This file was converted from this text by AscToHTM
CNET Digital Dispatch: Internet Explorer 4.0 Preview 2--tested!
June 26, 1997
more than 825,000 subscribers
This week on CNET:
1. CNET.COM: Internet Explorer 4.0 Preview 2--tested!
2. 17-inch monitors: bigger is better!
3. Windows hack attack
4. NEWS.COM: Supreme Court rules on CDA
5. BUILDER.COM: it's JavaScript week
6. Barr's plea to IBM: save Java!
7. Hot product reviews
8. "Skewer!" celebrates high-tech anniversaries
9. New at "software central"
10. GAMECENTER.COM: hot and heavy downloader's guide
11. CNET TV: information overload; cyberstalking
12. EVENTS.COM: Hong Kong handover; Luscious Jackson chat
13. DOWNLOAD.COM and SHAREWARE.COM: RealPlayer takes the field
14. ACTIVEX.COM: agents for hire
15. "Your turn": what do you think of the CDA ruling?
16. Top ten creative distribution methods for Internet Explorer 4.0
17. Jobs!
18. Subscribe and unsubscribe
The second beta of Microsoft's Internet Explorer 4.0 won't be available to download for a little while yet, but we got a sneak peek at the product, which means, of course, a special hands-on review for you. See what all the fuss is about--and why Netscape users may soon be turning green with envy. In the "browser central" section:
Is your window to the Web a little narrow? Maybe it's time to upgrade to a 17-inch monitor. We tested and reviewed seventeen big screens. Three products opened our eyes:
You loved our first Windows 95 hacks story; now come back for more! We've added new power tips, including a sneaky way to speed up reboots and a tool to jettison the junk from your Registry:
The Supreme Court, in rejecting the Communications Decency Act, has determined the future of free speech on the Net. The NEWS.COM special report explains the thinking behind the decision and what the ruling means for Net users, libraries, and the states that have already passed their own versions of the CDA:
http://www.news.com/SpecialFeatures/0%2c5%2c11937%2c00.html?dd
First, "master builder" columnist Dan Shafer explains why JavaScript is the skill for Web builders today. His career advice: learn it!
Best of all, you can pick up the basics of JavaScript and use them within a couple of hours. We'll show you how: follow along as CNET builds a working JavaScript application from the ground up. Then use the code in your own pages. In BUILDER.COM:
CNET editor in chief Christopher Barr believes it's time to get serious with the future of Java. His suggestion to IBM: buy Sun Microsystems. Somebody has to tell Sun that Java is only a language! Not only would such an action put Java into experienced hands, but it would give IBM a pretty good server and workstation company, as well:
Another great week of new products:
Find these reviews and much more in the "just in" section:
You might think that anniversaries are a bit outdated in the modern high-tech industry, where few start-ups or versions of Web browsers make it through 12 full months. Actually, anniversaries become more momentous, and we exult with passion when a Web site celebrates a first anniversary or an Internet stock is in double digits a year after its IPO. Mark Glaser, CNET's own Andy Rooney, takes a grumpy look at our frantic need to celebrate passing time on the Net:
The download library at CNET.COM, "software central," is the easiest way for you to find the stuff you really need. Get more productive with the latest and most popular download picks.
New this week on "software central": Net Toob Stream delivers high-quality, on-demand streaming audio and video in real time to Web site visitors--and it plays any multimedia standard! ThunderByte Anti-Virus 95 can detect not only known viruses, but also programs that may contain new viruses. Just point your browser here, and enter the program of your choice in the search field:
To combat the dog days of summer, the Gamecenter editors scoured the Internet for the latest, greatest game demos and shareware. They came back with 40 titles--get 'em while they're hot!
"TV.COM": information overload and how to cope with it. Also: a free download that will help you create the right resume to get the job of your dreams.
"The Web": cyberstalking, free email programs, and Sofie cooks with her mum (and, of course, we have online recipes).
"The New Edge": Richard Hart gets military training--by playing video games. Plus: 3D TV and supertrains.
Info on all CNET TV shows is available here:
Here's where and when to catch the programs in your area:
The "events" section now features daily updates of what's happening online!
Participate in history as it happens: on June 30 and July 1, Time's foremost experts in Asian affairs will discuss the future of Hong Kong as it officially reverts to Chinese rule. On Sunday, don't miss the MSN chat with the eclectic filly foursome Luscious Jackson about the release of their new album, "Fever In Fever Out." Then on Monday, best-selling author Deke McClelland shares the techniques and shortcuts used by savvy professionals in an online chat about Photoshop 4 for Windows:
Take advantage of the latest multimedia technology available on the Internet with the final release of RealPlayer 4.0. It's not just streaming audio--this plug-in incorporates cutting-edge streaming video technology! Get the ultimate in online media.
Windows 95/NT version:
http://www.download.com/PC/Result/TitleDetail/0%2C4%2C0-21680-g%2C00.html?dd
Power Mac version:
http://www.download.com/Mac/Result/TitleDetail/0%2C4%2C0-26452-g%2C00.html?dd
Have you seen this week's selections? That's right--the staff of SHAREWARE.COM scouts the Web to bring you 20 new and groovy shareware, freeware, and commercial demos every week. Sample the best software that the Internet has to offer:
The team at Redmond, Washington, wants to put personality into your programs. Hence: Microsoft Agent. This set of tools creates animated characters that can be used to enhance Web pages or applications within the Windows interface. Hire an interactive assistant today:
http://www.activex.com/PC/Result/TitleDetail/0%2C16%2C0-26610-g%2C00.html?dd
The Supreme Court has put a stake in the heart of the Communications Decency Act (see news feature, item 4). It ruled that a federal panel was correct in halting enforcement of the CDA as unconstitutional.
What is your reaction? Should a different interpretation of the CDA be pursued? Or is it just good riddance?
To contribute your thoughts, phone CNET at 415/395-7805, enter extension 5400, and leave a message. We'll listen to the responses and broadcast the best on CNET Radio:
We took a look at the new beta of Internet Explorer 4.0, and we have three choice words about the new release: man, that's big! The new IE is such a huge download that we doubt anybody in their right mind will want to grab it over a modem line, which means Microsoft is going to have to come up with alternate distribution methods, such as these:
For the full skinny on the browser battles, see CNET's "browser central":
Come work at CNET! This week's featured job:
CNET.COM is looking for an assistant producer to handle the production of features and comparative reviews. The ideal candidate must be a quick learner and have strong experience with HTML 3.2 (including lots of work with tables). Experience with JavaScript, SQL, and UNIX is a big plus. The job is located in San Francisco. Send resumes to seanl@cnet.com.
More information on this and other opportunities at CNET!
Manage your Digital Dispatch subscription right here:
Thanks for tuning in and logging on!
http://www.cnet.com/
http://www.news.com/
http://www.builder.com/
http://www.browsers.com/
http://www.gamecenter.com/
http://www.download.com/
http://www.shareware.com/
http://www.search.com/
http://www.buydirect.com/
http://www.mediadome.com/
http://www.activex.com/
Copyright 1997 CNET, Inc. All rights reserved.