Another outstanding visit with Steve. Initially, the guys talk about the U.S. v Microsoft lawsuit. Even though the news is old, the fundamental discussion on the merits of anti-trust cases in today's marketplace are still valid. They move on to discuss broad band connectivity, such as DSL, Cable Modem, ISDN, T1 lines, etc., and how this capability will change the way we live, learn, work, and are entertained. Two of the applications affected by broad band that are discussed by Steve and Jim are video conferencing and distance learning. Another topic discussed is ASP, an Application Service Provider, which offers customers online software capability on-demand instead of purchasing a copy of a software program.

Marvelous Mary Westheimer, as Jim calls her, discusses the one-of-a-kind survey Bookzone conducted about how people use the web. Mary and her company talked with 9000 publishers, mostly small independent ones, and asked them how they use the Net, how they developed their websites, how much money they spent, etc., etc. This is a very important interview for anyone who wants to know more about Internet usage.

Annabell is one of our telecommunications experts, and she joins Jim to talk about this very timely subject. One of the things discussed is the history of the Internet. They move on to discuss the difference between the World Wide Web and the Internet.

Nattalia and Jim continue their discussion of the survey Nattalia conducted on how people use their computers, and how they feel about them. She contacted over 800 people for this survey. This may be the funniest archive we have. It's not only full of information, it's a lot of fun.

Jonathan and Jim begin this visit talking about Techies Day, which includes focusing on how to get more young people within the U.S. to focus on a technical career, as well as getting techies who live outside of the U.S. brought in to fill the hundreds of thousands of technology jobs that are currently vacant. The guys move on to discuss something called an ASP, which is Applications Service Provider. ASPs put together web-based business tools with high-end capability, and then make that available incrementally to small companies. Web-based capability is one of the examples of how small businesses can compete with the Big Guys without being big.

Jim welcomes Annabell for the first time as they discuss the timely and important topic of telecommunications. They begin the visit by talking about telecom mergers and acquisitions, and how all of this will affect consumers. They agree that there is a movement toward competition between telecom firms who offer all of the telecom services you need: local, long distance, cellular, Internet dial-up, etc. They also cover the evolution of how we communicate today, with voice mail, email, etc., and how we should manage all of this.

Jonathan joins Jim from a programmers convention in Florida. They begin by talking about the employment prospects for IT people. Here's a hint: $$$! Jonathan reports that there are 350,000 unfilled high-tech jobs. He predicts that more young people should be focusing on a vocational education than they have in the past.

Nattalia is one of our Internet experts, and in this visit, she and Jim discuss the survey she conducted for her new book about the lives, loves, and interests of computer users. This information is not only informative, but it's also entertaining. Jim finds some of this information a little too close to home for comfort. If you are a geek, a computer widow or widower, or a ludite (someone who doesn't use a computer) check it out to see if you find yourself in the interesting facts Nattalia found.

Jonathan joins Jim to discuss various information technology issues, including software, hardware, applications, and public policy. This week Jonathan talks about the easing of encryption controls, which has significant international security and trade implications. They move on to talk about the debate over digital signatures, free email service, Internet connection from your cell phone, receiving customized information via email, and other issues.

Adam talks with Jim about how broadband telecommunications will affect our lives and businesses in the next century, including a definition of the subject. Often called "big pipes", Jim and Adam discuss the use of broadband applications such as distance learning, plus cultural issues, and public policy of this capability.