It does not take long to realise that the Internet is not as easy to use as it should be. Software developers large and small are falling over themselves to produce new programs that they say will make the Internet much easier to use, but with varying degrees of success. Hours can be wasted as you try out new software and then spend even longer trying to return your PC to the state it was in before you started.
The Net is awash with alluring programs, from funky music plug-ins to 3D surround video widgets and artificially intelligent search software that claims to know what you're looking for before you do. It's great that most of this software can be downloaded from the Net or installed from the .net
coverdisc for free, but that's not much consolation when it doesn't always do what you want.
In .net we show you how to use essential Internet software and introduce you to useful new programs that will assist you in your never-ending search for the right Web site, chat room or e-mail address.
Richard Longhurst
Editor, rlonghurst@futurenet.co.uk