase targets managers -- Broadbase is targeting the customer management industry with a new packaged data mart and analytical tool. [News.com] Broadcast.com''s bang-up IPO -- In its first day of trading today, shares of online audio and video broadcaster Broadcast.com more than tripled in price, joining a growing list of Internet-related companies whose stocks have soared following their initial public offerings. [News.com] Browser battle assessed -- A spate of studies has shown Netscape''s Navigator browser''s market share slipping under pressure from rival Microsoft''s Internet Explorer. But whether there will be an all-out winner and who it will be remains to be seen. [News.com] Bucks from bugs -- Security holes, flaws, and bugs in everything from operating systems and email have companies across the computer map donning exterminator gear to rid their products of pests. Even firms that aren''t bug-ridden themselves are seizing the opportunity to cash in on others'' need to eradicate the software insects. [News.com] Bug spurs standard drive -- The war of words over an alleged bug that "breaks" multimedia software rages on. The fight began at a Senate hearing where Microsoft came under criticism from Rob Glaser, CEO of RealNetworks, and now 20 firms are backing that company''s effort to devise a new standard. [News.com] Business software chill not fatal -- The Asian flu is more of a sniffle for SAP and the rest of the business software makers. [News.com] C&W may pick up MCI''s Net assets -- MCI Communications may be close to unloading its Internet business, stepping up approval of its pending $37 billion merger with WorldCom. [News.com] CA faces class-action suit -- Computer Associates was named in a class-action lawsuit that alleges that certain company executives and directors made a series of misleading and false statements about the demand for CA products, business trends, and the impact of the Asian financial crisis on its operation. [News.com] CA stock plunges on warning -- Computer Associates International shares plunged more than 32 percent this morning after the company warned of tough times ahead due to conditions in Asia and order delays, some of which it linked to customer spending to fix the year 2000 bug. [News.com] CDA II added to Senate bill -- The Senate has added controversial amendments to spending legislation that would make it a crime for Web sites to distribute "harmful" material to children and also require most schools and libraries to filter federally funded Net access. [News.com] Cabletron readies new switches -- Cabletron Systems will on Monday debut a new line of switches intended to boost performance and manageability of corporate networks. [News.com] Cadence steps up legal battle -- Cadence Design Systems said it has stepped up its legal battle against archrival Avant by asking a federal judge to expand an earlier preliminary injunction to cover Avant''s Aquarius product line. [News.com] Caldera offers NetWare for Linux -- Caldera is bringing NetWare services to the increasingly popular Linux operating system. [News.com] Caldera wins Windows access -- Caldera has won the latest round in its fight to gain access to Microsoft''s Windows 95 source code. [News.com] Calling for telecom Y2K fixes -- After the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 1999 and the New Year''s party comes to an end, will you be able to call a cab to get home? [News.com] Cambridge Tech meets Street -- Cambridge Technology Partners, a consulting and systems integration firm, today posted second-quarter results that were right on the money, meeting expectations with a 52 percent increase in revenues. [News.com] Can Yahoo stock outdo itself? -- After high-flying Yahoo crushed second-quarter earnings estimates last week, fans of the company heaved a collective sigh of relief. [News.com] Casio to join subnotebook market -- Japanese electronics maker Casio is apparently poised to reenter the personal computer market after a decade-long absence by expanding its established lineup of handheld devices into the closely related field of "subnotebooks." [News.com] Celestica plans more acquisitions -- Celestica, the former manufacturing arm of IBM Canada, will continue to blaze up the acquisition trail, Chief Executive Eugene Polistuk said yesterday. [News.com] Cendant: CUC fraud "systemic" -- Cendant today alleged that fraud at its CUC group was even worse than originally thought and would force it to cut its 1998 earnings forecast and restate financial results going back three years. [News.com] Cerf suggests planetary domains -- One of the fathers of the Internet said today that the Web was growing too fast for planet Earth and will soon have to take to outer space. [News.com] Cheap PC is moneymaker -- Compaq Computer''s cheapest computer is now its most profitable consumer personal computer, according to reports. [News.com] Cheap computers: A scary business -- If Compaq''s example holds for the rest of the industry, computer vendors can turn a profit in the bargain-basement market, but they probably can''t do it forever. [News.com] Check Point adds VPN hardware -- Check Point Software today grouped its virtual private network (VPN) offerings into a new product line and added a VPN hardware device available in four versions. [News.com] Chicago OKs pit, e-trading -- Chicago Board of Trade directors at a special meeting yesterday approved a controversial plan to permit concurrent electronic and open outcry trading in the exchange''s benchmark treasury futures contracts. [News.com] China Net use exploding -- The number of Internet surfers in China swelled to 1.175 million at the end of June from 505,000 at the beginning of this year, the China Economic Times said today. [News.com] Chip market buzzing -- As it''s done for a year and half, Advanced Micro Devices matched Intel price drops by lowering processors to undercut its rival by 25 percent. Meanwhile, Motorola introduced speedier PowerPCs for the Macintosh, while Intel indicated it will move aggressively on the intelligent device market with its low-cost StrongARM line. [News.com] Chip price war leads to more AMD losses -- Despite a year featuring new deals with major computer vendors, increased sales, and improved manufacturing, chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices is expected to report its fourth consecutive quarterly loss today, and hopes of recovery do not seem to be on the horizon. [News.com] Chipmakers expect bleak earnings -- South Korean memory chipmakers are expected to see profits shrink sharply or post big losses for the first half of this year, hit by a plunge in global memory chip prices, analysts said today. [News.com] Chips pounded by supply, Asia crisis -- Global semiconductor sales slumped by 12.7 percent in May, a consequence of Asia''s economic slowdown and a worldwide glut of both microprocessors and memory, the core chips used in computers. [News.com] Chromatic to lay off 50% -- Chromatic Research is laying off approximately 50 percent of its workforce and will discontinue its Mpact media processor line, as the company struggles to survive in the competitive graphics chip arena. [News.com] Cirrus, VLSI report earnings -- Cirrus Logic and VLSI Technology yesterday posted quarterly earnings that exceeded Wall Street''s expectations, but both chipmakers said challenges lie ahead--prompting VLSI to cut 190 of its 2,390 workforce. [News.com] Cisco hits $100 billion mark -- Cisco is now a $100 billion company. [News.com] Cisco sticking to acquisition guns -- Shrugging off recent telecommunications megamergers, Cisco Systems said today that it will stick to its smaller growth-by-acquisition program. [News.com] CitySearch sets IPO price -- CitySearch today set a price for its previously planned initial public offering at a range of between $11 and $13 per share for up to 4 million shares, according to a regulatory filing. [News.com] Cityscape mistaken for CitySearch -- Attempting to explain a recent pop in its Bulletin Board stock, Cityscape Financial said today that investors might be confused by recent regulatory filings about CitySearch, an Internet company that intends to go public on the Nasdaq with Cityscape''s old Nasdaq ticker symbol. [News.com] Clinton calls for Year 2000 action -- President Clinton today called for accelerated efforts to fix the Year 2000 problem, announcing that he would propose legislation to limit legal liability for companies that share information to fix the massive software bug. [News.com] Committee votes for 2-year tax ban -- The Senate Finance Committee today voted to impose a two-year moratorium on new state and local taxes of the Internet. [News.com] Communicator 4.5 beta released -- Netscape Communications has launched a public beta test of Communicator 4.5, the latest version of its Internet software suite. [News.com] CompUSA predicts loss -- CompUSA said it would report a loss in its fiscal fourth quarter, when sales edged up by only 3 percent as consumers held off on buying new systems equipped with Windows 98, which was released on June 25. [News.com] CompUSA touts $800 iMac rebate -- CompUSA is putting some promotional muscle behind the upcoming launch of the iMac, Apple''s much-ballyhooed all-in-one model for the consumer market. [News.com] Companies may bite bullet on Win 98 -- Many large companies may be willing to endure the pain of upgrading to Windows 98 to solve problems in current operating systems, analysts say. [News.com] Compaq aims to shore up servers -- Compaq introduced two new Pentium II servers as well as a final upgrade to one of the company''s most popular server systems in an effort to reinvigorate the middle tier of its product lineup after a slow first half of the year. [News.com] Compaq cuts jobs in Hong Kong -- Compaq Computer local arm Compaq Computer Hong Kong said today that it would lay off less than 10 percent of its staff after restructuring. [News.com] Compaq cuts notebook prices -- Compaq Computer reduced Armada notebook prices by as much as 26 percent, part of an effort to move older Pentium MMX models as the more powerful Pentium II processor begins to predominate its lineup, but the transition could be tricky. [News.com] Compaq drops Y2K ad campaign -- In an ongoing battle with a British testing firm over whether its products properly recognize the Year 2000, Compaq Computer today confirmed that a controversial ad campaign that claimed its systems do identify the new century has stopped circulating. [News.com] Compaq earnings mask deeper woes -- Although Compaq surpassed analysts'' predictions today in reporting an operating profit of two cents a share, the numbers don''t resolve underlying market conflicts facing the Houston-based vendor and PC makers in general. [News.com] Compaq expands in workstations -- Compaq Computer continued its expansion into sophisticated computing markets today with the introduction of a new line of 3D graphics subsystems for its high-end workstations. [News.com] Compaq lowers Asia sales targets -- Compaq Computer is lowering sales targets in economically troubled Asia, a senior executive said today. [News.com] Compaq price cuts look ahead -- Compaq trimmed prices on a limited number of consumer PCs, preempting processor price cuts and new Celeron chips from Intel coming in the very near future. [News.com] Compaq reports slight gain -- Compaq Computer today reported a second-quarter profit of $32 million, or 2 cents a share, slightly better than Wall Street expectations. [News.com] Compaq rolls out Radio Shack outlets -- Compaq formally launched its "store-within-a-store" retail outlets in Radio Shack franchises, offering four consumer models that begin at $899 and feature Internet access. [News.com] Compaq setting Asian goals -- Compaq Computer expects to set new targets for its Asia-Pacific business this month, after it puts in place the last steps for integrating recently acquired Digital Equipment. [News.com] Compaq tests extranet tool in Asia -- Compaq Computer said today that it is launching a pilot project in Asia called activeAnswers that offers standards-based technology and products on the World Wide Web. [News.com] Compaq tool gets a Web face -- A homegrown systems management software tool bundled with hardware from Compaq Computer soon will gain long-promised hooks to the Web. [News.com] Compaq''s low-cost workstations -- Last week, Compaq Computer focused on the high end of the workstation market, and this week the PC giant brought out a stripped-down, single-processor system aimed at the growing bargain segment. [News.com] Compaq: Second-half growth expected -- Compaq Computer will enjoy earnings growth in the second half of 1998, a senior executive said in the immediate aftermath of the company''s reporting a net loss of $3.6 billion in the second quarter, compared with a net profit of $257 million in the same period a year ago. [News.com] Computer 2000 test "successful" -- An initial test among top securities firms and stock exchanges to see whether their computers can handle the date rollover into the next century was completed successfully, a trade group said yesterday. [News.com] Computer Horizons beats Street -- Computer Horizons, a company that offers Year 2000 solutions, today posted record revenues to beat estimated earnings for its second quarter. [News.com] Concerns linger on new Apple high -- Apple Computer''s stock soared to a new 52-week high in morning trading today, buoyed by its larger-than-expected third-quarter profits and increases in analysts'' earnings estimates. [News.com] Congress mulls digital IDs -- Congress is mulling over legislation today to create a national framework for authenticating people''s identities when they shop online or send documents over the Net. [News.com] Convergence takes the day -- Amidst much hype, the ballyhooed trend of PC-TV convergence got a boost today, with investor Paul Allen buying cable company Charter Communications for $4.5 billion, as Microsoft, NEC, Alcatel, and DirecTV forged an alliance with Thomson Multimedia to develop and promote interactive television. [News.com] Copyright bill charging ahead -- The House Commerce Committee today approved the Digital Millennium Copyright Act to shield copyrights for digital works and to outlaw technologies that can crack copyright-protection devices. [News.com] Copyright report opposes new laws -- When radio launched, music companies worried that their works would be ripped off. [News.com] Corel chief under investigation -- Michael Cowpland, chief executive of software maker Corel, is being investigated by Canada''s leading securities regulator for selling $13.7 million in stock a month before the company''s share price plunged. [News.com] Cottage industry for Windows 98 -- Windows 98 is spawning a cottage industry of troubleshooting and installation guides. [News.com] Court asked to drop filtering suit -- A Silicon Valley library today asked a California court to throw out a lawsuit filed by a local parent who wants the library to filter Net access for all patrons. [News.com] Cryptic billboard deciphered -- For more than a month, Bay Area commuters from Silicon Valley into San Francisco on Highway 101 have been driving past a prominently placed billboard bearing a cryptic message: "Yahoo gets it. July 7." [News.com] Crypto ad campaign this week -- A private-sector coalition opposed to strict U.S. export controls on data-scrambling technology this week will unveil an advertising campaign to press for change, coalition members said. [News.com] Crypto export rules lighten up -- Cutting some government red tape, Commerce Department Secretary William Daley said today that the Clinton administration will lighten restrictions on strong encryption used by financial institutions to secure electronic transactions sent around the globe. [News.com] CyberCash inherits Net merchants -- Pioneering Internet payments firm First Virtual Holdings is exiting the online payments business to concentrate on Internet messaging and will urge its 2,000 Net merchants to sign up with former rival CyberCash. [News.com] Cyberian Outpost launches IPO -- Cyberian Outpost launched an initial public offering today, and saw its shares gain more than 13 percent on its first trade, as online community-builder GeoCities waited in the wings for its IPO, scheduled to launch in two weeks. [News.com] Cylink tries key recovery -- Cylink is expected to announce this week a set of developer tools called CyKey to incorporate key-recovery mechanisms into security applications. [News.com] DOJ approves MCI-WorldCom -- Justice Department officials said they have approved WorldCom''s $37 billion purchase of MCI Communications because MCI has agreed to sell its Internet business. [News.com] DOJ''s efforts abroad faulted -- In a move likely to further politicize antitrust enforcement of Microsoft, three senators are accusing Justice Department officials of improperly encouraging "foreign governments to use their antitrust laws" against the software giant. [News.com] Dancing Baby: Retail phenom -- The biggest little star of virtual culture is on its way to retail reality. [News.com] Data business leaves GTE flat -- GTE today reported flat second-quarter earnings as investments in its data business offset 10 percent revenue growth and 13 percent volume growth. [News.com] Deja News offers 17 languages -- English is not the only language spoken on the Net and companies hoping to capitalize on that diversity are increasingly offering non-English service. [News.com] Dell Japan adds corporate leasing -- Tomorrow, Dell Computer''s Japanese unit will start a leasing program for corporate customers in conjunction with Japan’s Orix, in an effort to boost its minimal market share. [News.com] Dell closes the gap on Compaq -- But for Compaq''s June acquisition of Digital Equipment, hard-charging Dell would have surpassed the long-time market leader in U.S. PC sales during one of the weirder, and slower, quarters in some time. [News.com] Despite Win 98, Japan woes likely -- Microsoft''s Windows 98 was released today (Saturday, the 25th) in Japan, but while its prospects are good, the new operating system software is expected to do little to stimulate the sluggish PC market. [News.com] Digital City adds 12 markets -- America Online has rolled out 12 new sites on its Digital City local guide network, furthering its position to reap potentially lucrative local advertising. [News.com] Digital divide growing, study says -- The technology-fueled "new economy" is driving up stock prices and expanding job opportunities, but the so-called digital divide between the technological haves and have-nots is growing at an equally fast pace, the Commerce Department said today. [News.com] Digital music hits sour note -- If you build it, will they come? [News.com] Dipping chips -- Microprocessors, which live at the core of computing and the technology industry, continue to be beset by Asia''s financial woes and pricing pressures. Companies such as Compaq and Advanced Micro Devices still rely on the sector to advance their product lines and businesses. But just months after recruiting IBM to manufacture its processors, Advanced Micro Devices is putting the brakes on the deal. [News.com] Disney Online president quits -- The president of Disney Online, Richard Wolpert, resigned his post yesterday to pursue other interests, the entertainment giant said. [News.com] Disney making service for Mac -- What''s good for Apple Computer''s iMac is good for Disney, and vice versa. [News.com] Don''t blame apps for Win 98 flaws -- If you run into Windows 98 problems, talk to your hardware maker and Microsoft first, not the software application companies. [News.com] DoubleClick localizes Web ads -- Internet ad firm DoubleClick today launched DoubleClick Local, a targeting service that lets local advertisers reach Web users from their own communities on sites that DoubleClick represents. [News.com] DoubleClick talks to Compaq -- DoubleClick said today it was in talks with Compaq Computer on strengthening the contract between DoubleClick and AltaVista, the Internet advertising company''s largest customer. [News.com] Drugstore.com gets Neupert -- Peter Neupert, who recently left Microsoft after playing a key role in its Internet and cable strategies, has landed a chief executive post with start-up Drugstore.com, said company founder Jed Smith. [News.com] Dutch child porn ring still online -- The images of child abuse that have led to criminal investigations in the Netherlands can still be seen on the Internet, the Dutch media reported. [News.com] Dutch police chase Net porn ring -- Dutch police today were investigating allegations that an international child pornography ring exploited toddlers as young as two and distributed their images worldwide via the Internet. [News.com] Dutch under fire for child porn -- Dutch Justice Minister Winnie Sorgdrager has promised to invest more money and resources in fighting Internet child pornography in the Netherlands. [News.com] E*Trade invests in Net services -- E*Trade Group today invested in three Internet services that provide networking infrastructure, e-mail services, and content for Baby Boomers, as it continues to build out its finance portal. [News.com] E*Trade to acquire ShareData -- E*Trade Group, one of the largest online investing firms, will acquire privately held ShareData for about $30 million in stock later this year, the companies announced today. [News.com] E-commerce legislation debated -- As commissioners from a little-understood group convene this week, consumer advocates are warning that its vote on a major piece of proposed legislation could stifle the future of electronic commerce. [News.com] E-rate boosted by digital divide concerns -- Clinton administration troops are making strategic moves this week to rally public support for the e-rate, an embattled federal program to hook schools and libraries up to the Net. [News.com] EC gets Microsoft complaint -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association said it filed objections with the European Commission over cross-promotional agreements Microsoft has with Internet service providers. [News.com] EMC results beat Street -- EMC reported second quarter earnings today that beat Wall Street''s expectation of 33 cents per share by 9 percent. [News.com] ERP vendors eye e-commerce -- Forget "enterprise." The "E" in enterprise resource planning (ERP) is starting to stand for electronic, as in e-commerce. [News.com] EU backs U.S. domain plan -- The European Commission said today it welcomed new U.S. proposals for reforming the Internet name and address system and urged Europeans to play an active role in the new structure. [News.com] EU likely to clear MCI-WorldCom -- The European Commission is expected to give final approval Wednesday to WorldCom''s proposed $37 billion purchase of MCI Communications, on condition that MCI sell off its Internet businesses, sources said today. [News.com] EU report seeks Net privacy laws -- Fanning an international conflict over how to protect online privacy, the European Union has released a report rejecting the White House stance that industry solutions--not laws--can best safeguard sensitive information on the Net. [News.com] Earnings news boosts Symantec -- The utility software company Symantec announced today that its earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal year 1999 which ended July 3, will be 40 cents before one-time charges. Revenues will be $153 million. [News.com] Earnings news boosts Yahoo -- Yahoo shares saw some ups and downs today, with the stock rising as high as $204 in early trading, encouraged by the company''s strong second quarter earnings report and its 2-for-1 stock split announcement. It later fell 2.1875 to close the day at $184. [News.com] Earnings shed light on Net stocks -- Internet stocks, which have been soaring for weeks largely on speculation that they have sunny futures, will get a dose of reality today when Yahoo reports second-quarter earnings. [News.com] Earnings, rumors boost Lucent -- Shares of Lucent Technologies surged more than 7 percent to a record high yesterday amid positive earnings expectations, a new contract, and rumors that another stock split may be imminent, analysts said. [News.com] Eckerd expands IBM services -- IBM will announce today that drug retailer Eckerd has renewed an existing service contract for Eckerd''s 1,600 stores and expanded the deal to cover 1,100 drug stores owned by J.C. Penney. [News.com] Economist warns of Y2K fallout -- As the clock ticks toward the start of the year 2000, a leading Wall Street economist says the odds have risen that computer malfunctions will send the world into a severe recession. [News.com] Egghead''s Web move paying off -- Egghead''s move to put all its eggs into one basket by closing its retail stores and becoming an Internet-only commerce company has--so far--proven to be the right decision. [News.com] Ellison an anti-Microsoft witness -- Lotus president and chief executive Jeff Papows, Oracle chief executive Larry Ellison, and Sybase chief executive Mitchell Kertzman will be among witnesses speaking at Thursday''s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing concerning Microsoft''s business practices, a committee staffer confirmed today. [News.com] Email death threat spreads -- A death threat spam that frightened America Online members last week now has spread to Yahoo Mail. [News.com] Email security flaw discovered -- A security hole in three of the most popular email programs has been identified by a team of researchers at a Finland university, raising the possibility that hordes of users may have to upgrade their software. [News.com] Embattled e-rate due in fall -- Federal discounts on Net hook-ups for schools and libraries will be doled out this fall, the head of the program said today during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing to scrutinize the administration of the program. [News.com] Enterprise firm turns new leaf -- Symix Systems, a maker of enterprise resource planning systems for middle-market manufacturers, is expanding its reach. [News.com] Ethernet extension wins support -- An extension to the standard Ethernet networking protocol floated by start-up Alteon Networks recently got a boost when both Microsoft and Compaq Computer endorsed the format for delivering data to computers. [News.com] Eudora free from email bug -- Qualcomm, maker of the popular email program Eudora, said that its products are not susceptible to the long file name security flaw affecting Microsoft and Netscape Communications'' email software. [News.com] Europe ISPs to talk Net rules -- Europe''s leading Internet service providers will meet in Brussels, Belgium, next week to launch a coalition that will promote industry codes of conduct, a senior executive at AOL Bertelsmann Online said today. [News.com] Europe plugs U.S. domain plan -- A debate over who should manage the Internet shifts to Brussels this week, with European industry representatives set to push forward a U.S. plan for reforming the network''s name and address system. [News.com] Europe seeks global domain policy -- Representatives of Europe''s Internet industry decided today to join forces to ensure their voice is heard in the effort to reform the global computer network''s name and address system. [News.com] Europe weighs Net gambling rules -- The European Commission said today it was studying existing rules pertaining to gambling over the Internet, but has not yet decided whether common legislation is needed. [News.com] Excite confirms Throw purchase -- Excite confirmed that it has acquired privately held Throw, which later this year will allow it to join other Internet directories in offering an online community product. [News.com] Excite, Inktomi beat Street -- Internet search companies Excite and Inktomi today posted quarterly losses that weren''t as bad as Wall Street''s projections. [News.com] Extending Java developers'' reach -- Sun Microsystems has released a set of development tools intended to make Java application building easier. [News.com] FAA: Y2K won''t crash critical system -- Federal Aviation Administration technicians have determined that a critical mainframe computer used in the nation''s largest air traffic control centers will function properly in the year 2000, according to reports. [News.com] FCC could spur speedy Net -- In a move to boost the deployment of high-speed Net access, the Federal Communications Commission is considering a deregulation plan to allow large phone companies to more easily enter the growing market. [News.com] FCC hashing out digital TV rules -- The Federal Communications Commission has begun the difficult task of defining rules that require cable systems to carry all broadcast channels to the merging world of digital television. [News.com] FTC: Self-regulation won''t cut it -- Edging even further from endorsements of industry efforts to safeguard Net users'' privacy through self-regulation, the chairman of the Federal Trade Commission said today that new laws may be needed to eliminate concerns raised by the online collection of personal information. [News.com] Fastest AMD chip in notebook -- Next month, Micro Express will introduce a new notebook featuring an AMD K6-2 processor and a large display for under $2,300. [News.com] Fastest PowerPC chip debuts -- Motorola introduced the industry''s fastest PowerPC microprocessors, "G3" chips that run at 366 MHz while using less power than competing processors from Intel. [News.com] Fighting for security -- International debates over online privacy protection and how to handle the export of strong encryption have dragged on with little obvious progress. Experts say the only solution is swift, sweeping action--though few will be entirely satisfied with the outcome. [News.com] Fighting hackers with freeware -- Been hacked? Only the Shadow may know for sure. [News.com] Fill it up with R/3 -- SAP is teaching its R/3 software new tricks. [News.com] Fingerprint ID system in Japan -- The Japanese unit of Compaq Computer said it began accepting orders in Japan today for a fingerprint identification system designed mainly for corporate users. [News.com] Firm aims to fix broken links -- For all the innovations in Net technology over the past few years, there are still few things more aggravating than broken hyperlinks. [News.com] Firm tests antispam software -- In the cat-and-mouse fight of spammers vs. antispammers, one company is launching what it hopes will become a major weapon against bulk email. [News.com] Firms bring ATMs home -- Out of cash? The ATM is no longer only down the block, around the corner, or across the mall. [News.com] Firms profiting via portals -- Amid the high-profile battle among portal sites such as Yahoo and Lycos, a growing number of Web companies are basing their businesses on the back of this sizzling market. [News.com] Firms propose new crypto plan -- Leading technology firms have proposed a new data encryption plan meant to ease U.S. government fears that exporting strong encryption will compromise national security. [News.com] Flash memory capacity increased -- Japanese electronics maker Fujitsu announced that it has developed a 64-megabit flash memory chip in cooperation with Advanced Micro Devices. [News.com] Flat panel display dips below $900 -- CTX International reduced the price of a 14-inch LCD display to $899, making the City of Industry, California, operation one of the first flat-panel manufacturers to break the $900 price barrier. [News.com] Fujitsu bundles Netscape browser -- Netscape Communications said today that Fujitsu will include Netscape''s Communicator Internet browser software on all four series of its latest LifeBook notebooks. [News.com] Fujitsu offers cashless ATM -- Fujitsu said today that it had introduced a cashless automatic teller machine (ATM) and an electronic wallet. [News.com] GOP awaits Y2K encore -- Republicans who had earlier criticized the White House for not taking the Year 2000 technology bug seriously are optimistic about yesterday''s speech by the president on the issue, but caution that it''s only a first step. [News.com] GTE to pursue MCI-WorldCom suit -- While expressing pleasure that MCI Communications is required to divest its Internet assets before merging with WorldCom, GTE said it will pursue its lawsuit against the merger until all of its concerns are met. [News.com] GTE, Bell Atlantic in merger talks -- Bell Atlantic and GTE are in merger talks to create a U.S. telecommunications powerhouse with revenues of $53 billion, second only to those of AT&T, according to published reports. [News.com] GTE, Bell Atlantic shake on it -- Bell Atlantic and GTE announced today that they have agreed to a merger that would create a company capable of providing a wide range of services, including long distance, local and wireless services, as well as Internet access. [News.com] Gates gives $7 million to libraries -- While politicians squabble over the particulars of a federal program to hook schools and libraries up to the Net, Microsoft''s Bill Gates and others are sidestepping bureaucrats and cutting fat checks to support public online access. [News.com] Gates, Buffett a bit bearish -- Billionaire bridge-playing buddies Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have different backgrounds, but they agree on one thing: The multiples of technology stocks probably are too high. [News.com] Gates: BackOffice a rising star -- Microsoft BackOffice--a suite of enterprise or high-end programs that runs atop Windows NT--is a rising star that is likely to join Windows 95 and 98, Windows NT, and Office 97 as a future revenue driver, company CEO Bill Gates told a group of financial analysts today. [News.com] Gateway cuts target back to school -- Gateway reduced prices on its consumer PCs as it readies for the "back to school" selling season. [News.com] Gateway drops on earnings news -- Gateway shares fell more than 10 percent today, and some analysts have downgraded the stock one day after the company reported lower-than-expected quarterly earnings due to lower average selling prices. [News.com] Gemstar faces hostile offer -- United Video Satellite Group announced yesterday that it made a hostile offer to merge with multimedia company Gemstar International Group for approximately $2.8 billion or $45 per share in cash. [News.com] Gemstar, Microsoft expand TV deal -- Gemstar International Group says it has struck a deal to expand its six-month-old interactive programming pact with Microsoft. [News.com] General Magic reports loss -- General Magic, which makes operating systems for communications software makers, has reported a net loss and a decline in revenues for its second quarter. [News.com] GeoCities tries antispam measure -- Yielding to pressure from an antispam boycott, Net community GeoCities tomorrow will finally take action against spammers who use its servers to send bulk email. [News.com] German commerce boom predicted -- Internet commerce is set to explode in Germany with sales likely to surge to $22.6 billion, Bertelsmann''s multimedia director said today. [News.com] German party reports hacking -- Germany''s Free Democratic Party, a junior partner in Chancellor Helmut Kohl''s government, said today that a hacker had broken into its computer system and altered internal files, causing considerable damage. [News.com] Germany high on e-commerce list -- E-commerce companies hoping to peddle their goods to the European market should set their sights on Germany, a new report said. [News.com] Get-rich-quick tips for execs -- Tired of your company''s sagging fortunes? Taking a cue from David Letterman, CNET NEWS.COM offers the top ten tips for revitalizing a business during the summer doldrums: [News.com] Glaser breaks the silence -- Rob Glaser, chief executive of RealNetworks, went to Washington last week and walked into a firestorm. [News.com] Glaser, others blast Microsoft -- Microsoft asks in its ads: "Where do you want to go today?" Clearly, one place it didn’t want to go today was the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. [News.com] Gore pushes new Net privacy laws -- Faced with mounting public pressure to enforce stricter online privacy protections, Vice President Al Gore today called for new laws to deter identity theft and to prohibit the collection of data from children on the Net without parental permission. [News.com] Gore to urge new Net privacy laws -- Faced with mounting public pressure to enforce stricter online privacy protections, Vice President Al Gore is expected tomorrow to call for new laws to deter identity theft and to prohibit the collection of data from children on the Net. [News.com] Governors, execs meet on schools -- Incorporating technology into education tops a lot of priority lists in government--but officials also face a quandary in how to make a significant investment in it with limited resources. [News.com] Graphics chipsets now a trend -- Taipei, Taiwan-based Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS) introduced a Pentium chipset that integrates 3D graphics chips, a precursor to more such products from Intel and others. [News.com] Group cracks crypto standard -- The current 56-bit Data Encryption Standard is not as secure as believed, the Electronic Frontier Foundation revealed today in an attempt to raise the ante in the political standoff with U.S. government officials trying to limit the strength of encryption approved for export. [News.com] Group says bug''s from Real -- The war of words between RealNetworks and Microsoft took another turn as a computer technology group claimed that RealNetworks itself caused a glitch that rendered its software inoperable with Windows products. [News.com] Guilty plea in Net porn case -- A journalist has pleaded guilty to two counts of receiving and trafficking child pornography on the Net, a strategy his attorneys say will help them beat a federal ruling that prohibited him from using the First Amendment as a defense. [News.com] HP backs Windows Terminals -- Hewlett-Packard rolled out its first Windows-based computers for the low-end "dumb" terminal market priced at $699, the first stage in the company''s plan to become the No. 1 supplier in that segment of the business computing market. [News.com] HP cuts notebook prices in sales push -- Hewlett-Packard is undertaking a major campaign on behalf of its notebook computers, today adding its entire lineup to a reseller sales incentive program while aggressively cutting prices nearly across the board. [News.com] HP cuts workstation prices -- Hewlett-Packard (HP) reduced prices by as much as 18 percent on Pentium II-based workstations, two days after the chipmaker unveiled its new Xeon processor for high-end workstations and servers. [News.com] HP managers to take pay cut -- Hewlett-Packard has asked about 2,400 managers to take a temporary 5 percent pay cut, and the company will close its U.S. offices for four days between Christmas and New Year''s as part of a cost-cutting campaign, a spokeswoman confirmed today. [News.com] HP subject of customs inquiry -- U.S. customs officials are investigating whether Hewlett-Packard workers illegally shipped $6 million worth of computer merchandise without paying the proper duties, an HP spokesman said. [News.com] HP to port server OS to Merced -- Hewlett-Packard said it will port the operating system for its large-scale 3000 series computers to Intel''s 64-bit Merced processor, the latest evidence of mushrooming support for Intel''s next-generation chip architecture. [News.com] HP warns of lower earnings -- Citing weak business conditions in Asia, Hewlett-Packard today warned its third-quarter financial results will likely fall below Wall Street''s estimates. [News.com] HP, Check Point detect intrusions -- Hewlett-Packard and Check Point Software today beefed up their security offerings with agreements to add intrusion detection software, which monitors networks for break-ins by unauthorized users. [News.com] HP, Circuit City do custom sales -- Hewlett-Packard and Circuit City are teaming up to bring direct sales of HP computers to the latter''s retail customers, following in the footsteps of Compaq, which has already launched a similar program. [News.com] Haiti slowly getting Net -- PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti--Though most Haitians have missed out on the technological breakthroughs of this century, a few determined entrepreneurs are battling to pull them into the next one with the help of the Internet. [News.com] Handheld goes after Webcasting -- Zulu Broadcasting today released Video Vamoose, a handheld device that allows anyone with a VCR or camcorder to stream video directly to the Internet. [News.com] Hangul won''t need Microsoft -- A struggling South Korean software company said today that it was withdrawing a plea to Microsoft for an investment after a consortium came to its rescue. [News.com] Hard times for storage sector -- Looks like there''s no relief in sight for the disk drive industry, as Western Digital posts a larger-than-expected loss. The earnings report comes on the heels of last week''s ouster of Seagate CEO Al Shugart, and in the midst of a continued slump for the storage sector. [News.com] Hatch wants Gates back -- Microsoft critic and Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Orrin Hatch says it''s time to move beyond browser software in examining the company''s business practices, and he has scheduled a new hearing to do just that. [News.com] Healtheon to buy Metis for stock -- Healtheon, founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Jim Clark, said today it would buy Metis in a stock swap--its second acquisition since February. [News.com] High-end portables for Win 98 -- Prices on top-line notebooks sporting Windows 98 are heading south, led by Intel price cuts and new Compaq Computer models incorporating processors from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). [News.com] High-tech Hollywood -- Time was when Silicon Valley and Tinseltown may as well have been two different planets. These days, it''s getting harder to tell them apart, as partnerships between entertainment and high-tech giants continue to rise. The strategy has yet to pay off, however. [News.com] Hitachi driving Windows home -- Microsoft is stepping up efforts to move its Windows CE operating system into new markets, inking a deal with Hitachi in which the Japanese electronics manufacturer will add to its lineup of handheld computers and create a new breed of home computing devices. [News.com] Hollywood steps up copyright fight -- Along with all the bells, whistles, and hype, one of the themes of this year''s Herring on Hollywood conference was that the entertainment industry has to be prepared to protect its copyrighted material as widespread broadband access approaches. [News.com] Home networking set to take off -- Current efforts aimed at making it easy to network multiple PCs and devices within homes will reap a $4 billion market reward by the year 2002, according to a new study by a West Coast securities firm. [News.com] Hong Kong fiasco for Intel cargo -- Intel logistics have suffered a "significant impact" from the cargo fiasco at the newly opened Hong Kong airport, prompting a partial shutdown at two plants, an executive said here last week. [News.com] Hotmail log-out leads to Start -- Microsoft took a significant step in promoting its Start portal site today when it began automatically redirecting users of the company''s Hotmail service to Start. [News.com] House OKs investor lawsuit bill -- The House overwhelmingly approved a bill today that would require most shareholder lawsuits against public companies to be filed in federal court, a shift that would place limits on such actions. [News.com] How will Y2K hit hospitals? -- The Senate subcommittee responsible for addressing the year 2000''s impact on computer systems today said the health care industry is not yet ready for the end of the century. [News.com] Hubble star pictures on Net -- Massive baby stars, nestled in a cloud of glowing gases and shining as bright as 300,000 suns, are at the center of a galactic "family portrait" snapped by the Hubble Space Telescope and released over the Internet. [News.com] Hughes examines satellite glitches -- Hughes Electronics is investigating computer failures on two orbiting satellites identical to the one whose malfunction temporarily devastated pager communications nationwide in May, according to reports. [News.com] IBM copper chip due for Macs -- IBM''s chance for chip greatness will come later this summer with the release of its first copper-based PowerPC microprocessors, intended for Apple Computer''s Macintosh systems. [News.com] IBM cuts Latin America projects -- IBM, linked to bribe and fraud scandals in Argentina and Mexico, said it will only sign state-sector contracts for integrated projects in Latin America that result from public tenders. [News.com] IBM execs cleared of fraud -- A Mexican judge cleared three executives of IBM of fraud charges yesterday over a multimillion-dollar computer system sold to city officials that failed to work. [News.com] IBM flat panel goes below $1,000 too -- IBM is slashing prices on flat-panel desktop displays, bringing its lowest-priced product under the $1,000 price point for the first time. [News.com] IBM gains new consumer head -- IBM named the returned Mike Braun to head its recently restructured consumer unit, replacing James Firestone, who left to become president of a Xerox division. [News.com] IBM guilty in supercomputer case -- An IBM subsidiary has agreed to plead guilty to unlawfully exporting computers to a Russian nuclear weapons laboratory, U.S. government officials said today. [News.com] IBM has resellers build PCs -- IBM said yesterday that distributors have begun assembling all key components of its commercial personal computers, a major shift aimed at slashing the buildup of excess inventory. [News.com] IBM lends Sun Java help -- More than a year after it promised to back a key Internet protocol, Sun Microsystems said yesterday that it will work with IBM to develop a way for Sun''s protocol for Java components to communicate across a network to work on the Net. [News.com] IBM mainframe tops speed mark -- IBM said that its upcoming line of mainframe computers has smashed industry performance records, giving the company at least a one-year lead over rival mainframe makers. [News.com] IBM now takes CyberCash -- IBM is linking up with CyberCash to boost Big Blue''s Internet payment offerings by adding the most popular form of Internet payments today: credit or debit cards using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol. [News.com] IBM peaks on bullish run -- IBM stock hit a lifetime intraday high today amid a strengthening outlook for the rest of 1998 and a belief by some analysts that the stock deserves a higher earnings multiple. [News.com] IBM posts profit, flat revenues -- IBM shares jumped nearly 6.5 percent in early trading this morning after the company yesterday reported a small rise in quarterly profits. [News.com] IBM profit to show tepid growth -- IBM is expected to show tepid year-to-year growth in its second-quarter results amid the economic slowdown in Asia, sales declines at its troubled personal computer business, and a transition for its mainframe business. [News.com] IBM single sign-on software due -- IBM debuted a new version of software that allows users in a diverse computing environment to sign on just once but access the network from anywhere. [News.com] IBM to offer speech products -- IBM is planning a partnership with Applied Language Technologies, a closely held speech-software company in Boston, as it continues to seek business uses for voice-recognition technology, according to reports. [News.com] IBM touts fall PC lineup -- IBM introduced its fall PC lineup, a collection for back-to-school buyers which includes Big Blue''s first $799 consumer system and a feature-packed model with Intel''s fastest Pentium II proc