If you’re looking for that feature in Microsoft Word or Excel and you can’t remember where you originally found it, you’re not alone. About 80% of feature requests from users already exist in Office, says Cyril Belikoff, information worker business group manager for Microsoft South Africa.

It’s an old tune that has been playing in South Africa for years — unless we get viable and cheap broadband the country will be left behind. The digital divide may separate those with a computer or internet access from those without but the broadband divide carves what few million internet users South Africa has from the rest of the online world.

Three times a week, Brian Ibbott sits in his converted basement in his Denver house and plays his favourite cover songs. He explains their origins, reveals little-known musical trivia and indulges in the light banter of a polished radio host. Then he quietly posts these half-hour radio shows online and 40 000 listeners download them and listen either on their computers or iPods.