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"Ad-Supported" - The Scariest Words On The Web

I have watched the latest developments in on-line advertising with some concern. The chief culprit, in my view, is the Flash movie. It is technically very clever and some of the things that creative people can do on this tiny pallet are breathtaking, they really should qualify for some sort of award at the Oscars.

And therein lies the problem. When you visit a web site it is because you are in search of something, a piece of information, some news, whatever. It is not likely to be because you want to watch the adverts on it. However good they are, however clever or entertaining, they are still a distraction from the real purpose of your visit. The same applies to television. Advertisers don't seem to have got the message, ironically enough since messages are what they seek to communicate: the viewing public hate adverts. We want to watch our favourite programmes and so advertising breaks are an annoyance and a distraction, even though we all know that the very entertainment we enjoy is "ad-supported". So why am I concerned?

Laptop Prices Crashing Down

For some months now I've been watching PC prices falling to amazingly low levels, but a laptop for under £100, is it possible? Elonex, a long-established and reliable supplier, have brought out the "One" with a big push under the banner, "A laptop for every child." ASUS have also brought out a very basic laptop, the "Eee PC", retailing at £199.99, truly amazing prices in my view, even with the VAT on top. But what do you get for your money? I thought I would have a look at some entry-level laptops and compare the market.

Jargon Buster

We all tend to use words and phrases we are familiar with, it makes communication so much easier and in a technical context, it makes it more reliable too. Instead of talking round a subject in vague terms and perhaps misunderstanding, it helps to use some jargon you both understand. I try very hard to avoid jargon outside of the technical setting, but it is sometimes hard to remember what terms normal people know! Sometimes it is impossible not to use the very word that has a precise meaning, so to help you I have compiled a short dictionary of some of the more common terms you might come across.

Mark Griffin

Mark has a long history of working with computers and the Internet, he has delivered presentations and courses on many topics over the years. His opinion is actively sought and highly valued.

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