'Ware Fare

THE US Department of Justice may be bulldozing Microsoft, but the software giant has taken another step ahead in its effort to rule the Web. Its browser, Internet Explorer, seems to have gone ahead as the preferred browser over Netscape's Navigator. November data released by AdKnowledge shows Explorer having touched 50 per cent in the browser market, while Navigator has fallen to 45 per cent. In January 1997, Explorer had a 20 per cent marketshare, while Navigator ruled the Internet with 77 per cent share. But that was before Microsoft started giving out Explorer free.

THE need for hands, as far as manufacturing is concerned, may be done away with. Sculptor and digital artist Michael Rees is showing the way by producing real objects from three-dimensional computer designs. Rees displayed over a dozen surreal anatomical sculptures formed by the process called rapid proto-typing (RP). An RP machine renders a computer-gene-rated design by firing a laser beam into material such as epoxy resin. The material hardens to form a precise replica of the digital image.

ORACLE chief Larry Ellison is preparing to fight Microsoft on a new turf. He wants to run a database software without an operating system. A proponent of the network computer and avowed Gates-hater, Ellison wants to build servers which run on stripped-down codes called 'microkernels', which would replace large operating systems like Windows NT or Unix. Theoretically, such a machine would cost less, but may not be able to run the range of applications that Windows NT or Unix can.

A new software program aims to help people see with their ears. Sounds incredible? Peter Meijer of Philips Research Laboratories in Holland has built the Voice Learning Edition software to translate video into high-definition stereo sound in close to real time. The user will have to learn a whole new language of subtle sounds in which noises change pitch and resonance if the colour is bright or a building is close, so that the user distinguishes between the nuances of sound. Meijer has also set up an online programme for the blind to help them evaluate the software.

THE wearable computer, comparable to a wrist watch, is now available off the shelves. Xybernaut Corporation, which has launched the 6.5 inch display, hopes to ride the exploding mobile computing market. The wearable computer, the company hopes, will be of great use to sales and repair engineers in telecom, information technology and manufacturing sectors, apart from the leisure and lifestyle categories.

DELL Computer became the largest PC vendor to US businesses when it overtook rival Compaq. The Round Rock, Texas company's share is now a healthy 29.8 per cent against Compaq's 23.6 per cent. Dell's rise has been meteoric since '96 when its marketshare was just 9.2 per cent. Whizkid-owner Michael Dell, who set up shop in the early '80s when he was 17, should be thrilled.