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The US Senate, aka Home o' the Filibuster, has recieved a moratorium on Net taxes for 3 years. The Finance Committee has passed the bill, a big hurdle for most bills. From here, it merely needs to be ratified in the Senate, and Americans are in the free and clear. The political feeling is that this will pass very quickly, partly because of the anti-tax fervor, and partly because online spending is not a huge money maker,compared to general retail. Yet.

Robert Ledford sent us this story where you can read about IBMs new G5 mainframes which apparently are breaking speed records left and right. If you, like me are fascinated by super fast machines that you never could afford, check it out.

Well, mega-maker Intel has announced price cuts of up to 31% on basically all their chips-Celeron, Xeon (Argon anyone?) and the PII.

Jon wrote in to send us a link to This Commercial . It stars Gates and Ballmer in a hilarious parody of those car commercials. Say what you want about MS, this is a funny, clever ad. They may not write good software, but they sure can market it.

Deepak Saxena wrote in to send us This Story where you can read about Robert Glasser (the CEO of RealNetworks) testifying against Microsoft in front of a Senate Panel. Talks about how Microsoft's Media Player breaks RealPlayer. It's quite interesting.

Although Sun has been under pressure lately, after reporting higher then expected revenues yesterday, they also talked about exploiting the infamous delays of Merced and NT5. They go on to talk about how their reliance on network computing has given them an edge- what do you folks think? Will Sun make it in the long run?

BOredAtWork wrote in to say that "Sun is now set to unveil Jini, their newest creation. Jini is software that will be included with perephrials, and allow them to talk to devices on a network, regardless of the OS present. It's based (of course) on Java, and Microsoft is busy working on their own bastardized version, called Millennium. "

The black monolith of cip manufacture, Intel has been told by an administrative law judge that they have until July 13 to respond to the anti-trust accusations before them. Could we have a TIS in the making?

Well, after yesterday's lifting of the injunction against MS much of the media is trying to figure out what's going on. And in related news, the DOJ's Joel Klein still thinks that the Department of Justice has a strong case against Microsoft in the anti-trust area. I dunno-how do you all think this will play out?

A Federal Appeals court struck down the 1997 injunction against Microsoft that barred them from forcing PC makers to include IE on their machines. The appeals court ruled that the lower court had made sufficent amount of errors to make it necessary to break the injunction. However, another court had already ruled that this did not apply to Windows 98, basically making the injunction and the hoopla over 95 meaningless.

In yet another lawsuit between tech firms, Cisco has become the target of an unexpected lawsuit from Lucent. Lucent is sueing on eight patent infringment items, ranging from ATM hardware to routers to frame relay equipment. The part that irritates me is that this comes just as Lucent is trying to move into Cisco's area sort of like the Barnes and Noble-Amazon thing.

Rumors are afoot that AOL reject a buyout offer by Ol Ma Bell, aka AT&T. These rumors said that AOL turned down the offer, but also said that the reported offer may have been a tenative move by AT&T, trying to get AOL shareholders to cozy up to the idea, but that may backfire by drawing other rival bidders into the fracas.

Sometimes bits of news can be really trival, but amaazing at the same time. MS has decided that in a break from its' normal habit of scarfing companies like pretzel rods, that it will actually sell one. MS has decided to spin-off SoftImage to Avid. However, the deal, worth 285$US million, will also give MS a share in the company.

Wired is currently carrying an interview with the Iowa AG, Tom Miller. Miller is part of the large group suing Microsoft for anti-trust violations. Interesting to read a first-hand account of the case.

Sprint announced an entire new 2$US billion network. Sprint has traditionally been a long distance provided, but this new project, code named Project FastBreak will supposdly allow "speeds 100 times faster then current modems and long distance phone prices 70% cheaper." Additionally, the lines are supposed to allow fax, modem, talking et al at the same time.

Has anyone else heard anything about this? It seems a bit farfetched that they suddenly announce that they have done this.

Gateway is the first really major computer retailer to say that they will not featuring the Win98 opening screen, and will also be giving a choice to their customers between IE and Communicator. The downside to this is is that it is apparently being done with Microsoft's blessing, because MS is trying to cast themselves in a better light, given their recent troubles.

Gateway is the first really major computer retailer to say that they will not featuring the Win98 opening screen, and will also be giving a choice to their customers between IE and Communicator. The downside to this is is that it is apparently being done with Microsoft's blessing, because MS is trying to cast themselves in a better light, given their recent troubles.

Analysts are saying that now is the time to buy Microsoft stock, which has dropped by around 15% recently. I find this amazing-this suit should show to the suits that Microsoft is a fundamentally troubled company. What a world.

AMD unveiled the K6-2, saying that it will run 3d graphics as fast as the P2. This is out a full year before Katmai, garnering AMD some kudos. However, the problem of having no software written for it before fall exists, somewhat raining on the parade. But AMD is still releasing a 350 mhz version during the fall.

The Galaxy IV satellite that has been giving part of the pager and tv broadcasting fits may be permanently lost in space. Apparently, both the primary and backup controllers failed, according to PanAmSat's Chief Tech Officer.

The European Union is blocking the 38$US billion merger/buyout of MCI and WorldCom it was reported. Not only is the EU perturbed about the potentially "too strong" grip over the Net backbone that the merger might make, but the US regulators are looking more closely into the merger, and GTE is raising a ruckus about the merger. GTE was one of the jilted suitors of MCI.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it has happened-as of 10:05 this morning, the United States Department of Justice and 20 US states have announced that they will be pursuing antitrust actions against Microsoft. This is an entirely different bird then the action against Windows 98, although prompted by it. Over in Europe, the EU has declared that while it is concerned, it is letting the DOJ handle it.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it has happened-as of 10:05 this morning, the United States Department of Justice and 20 US states have announced that they will be pursuing antitrust actions against Microsoft. This is an entirely different bird then the action against Windows 98, although prompted by it. Over in Europe, the EU has declared that while it is concerned, it is letting the DOJ handle it.

CNNfn has developed an interesting area in response to Saturday's breakdown of talks. This collection is good in that it gives background, and like a few they have had before, collects a lot of the news reports about the MS case that keep flying around.

CNNfn has developed an interesting area in response to Saturday's breakdown of talks. This collection is good in that it gives background, and like a few they have had before, collects a lot of the news reports about the MS case that keep flying around.

I'd say more people emailed me about this then just about any other story in recent history- unfortunately I've been in meetings for 4 hours today and hadn't had a chance to post it :) Anyway:Microsoft. Win98. Java. Sun. Lawsuit. You piece it together *grin*. I guess nobody is really surprised... check it out here.

AT&T, telecom Godzilla, and Lycos announced that they have worked out a financial deal, much like many of the other search engines. In this, there will be shared marketing, and Lycos will serve as the point-of-access for people who use AT&T's WorldNet service.

Called into action by the possibility of the DOJ and the states working on an anti-trust action together, tech giants ranging from Dell, HP and Intel (surprise!) have gotten together to encourage the government not to block the release of Windows 98.

Microsoft may have some real serious issues next week, as the Department of Justice and several states are considering coordinating their anti-trust efforts, and issuing a new suit as early as next week. Just more spice for TMS.

Chip monotlith Intel is looking at a potential ruckus with the Federal Trade Commision. The FTC is thinking about going after Intel, saying that "they may be charged with holding back technology from the customers". Sounds good to me- we all want more tech.

Matt Martin writes "CNN is discussing an alleged meeting between MS and Netscape in 1995 about forming an alliance in the Web-Browser market. Andreesen describes the visit as being "like a visit from Don Corleone." " Ouch. That ain't gonna help.

US West, the telecom is going to be offering high speed access, unsing their standard copper wires. Additionally, they hope to be able to offer cable access through this connection. Customers in the Phoenix area will be able to take advantage of this beginning this summer, as the start of this service.

The United States Federal Court gave a prelimenary injunction against Intel today. Intergraph Co. had sued in November alleging "anticompetitive behavior, patent infringement and antitrust violations." This was sparked by what Intergraph says was an attempt by Intel to take the rights in Intergraphs microprocessors without paying.

Continuing the trends of the recent months, Microsoft was beset by more troubles. The US Department of Justice meet with Microsoft again, partly in response to complaints from computer makers that in exchange for putting Windows 98 on their machines in the future, Microsoft is attempting to cut out some of their revenue stream. This odd charge could prove to be very important, as even their customers turn on Microsoft.

Bill Meyer writes "3Com and Microsoft has settled out of court on the use of the "Palm PC" name. Read about it here here" Looks like MS will now use 'palm-sized PC' instead of the forma term PalmPC. It's not exactly ground breaking, but I think 3com was right to raise a stink on this one.

Sun and IBM will be working together to roll-out yet another network based computer, that will be (surprise!) based on a JavaOS. The JavaOS, to be called JavaOS for Business, will be used in the new NCs that they are working on together. This deal calls for the rollout of machines in about a year and half.

A 1499$US G3 has been delivered by Apple. This deal is for schools only, a clear sign that Apple is desperately trying to hold on to its market share in that key area. The price is all inclusive for all parts needed to run the machine-yes, even the monitor.

Earthlink Networks has won its law suit against the Spammers known as Cyber Promotions Inc. The suit was settled with Cyber Promtions agreeing to pay Earthlink 2 million US$, and not emailing any of Earthlink's customers again.

Andy Grove, Time's "Man of the Year", and CEO of Intel has stated that he will no longer serve as CEO of Intel. He will remain President of the company, but another gentleman, Barret, a long time mucky-muck at Intel will be the new CEO.

The CEO of Iomega has resigned, less then two weeks after reporting a first quarter loss. This loss was in the range of 25 million $US. Meanwhile, the board, of course, expressed their regret for his depature.

The Janurary announced merger of Digital and Compaq has gotten the ok of the European Union, a necessary step, due to the considerable amount of business that Digital-Compaq does within the Union. The merger still requires US approval before it can be finalized, however.

Apple is reportedly going to ask Steve Jobs, whether or not he plans on staying at Apple in the board meeting on Tuesday. Jobs role has been relatively undefined since his return to the company, and the board is looking to naildown exactly what his role will be at the company. It is rumored that if he stays on, the board will give him an 8% stake in Apple, a not unconsiderable amount of money.

The DoJ lawsuit against Microsoft has been expanded to cover the whole Microsoft/Sun/Java thing now as well. This is definately an area that needs to be examined by Uncle Sam- there is a whole lot of shifty stuff going down in that area and I for one want to see java remain cross platform, non microsoft specific. Read more over at CNN.

The US Department of Justice has widened its' investigation of Microsoft's business dealings. This time, they are asking Sun about their dealings with Microsoft. This is an interesting move, and shows an investigation that is getting more and more comprehensive, although a bit odd in the wake of yesterday's temporary removal of Lessig, the court-appointed special master.

CNN is running an article saying that Hasbro has acquired rights to over 75 classic atari games. They'll be ported to PC, Playstation and NC64. I want asteroids, centipede, dig dug, missle command and all those other great games to be redone for the 90's. Keep the speed, control, and add nice graphics without changing playability. Wouldn't it be great?

Lessig, the court appointed master in the Microsoft vs DOJ case was apparently leaning towards action. In a letter that was opened today at the request of several news agency, it was revealed he had recommended action against Microsoft. However, he has been temporarily removed from his position, due to the accusation that he is biased against Microsoft.

Computer Sciences, the target of 9.8$US billion dollar takeover bid by Computer Associates, has rejected the takeover bid. CA was attempting to get the engineers and other employees of CS, a depature from their usual method of taking a company, and then slashing the work rolls, while taking the software.

Oracle said that their NC chief has left the company. On the job for the past couple of years, Oracle, like every other company working with NCs have found, shall we say, a less then fertile ground for the machine that was supposed to change everything.

The United States has formally proposed to the World Trade Organizaton that the Internet be a tax-free, levy free zone. While this currently is a de facto reality, this proposal is going to attempt to set into stone this reality. This measure will almost certainly pass, but it is measures like these that recognize the power of the Internet--and its ability to cut the middlemen and taxes out of the picture. Cheaper, better, faster.

In a striking blow to a resurgent Apple, BestBuy has declared that they will no longer be carrying Macintoshs, citing slow sales on the product. As Best Buy put it "Apple is targeted at the education market, while we are interested in the traditional consumer." Apple, who made a profit, but have a declining market share has yet to comment on this development.