Cody Taylor

foxxo writes “I’m a library worker, so I get lots of questions about our collection when I’m out in the stacks. I’d love to be able to access our online catalog and give patrons more comprehensive guidance without directing them to the reference desk. What options are available for a portable device with Wi-Fi connectivity, full-featured Web browsing, and (most importantly) no cellphone-style activation and service fees? Size is important, too; I need something I can carry in my pocket, not a micro-notebook with full keyboard. (And I am a library worker, so low cost is key!)” One device that sounds interesting in this category is the GiiNii Movit (not yet released, but shown off at CES). What can you recommend that’s out there now?

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An anonymous reader writes “Computer scientist Stephen Wolfram feels that he has put together at least the initial version of a computer that actually answers factual questions, a la Star Trek’s ship computers. His version will be found on their Web-based application, Wolfram Alpha. What does this mean? Well, instead of returning links to pages that may (or may not) contain the answer to your questions, Wolfram will respond with the actual answer. Just imagine typing in ‘How many bones are in the human body?’ and getting the answer.” Right now, though the search entry field is in place, Alpha is not yet generally available — only “to a few select individuals.”

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Every once in a while though you’ll stop and stare at the sky, or be struck by the beauty of an everyday thing. This can happen even with the web, if you take a moment. Well, I’m here today to give you that moment. Geeks and Geekettes, Nerds and Nerdesses, I present to you my Seven Wonders of the World Wide Web.

hyades1 writes “Gizmodo reports that Verizon is sending out notification letters infested with virtually-indecipherable legalese. In their sneaky, underhanded way, they’re informing you that you have 45 days to opt out of their plan to share your personal data with ‘affiliates, agents and parent companies.’ That data can include, but isn’t limited to, ‘services purchased (including specific calls you make and receive), billing info, technical info and location info.’ If you view your statement on-line, you won’t even get the letter. You’ll have to access your account and view your messages. However, Read Write Web says the link provided there, called the ‘Customer Proprietary Network Information Notice,’ was listed as ‘not available.’ No doubt Verizon would like to reassure you that everyone they’re going to hand your personal data over to will have your best interests at heart.”

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Tom Brearley and David Somers are the 19-year-old developers behind Twitterfall, one of the hottest Twitter tools on the web.

The real problem for Dreamweaver and for its users is that the nature of the web is changing dramatically. Dynamically-generated web applications, from Amazon right down to the humble blog, all offer much more – in-built commenting, voting, RSS feeds, etc – than the best sites built on static HTML can ever hope to provide.

The real problem for Dreamweaver and for its users is that the nature of the web is changing dramatically. Dynamically-generated web applications, from Amazon right down to the humble blog, all offer much more – in-built commenting, voting, RSS feeds, etc – than the best sites built on static HTML can ever hope to provide.

Tom Brearley and David Somers are the 19-year-old developers behind Twitterfall, one of the hottest Twitter tools on the web.

Google wants to organise all the world’s information. That’s the official line, at least, but what it really wants to do is organise all the world’s information and stick ads on it. It’s the king of web search and search advertising, but what about the other things we do online? If Google went shopping, these are the six sites and services they

An Illinois sheriff filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against the owners of craigslist, accusing the popular national classified-ad Web site of knowingly promoting prostitution.