Last updated:Wednesday, May 21, 1997, 8:30 a.m.
Frames:Disable | Enable

Let's call this the consumer edition of GMSV:

Online medical information could be a lifesaver, or it could be worthless. How's a consumer to know the difference? The American Medical Association is starting to take all those medical web and chat sites seriously.

Lawyers are signing on to the digital revolution, despite a few Luddites. The American Bar Association will report next month that 85 percent of lawyers in small firms, and 99 percent in large firms, use computers in their work.

Save those bonuses: One in three Americans spend their paychecks before they get them and have completely stopped saving, a survey by Quicken Financial Network says. Don't let it happen to you.

Dialing up: A pay phone and Network Computer in one will appear on Hong Kong street corners before China takes over the former British colony July 1. These Net-ready phones take smart cards, as well as credit cards.

Using that cell phone: USA Today has begun sending news and sports headlines through the cell phone. It's only available around Washington, D.C., however, and the only sports news is about the Baltimore Orioles.

Doing all right: Dell Computer profits more than doubled in its first quarter this year, as sales pushed it into third place for PC sellers. Do you track home computer purchases? They've hit a 14-week low, but consumers are still planning to purchase them.

Looking for a new job: If you are, arm yourself with tips from a high-tech recruiter before you start interviewing.

Microsoft's "scalability day" drew crowds as the software vendor took aim at UNIX.

MSN aims at Compuserve: In a direct mail campaign launched last week, the Microsoft Network began sending free-trial disks to some of CompuServe's current and former customers. The online service also set up a technical support line specifically to help CompuServe users make the switch to MSN. (Want to make fun of the Redmond giant? There are lots of Microsoft spoof sites out there.)

PowerMac bugs: Video resolution and battery problems in a couple of models have been discovered. Apple says it will have fixes available in a few weeks. In the meantime, Apple advises against using any of the "field fixes" that are out there until Apple engineers approve them.

ISPs organize: Nine Internet Service Providers have formed an association to resolve and prevent network integrity problems, especially those requiring technical coordination and information exchange among ISPs. Good idea, because online users rose 6.6 percent in the first quarter of this year.

Remember that item a few days ago about an Australian judge issuing a court order via the Net? There have been at least two others -- one in London, another in Texas.

TalentScout: Tips from a high-tech recruiter
Intel's number two man moves up
Scalise leaves Apple
Video games take notice of girls