NETWATCH
For a taste of network-based applications, go to www.desktop. com, an innovative “graphical Webtop” that lets you launch applications and install links to your favourite websites. Tools include a file manager, a text editor (Deskpad), a to-do list and a calculator. If your name is Scott McNealy (boss of Sun Microsystems, who advocates this software model), you should also try to run some Microsoft Office programs over the Web in ESoft’s demo room at www.mia-global. com. You would learn a few things.
izania.com is an online news site aimed firmly at a black market, covering business, the arts, entertainment, as well as carrying job ads. “Powwwer to the People.”
Etienne van Heerden is leading an online literary journal at www. litnet.co.za. Currently largely Afrikaans, the site plans to become multilingual in a few months. The site carries the acid graphic content of BitterKomix and an online creative writing forum moderated by Andr Brink and Hennie Aucamp. Xhosa content is growing and submissions in any South African language are welcome.
Sending a sensitive e-mail? Work in a corporate or bureaucratic environment? Unless you know otherwise, your employers could be scanning your e-mail. This can be avoided by taking advantage of the services of www.ziplip.com.
African Cellular now carries a cellphone software library, with 75 software titles available for download. They include new ringtones and graphics, enhanced data facilities and phone-to-e-mail integration. At www.cellular.co.za.
ENDS