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Vast electronic commerce net is cas... Intel processor sets a new speed record ... |
PHILIP VAN ZYL SURFS THE WEB
GEOCITIES Electronic commerce on the Web, which should treble in value to almost R100-billion this year, according to the market research firm International Data Corporation, received a further boost last week when GeoCities, one of the largest hosts of free home pages, said it would help its members set up "GeoShops" and sell products on the Internet. GeoCities' page-hosting services are used by 1,5 million amateur Web publishers, called "homesteaders", around the globe, including many South Africans. Now, GeoCities says, aspirant "GeoShops merchants" will be provided with an Internet address, tools, server space and even transaction processing facilities to put up their digital store fronts. GeoCities expects some 100 000 cyberbazaars and online shops to open in the first 12 months alone.
MAVEN If you are thinking of buying a new computer or upgrading an existing one, it might be worth consulting Maven, an information technology Web site run by the American National Software Testing Laboratories and Business Week to provide objective advice on a wide range of computer products. Features of the service include reviews of the latest products, news updates and analyses, manufacturers' Internet addresses, software downloads and more.
CITY OF BATH JB Priestley's phrase, "Bath spread herself before us like a beautiful dowager giving a reception", deftly evokes the elegance and dignity of one of England's most ancient and beautiful centres. Unique attractions, such as the Roman and the Georgian baths, Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge, can be previewed in a virtual tour of the city on the richly illustrated Bath home page.
McLAREN ONLINE MAGAZINE Formula One fanatics should drive by the Official McLaren Online page for race dates and updates, profiles of the McClaren team and lots of free and fun stuff such as virtual postcards, software downloads and competitions.
GODZILLA Internet chat aficionados and movie buffs get the opportunity to "hang out and rap" twice a week with the cast and crew of the upcoming remake of the classic Godzilla, featuring Matthew Broderick and a host of frightened stars. Beyond chats, cool features of the official home page include merchandise from the "G-Store", streaming video, an online database, trailers and the G-Patrol Virtual Reality Simulator. E-mail Philip Van Zyl on: lexvox.bcs @iafrica.com
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