The major difference with the Net MD MZ-N1 and previous MD players is that it features PC connectivity. The only way you could connect previous MiniDisc players to a PC was either with an optical digital output from your soundcard (and then manually record the audio signal on your player) or by purchasing an expensive accessory from Sony.

Streaming is the process of taking large files, breaking them into smaller pieces and sending them to their destination where they are recompiled as they arrive, providing an audio, video or animated broadcast over the net.

This recommended broadband tool earns our respect and takes labs honours.

Use the power of servers scattered all over the world to your advantage.

With the prevalence of Net connections and all the good things a connected society brings such as community, the ability to share ideas and the openness of information, comes the flipside of digital life -- hackers, spyware, viruses and spam.

Microsoft prepares to march into Adobe territory with its forthcoming suite of graphics and web development software.

Tony Stevensons book, The Australian Guide To the Internet, provides an excellent introduction to the absorbing world of the Internet.

Microsoft finally recognises that web authoring needs a standards-compliant tool, albeit on its own terms.

Well known for its dialup modem business, Australian manufacturer NetComm has made a significant push beyond its traditional boundaries, and is moving into the general networking, wireless and ADSL modem space.

A wireless music player that performs audio magic through its LCD enabled remote control. It’s easy to use, quick to setup but lacks video functionality. But we still really liked it.

Disk-imaging software can be put to many varied uses, and products like Drive Image prove particularly useful in our labs when upgrading to a new hard disk or for swiftly refreshing a test system.

Webcams have been around for some time and they are now emerging as a truly accessible and useful device.

FrontPage used to pride itself on its almost code-free approach to Web design, but not any more. Top of the new coding features is the Split View, which combines layout and HTML views. There are also improved code formatting and Auto-complete features, providing a drop-down list of context-sensitive options as you type. Auto-complete also handles regularly reused code snippets and works with HTML, CSS, XSL, JavaScript, JScript, VBScript and ASP .NET, which are all directly editable.

The HardKey/EG Pro is a combination of USB dongle and software together encrypting files or systems keeping your data safe from prying eyes.

Mobile phones are experiencing their second major evolution. Its not one of form factor, but of functionality.

Optimize your broadband connection with this handy freeware application, even if you use Vista.

Fantastic quality, a flexible stand and a raft of features make the Philips worth every cent.

Store your precious data online, safely.

The Pioneer DreamBook Power 900 is a locally built monster – this isn’t a desktop replacement, it’s a desk.