Web Round-Up W/E 19/12/97

Bill Gates and Microsoft inevitably feature in every Web Round-Up so we may as well get their slot out of the way first. This week Mr. Gates’ empire has been mostly losing its court case with the US government to the effect that Microsoft must now change its marketing practices for the Internet Explorer browser software. Previously Microsoft had been insisting that PC makers included the browser with any installation of the Windows operating system. This is a set-back for Microsoft which was planning the launch of its new ‘Webtop’ operating system Windows ’98 this year.

…Whilst the amount of people using the Internet continues to rise, the amount of porn therein may well start to fall if the US and European governments get their way. The European Commission is currently constructing guidelines which will screen pornographic sites from the public. It argues that such sites are “offensive to human dignity”. The US online industry is also attempting to preempt government action by providing improved screening and filtering facilities which can cut out sites that have an adult rating. The main problem faced by filtering software at the moment is that a large number of sites have not been officially rated and can therefore slip through the filter. A survey of 750 families by Family PC revealed that only 26% currently use filtering software.

…In an attempt to boost the already burgeoning e-commerce even further, The Times and Lotus are offering a Lotus Work The Web Award to the most innovative ideas in e-commerce. The prizes are £10,000 plus technical support to the best business site and £20,000 start-up help to the best business idea. The winners will demonstrate quality and invention of design, create a platform for business on the Web and provide a benchmark for future investments in business practice and Web technology. To enter point yourself at http://www.lotus.com/uk or call 0891 102 720.

Here’s your NetBites:

• If you want Net but you don’t want PC then have a look at the NetStation. A little portable box, the NetStation comes complete with a smart card slot and a SCART socket to connect it to a television. So if Christmas television’s rubbish you can click a button on the accompanying remote control and away you surf.
• Royal Mail has created a new interactive website icon, Mail-Me, that provides Internet users with an easy method of requesting information from companies with Websites. The icon and associated software can be downloaded free from http://www.royalmail.co.uk/mailme/.