InformationWeek Stories by Mitch Wagner

Feds Launch Internet Healthcare Initiatives

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Department of Health and Human Services programs promote research data sharing, employee collaboration, and flu safety.

McKesson Unveils Pharmacy Automation System

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 12:25:00 EST

The system is designed to improve dosage accuracy and patient safety while saving pharmacists' time.

Can Electronic Medical Records Be Secured?

Sat, 5 Dec 2009 07:00:00 EST

Federal regulators are crafting rules that would unlock the benefits of electronic medical records while protecting Americans from privacy risks.

CIGNA Launches Healthcare Podcasts

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:33:00 EST

The audio podcasts, available on the iTunes store, are designed to help Americans take care of themselves while on business overseas.

U.S. Health IT Office Reorganizes

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has reorganized into groups including a Chief Privacy Officer.

Mental Health Social Network Launched

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 15:26:00 EST

The online environment allows people with mental health problems, as well as their caregivers, connect in a safe and anonymous environment.

GE Healthcare Buys Wireless Monitoring Device Maker

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Living Independently Group's wireless technology tracks seniors' daily activities, watching for changes that could signify a medical problem or emergency.

Colorado Healthcare Providers Launch Information Exchange

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 08:40:00 EST

Children's Hospital, Exempla Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente Colorado say they're improving patient care and cutting costs by sharing electronic medical records.

Microsoft, Google Face Off On Healthcare

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 08:20:00 EST

Microsoft HealthVault and Google Health want to be the repository of choice for millions of personal health records. Are they up to the task?

Network Provides Healthcare Pricing Data

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

Transparent Health Network negotiates healthcare pricing with medical providers, and shares price data with its members online.

Medicine Bottles Get Net Connection

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Bottle cap with wireless Internet connection flashes when it's time to take a pill and even calls forgetful patients with reminders.

EMR Adoption Earns Hospital High Score

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST

Achieving its high level of electronic medical records adoption has taken small Maine hospital five years.

Healthcare Affiliates Unprepared For Data Breaches

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:13:00 EST

Patient privacy is at risk from the companies that healthcare providers do business with, study says.

Desktop Virtualization A Remedy For Hospital

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:05:00 EST

A New York healthcare provider deploys "zero-client" devices to reduce PC maintenance and improve business performance.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Data Breach Investigated

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:56:00 EST

Connecticut's attorney general is looking for tougher protection for healthcare providers after records, which could be useful to identity thieves, were lost.

Senate Bill Would Help Family Doctors Fund EHRs

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:52:00 EST

The bill, introduced by Sen. John Kerry, would make small healthcare practices eligible for federal loans.

Google Helps You Find A Flu Shot

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:21:00 EST

Flu Shot Finder uses Google Maps to help people locate areas where they can get swine flu and seasonal flu vaccines.

Healthcare Providers Face Security Challenges

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:35:00 EST

Three-quarters of organizations that conduct formal risk assessments have found patient data at risk, study says.

Boom Times For Health IT Sector

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:54:00 EST

The healthcare IT marketplace is growing by 11% annually, which will likely continue through 2013, says a study from Scientia Advisors.

Florida Hospital Dials Up iPhones For Nurses

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

iPhones are helping a Sarasota hospital connect its nursing staff via text messaging, and soon, VoIP telephony.

Health Care Provider Improves Performance With Metrics

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST

Presbyterian Healthcare Services uses Actuate performance management software in pursuit of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

Second Life Steps Into The Enterprise

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 10:10:00 EST

Companies can now run their own, private version of the virtual world in their data centers, for added security and control.

$100 Million Healthcare Cost Database Announced

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:42:00 EDT

Built with settlement money from health insurance companies, it will help drive down medical costs, says New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

MedPlus Tapped For Health Information Exchange

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:05:00 EDT

New Mexico will work with technology partner MedPlus to build an electronic infrastructure connecting the state's healthcare providers.

Lockheed Locks Down Federal Health IT Contracts

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:48:00 EDT

Awarded $170 million in contracts, the company will provide services for government health information technology systems.

Top iPhone Apps For Health Pros, Patients

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:00 EDT

Healthcare professionals and individuals are finding ways to manage health and wellness with applications for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.

Mobile Service Tracks Alzheimer's Patients

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

The Comfort Zone service combines GPS and wireless technologies to enable caregivers to monitor Alzheimer's patients.

GE Launches Healthcare Technology Fund

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT

Healthcare IT, including electronic medical records and clinical information systems are among the fund's priorities.

Health IT Metrics Taking Shape

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EDT

The U.S. will release a preliminary definition of "meaningful use"-- a key criterion for healthcare IT providers seeking federal stimulus funding -- in December.

E-Health Records Put Patient Privacy At Risk

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EDT

Healthcare IT managers say their organizations aren't adequately protecting electronic health records, survey says.

Epocrates Adds BlackBerry Support

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EDT

The mobile healthcare software maker says BlackBerry is a fast-growing platform, with more than 20% growth in the past quarter

Top iPhone Healthcare Apps

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EDT

Mobile apps are helping organizations like Blue Cross of Northeast Pennsylvania and the University of Louisville School of Medicine improve patient care. They could be coming to your pocket soon.

Second Life Solving Real-World Healthcare Problems

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:50:00 EDT

Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital uses the virtual world for disaster preparedness training, while disabled people turn to it for peer support.

iPhone Apps Help Pro Car Racer Control Diabetes

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT

Race car driver Charlie Kimball uses inexpensive consumer apps to manage his diabetes in partnership with his doctors.

Keas Puts Healthcare Advice, Apps Online

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:12:00 EDT

A startup founded by the former head of Google Health dispenses personalized healthcare information and applications via the Internet.

Mobile App Puts EMRs On Smartphones

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 15:16:00 EDT

A Pennsylvania health insurer has deployed a smartphone app enabling members to view and share electronic medical records.

Smartphones Fill Med School Prescription

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 15:43:00 EDT

The University of Louisville School of Medicine finds that smartphones give students faster access to health information, and more face-time with patients.

Feds Award $27.8M For Rural E-Health

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Department of Health and Human Services funding will go to implement electronic health records and other health IT initiatives.

Second Life Helps Save, Improve Lives

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 10:56:00 EDT

Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital uses the virtual world for disaster preparedness training, while disabled people turn to it for peer support.

E-Health Records Could Flag Domestic Abuse

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 10:25:00 EDT

Predictive computer models that tap into electronic health records highlight subtle patterns of domestic violence that are easy to miss.

Congressman 'Crowdsources' Healthcare Bill

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:25:00 EDT

Texas Republican John Culberson has posted the House healthcare bill online and invited constituents to annotate it using a Web 2.0 collaboration tool.

Med Students 'Unprofessional' On Social Networking Sites

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EDT

Today's Facebook and YouTube posts might catch up with tomorrow's doctors, a study published in a medical journal suggests.

SAP BI Tracks Swine Flu

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:53:00 EDT

An emergency services provider is using SAP business intelligence technology to monitor surges in H1N1-related symptoms.

IW500: Security Threats Pose New Challenges

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:41:00 EDT

New technologies such as cloud computing make security a challenge for enterprises, according to panelists at the InformationWeek 500 Conference.

InformationWeek 500: Hard-Hit Logistics Industry Makes Deep Cuts In IT

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Companies are keeping strong focus on making business processes more efficient.

Health Insurer Deploys Social Media

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:15:00 EDT

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin is using Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to interact with its members.

Healthland To Deliver Business Intelligence For Smaller Hospitals

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 13:22:00 EDT

BI system, built in partnership with Performance Management Institute, is designed to improve decision-making and provide evidence for "meaningful use" of IT.

Google Chrome's First Year

Sat, 5 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EDT

A year after its release, the Web browser -- and operating system -- isn't a Microsoft-killer, but it has enthusiastic supporters and influence.

Apple Snow Leopard Faces Windows 7 Fight

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EDT

The latest iteration of Mac OS X is looking like a solid upgrade, but Microsoft's follow up to Vista constitutes a major competitive threat.

iPhone App For Diabetes Gets $100,000 Grant

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:25:00 EDT

The developer, a college student, will use the grant to add Internet data-sharing to his app, which helps diabetics manage their health.

CDC Readies Internet Barrage To Combat Swine Flu

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:39:00 EDT

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control uses a range of Internet services, including Twitter, YouTube, and even games, to help spread flu-protection messages.

U.S. Allocates $1.2 Billion For Electronic Medical Records

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:45:00 EDT

The grants will go to regional centers to support implementing electronic health records, as well as state grants to share information nationwide.

Healthcare Providers Plug Into Facebook, Twitter, YouTube

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:10:00 EDT

The social media craze is creating new challenges and opportunities for the University of California San Francisco Medical Center and Mayo Clinic.

Image Gallery: Comic-Con 2009

Sat, 8 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EDT

The characters, costumes, and merchandise are the best part of the annual science fiction convention in San Diego.

Top 19 Mac Apps For Tight Budgets

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EDT

Get more done with Skype, Evernote, Picasa, and more than a dozen other free or cheap apps for your Apple computer.

Review: Firefox 3.5 Makes Browsing Better

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EDT

Mozilla's latest Web browser is a solid step forward, with features including private browsing, geolocation, and support for the latest audio, video, graphics, and HTML 5.

Apple iPhone OS 3.0 Ninja Tips & Tricks

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:00:00 EDT

Get the most from your iPhone or iPod Touch with 3.0 firmware update with these tips for better Web browsing, app access, keyboard tricks, and the lowdown on free AT&T Wi-Fi access.

Review: Apple's iPhone 3.0 Software Upgrade

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:00:00 EDT

The iPhone 3.0 update to Apple's smartphone operating system delivers a raft of dazzling new features, including copy and paste, Spotlight search, and user-interface refinements.

Why Apple Fans Are Disappointed And Why They're Wrong

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:50:00 EDT

Apple introduced solid upgrades to the iPhone, its Mac operating system, and notebook lines at the WWDC, but that isn't enough for some Apple fans. Why not?

Crunching iPhone 3G Upgrade Costs

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:08:00 EDT

First-time iPhone users can get the new iPhone 3G S for a starting price of $199, but existing iPhone 3G owners have to pay $399 or more to upgrade. Why?

Apple iPhone 3G S Dilemma: To Upgrade Or Not?

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:12:00 EDT

The iPhone 3G S has some sweet new features (faster processor, video, more memory) leaving existing iPhone customers with a tough decision: Upgrade now, or stand pat?

iPhone 3G Navigation Getting Bump From GPS Toolmakers

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EDT

TomTom's technology will come with a hardware car kit and be available in late summer. Navigon says its software will be available this month.

Apple Polishes Enterprise Appeal At WWDC

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:50:00 EDT

Snow Leopard OS for servers and enterprise-friendly iPhone 3G S features make Apple's new products more easily manageable on enterprise networks.

San Francisco Twitters With Citizens To Fix City

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT

Twitter's hometown is making it easier for citizens to request government services and get information about what's going on in City Hall.

Preview: Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 07:00:00 EDT

Look for Apple to unveil iPhone 3.0 as well as its next-generation Macintosh operating system, Snow Leopard.

Google Chrome For Mac: First Look

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 13:04:00 EDT

The prerelease version of the popular browser is fast and lightweight, but it's missing features necessary for real-world browsing.

Microblogs Get Down To Business

Sat, 30 May 2009 00:01:45 EDT

Twitter and Yammer can offer companies a free focus group and a cheap option for collaboration.

Taming Gmail: Streamline Your Inbox With Google's Filters

Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 EDT

Learn how to automate your e-mail sorting using Google Gmail's powerful filters, and keep your in-box clear for good.

Review: Tweetie, A Sweet Twitter Client For Mac

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:06:00 EDT

An alternative to the clutter of desktop Twitter apps such as TweetDeck, Tweetie packs a lot of power beneath its sublimely simple, cheerful interface.

Facebook Quick Tip: Managing The Redesign

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 04:00:00 EDT

Facebook's redesign puts more information in your News Feed -- sometimes too much. Here's how to block updates from the noisiest pals in your social network, without un-friending them entirely.

How iPhone 3.0 May Revolutionize The Smartphone Industry

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 EDT

With a new business model for third-party software, peer-to-peer networking, and richer interfaces for third-party hardware, Apple's got a potential game-changer in iPhone 3.0.

Apple's iPhone 3.0 A Win For Consumers

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:51:00 EDT

The update will likely improve the iPhone and iPod Touch as a gaming machine, social networking tool, business tool, and browser, and lays the groundwork for future hardware.

Second Life Putting A Leash On Sex, Violence

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:44:00 EDT

The changes, which will go into effect in early summer, will limit businesses featuring extreme adult content to red-light districts of Second Life.

Review: Amazon's Kindle App For iPhone

Sat, 7 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EST

Amazon has introduced an iPhone and iPod Touch version of the software that powers its Kindle e-book reader. It's a fine app, with a great service behind it -- but it has a few rough edges.

Review: Safari 4 Beta Takes Page From Google Playbook

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 04:00:00 EST

The latest version of Apple's Web browser, now in beta, copies features already available on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera -- and looks great doing it.

Where Does Apple Go From Here?

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 07:00:00 EST

Apple's got room for future triumphs -- but it also faces threats from a battered economy, rejuvenated competitors, and a leadership crisis precipitated by Steve Jobs' illness.

When Robots Attack: A Look At 21st Century Warriors

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:00:00 EST

P.W. Singer, author of the new book Wired For War, is concerned about how battlefield robots are changing IT perspectives.

Review: Picasa Photo Editor For Mac

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Google's photo-management app is a powerful -- and free -- way to edit and manage digital images, but it lacks some features found in the Windows version.

Apple: 10 Things It Needs To Do In 2009

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST

Its Mac OS X operating system, App Store, iPhone, notebooks, and other hardware all get good marks, but they could be improved upon. Here's how.

Macworld: New Software Puts Macs To Work

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 11:24:00 EST

Vendors launched a passel of Mac software at Macworld, including upgrades to Microsoft Office, new speech-recognition and storage options, and a long-awaited task-management app, Things.

Macworld: Apple Rewards The Faithful

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 14:50:00 EST

In its final Macworld Expo, Apple introduced meaty upgrades to its software, services, and notebook line. But some Apple watchers wondered whether the Mac and iPhone maker has lost its mojo.

Macworld Expo Rumors, Predictions, Expectations

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 04:00:00 EST

While the Apple community is buzzing about Steve Jobs pulling out of Macworld -- and speculating about a Mac Server and tablet PC -- upgrades to Mac OS X, the iMac, and Mac Mini are expected.

Review: Parallels Desktop 4 For Mac Boosts Stability, Performance

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:00:00 EST

The previous version of Parallels virtualization software for running Windows and Linux on Macs was a buggy disappointment. Will version 4 be able to win back users' hearts?

Parallels Boosts Mac Virtualization Performance

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:05:00 EST

The latest version of the desktop software, which allows users to run Windows and Linux on their Macs, boosts performance 50% and battery life by 20% over previous versions.

Twitter Tools To Turbo Charge Your Microblogging

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:00:00 EST

Move from Twitter beginner to Twitter ninja with free tools from TweetDeck, Twitbin, Twitterfox, Facebook, Twitterfeed, Qwitter, and others.

Obama Election Ushering In First Internet Presidency

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 18:34:00 EST

Pioneering use of Web 2.0 and social networking technologies by the president-elect's campaign has seemingly transformed politics, and could influence government as well.

Second Life: Megatrend-In-Waiting Or Just A Dumb Fad?

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 04:00:00 EST

During the Second Life boom not too long ago, enthusiasts predicted it would take over the Internet. Is that still a likely outcome, or is Second Life becoming as irrelevant as pet rocks and leisure suits?

7 iPhone Apps Worth Paying For

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 04:00:00 EST

Airsharing, NotepadSync, and Twittelator Pro are just a few of the inexpensive apps that can turn your iPhone or Touch into a more powerful tool.

13 Free Apps For iPhone, iPod Touch

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 04:00:00 EDT

Get more out of your iPhone with some of our favorite free apps, including Twitterific, Facebook, Pandora, Wikipanion, and Instapaper.

Review: Firefox 3.1 Beta 1 -- The Best Is Yet To Come

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EDT

Despite a potentially powerful new geolocation feature, users won't see much difference between Firefox 3.0 and 3.1 -- at least, not yet.

Second Life Dropouts Return To Real World

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:00:00 EDT

Most people who try Second Life give it up and don't come back. We talked to two disaffected users.

How To Turn Your Mac Into A Wi-Fi Access Point

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:00:00 EDT

No Wi-Fi for your Apple? No problem. Make your Macintosh share its Internet connection, wirelessly, by following this step-by-step, illustrated guide.

Second Life Faces Otherworldly Competition

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00:00 EDT

A slew of companies, ranging in size from tiny startups to Google, are springing up virtual worlds of their own to challenge Second Life's dominance of the small but growing market.

Second Life's Popularity Rests On Breadth Of Activities

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00:00 EDT

Here's a quick guide to what goes on in Second Life, a lively virtual world full of music, dance, travel, games, and cybersex.

Second Life Tries For A Second Act

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:00:00 EDT

The online virtual world has weathered a boom-and-bust cycle. Now it has a new CEO. Can this social networking phenom attract a new wave of consumers and enterprise users?

Harrah's Wants Innovation On Schedule And At Scale

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:01:00 EDT

CEO Loveman wants Harrah's to grow by improving its analysis of customers' spending patterns so it can make more informed offers in real time.

Web 2.0 Expo: Zoho To Launch App Store, Support For Offline E-Mail

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:07:00 EDT

Developers will keep 100% of revenue from app sales, while Zoho will make its money by charging users to host large instantiations of the apps.

IW500: Database Virtualization Vendor Wins 'Startup City' Competition

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:46:00 EDT

A panel of CIOs at the InformationWeek 500 Conference were impressed by xkoto because it provided a product with a simple service, in a narrow niche, which the vendor seemed to understand very well.

IW500: Harrah's Places Its Bet On IT

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:39:00 EDT

The $10.8 billion resort and gaming company outlines ways to grow by providing new services, during a discussion at the InformationWeek 500 Conference.

DEMO: Avego's Mobile App Spawns Hitchhiking 2.0

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:27:00 EDT

Avego runs on iPhones and other mobile devices, and matches drivers and passengers who are going the same way -- for people brave (or crazy) enough to ride with strangers.

DEMO: Digital Pictureframes As Photo-Sharing Social Networks

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EDT

Introduced at DEMOFall08, the YouGotPhoto and gloop services allow users to wirelessly send photos to digital pictureframes anywhere in the world.

DEMO: Plastic Logic Previews E-Book Reader To Compete With Amazon Kindle

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 16:25:00 EDT

DEMOFall 08 conference attendees got a sneak peak of an e-book reader with the surface area and thickness of an 8.5"x11" pad of paper.

Review: Google Chrome Mostly Glitters

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 16:10:00 EDT

Google's Chrome browser is fast and lightweight, with fresh and welcome user interface innovations. But it's still early beta software -- and it shows.

Comic-Con Shows Off Superheroes, Sci-Fi, And Steampunk

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 04:00:00 EDT

Comic-Con isn't just about comics, it's a four-day celebration of all forms of cult entertainment, including superheroes, science-fiction movies and TV shows, and computer games.

Review: iPhone 3G Software Is A Sweet Upgrade

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:12:00 EDT

We put the Apple's iPhone 2.0 software through its paces, along with a half-dozen top apps. Despite a couple of bugs, the new software makes a great phone even better and gives first-generation iPhones and the iPod Touch an extreme gadget makeover.

Hot iPhone 3G Apps To Watch

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EDT

Third-party developers are busy cooking up hot apps for the iPhone 3G. Our top picks for those likely to be winners include Quickoffice, NotepadSync, Nuance OSV, and OmniFocus.

Review: Firefox 3 Burns Up The Web

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:47:00 EDT

Overall, Firefox 3 is a triumph, faster and more memory-efficient than its predecessors, with improvements to make Web surfing easier. But security is a problem.

Second Life Artist Fights Real-Life Deportation

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:08:00 EDT

Irena Morris, known in Second Life as "Eshi Otawara," married a US citizen who died in 2006. She now faces being deported because her husband died before she got her green card.

iPhone 3G Analysis: Apple's Big Tease

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:00:00 EDT

The next-generation iPhone will be faster and cheaper to purchase than the current models, with support for location-based applications that will likely prove revolutionary. But the total cost of ownership will be higher.

Next-Gen iPhone Preview: Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference '08

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 10:10:00 EDT

Take a sneak peek at Apple's plans for the next-generation iPhone, new version of Mac OS X, and more, to be announced at Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference June 9 - 13.

Lost Fans Find Internet Thrills Via Wikis, Games, Second Life

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

Fans and producers of the hit TV show Lost are taking to the Internet, building a wiki, alternate reality games, communities, and a virtual island in Second Life to explore the world of the ABC show.

Web 2.0 Expo Preview: Web 2.0 Isn't Just About The Apps

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:00:00 EDT

Businesses need to transform to adopt Web 2.0. But it isn't easy, as Dell's experience -- trying to address rotten customer service with Web 2.0 -- shows.

How To Put Google Street View To Practical Use

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 EDT

Google Street View can scope out real estate, travel destinations, and even save you from your next parking ticket -- all from your desktop, laptop, or smartphone browser.

Virtual Worlds Getting Friendlier For Businesses

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 10:20:00 EDT

Second Life developer Linden Lab is teaming up with IBM for a version of the service that companies can run behind their firewall. Meanwhile, a startup called Multiverse is building virtual worlds software that runs in either a standalone client or a Web browser.

Science Fiction Legend Arthur C. Clarke, 90, Dies

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:44:00 EDT

Clarke died at a hospital near his home in Sri Lanka early Wednesday. His science fiction married Western scientific tradition with Eastern mysticism.

One-On-One With Second Life Creator Philip Rosedale

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EDT

Rosedale, who announced last week that he's stepping aside as CEO, describes the challenges of continuing Second Life growth while preserving the crazy culture that made it popular.

One-On-One With The Makers Of The Only Authorized MacBook Tablet

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST

Andreas Haas, CEO of Axiotron, tells InformationWeek how the company turns the dowdy MacBook into its sexy Modbook Mac tablet, and why its not afraid of competition from a rumored Apple-made Mac tablet.

Linden Lab Working To Beef Up Second Life Stability, Usability

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:29:00 EST

The company is rolling out upgrades to Second Life's s physics engine, developing a Web browser that will work in-world, and putting the finishing touches on a lightweight client for text and voice chat.

How To Take Back Your Time And Attention

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:51:00 EST

Merlin Mann, the self-described "head basket case in charge of productivity on the Internet," provides some tips and tricks for taking back control of your life in a breezy and insightful Macworld presentation.

Review: Hands-On With The MacBook Air

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:17:00 EST

We had a few minutes to play with Apple's new, sexy notebook computer at Macworld Expo. It looks like a machine for people willing to pay a premium for style, and who don't care that much about computing power.

MacBook Air Is A Hit At Macworld Expo

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:26:00 EST

Attendees at the annual Mac conference were eager to get their hands on the new Apple notebook, but some expressed concerns.

Steve Jobs's Macworld Keynote: An In-Depth Look

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:06:00 EST

The presentation lacked the revolutionary fervor of previous years, but the Apple CEO did introduce a slew of useful and sexy products.

Early Macworld Arrivals Hoping For Ultra-Light MacBook

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:20:00 EST

The Mac faithful are hoping that Steve Jobs can somehow top last year's blockbuster announcement of the iPhone.

Apple Macworld Speculation Goes Into A Frenzy

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:49:00 EST

Apple watchers are predicting iTunes movie rentals, a new subnotebook, a tablet computer, and more at the Macworld conference. Some of the predictions will be wrong, some will be dead-on -- decide for yourself.

What Apple's Got On Tap At Macworld Expo

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:00:00 EST

The stars of the Apple community are gathering in San Francisco starting Jan. 14 for the Macworld Conference & Expo, featuring Microsoft, virtualization technology, and indie software developers. Whether you're attending or watching for news over the Internet, read on for a guide to what to look for.

EagleFiler Soars For Organizing Documents On The Mac

Fri, 4 Jan 2008 14:40:00 EST

EagleFiler provides a simple way to keep track of documents, images, e-mails, and Web pages. And unlike other notebooks and outliners, it uses the standard Mac filesystem and applications to help futureproof your data.

Review: Firefox 3 Beta 2 Continues Bookmarking, History Improvements

Thu, 3 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

Firefox 3 Beta 2 is an incremental advance, adding just one significant new feature that makes it easier to find sites you've bookmarked or visited previously.

Second Life CTO Leaves Company

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST

Cory Ondrejka, one of the first Linden Lab employees, left Tuesday after he differed with company founder and CEO Philip Rosedale on the future of Second Life.

Second Life Residents To Get Calls From The Real World

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 09:20:00 EST

Avatars will be able to sign up for phone numbers and get phone calls from meatspace -- one of a series of new voice and chat upgrades planned for the virtual world.

Review: Firefox 3 Beta 1 -- Packed With New Features And Rock Solid

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:32:00 EST

Firefox 3 Beta 1 sports usability enhancements that make it a big step forward over previous versions. It's proven stable enough to use as a production browser -- on some machines. On other machines, it's a pig.

Review: Apple's Bento -- A Database For The Rest Of Us

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

This new, lightweight, personal database is a promising tool that can help Mac users organize their stuff. But it doesn't live up to its billing as a way to organize your life.

Web 2.0 Summit: Adobe Thrives By Bucking The Trend

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 06:03:00 EDT

In an era when content gets given away for free and funded by ads, how does Adobe survive -- and thrive -- with an old-fashioned software-licensing business model? Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen answers at a Web 2.0 Summit Q&A.

Review: Three Weeks With The iPhone As My Primary Computer

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EDT

While traveling without a laptop, our reviewer used the iPhone as his main computer and Internet device for almost three weeks. He came away with a greater appreciation of the iPhone -- and increased frustration at its limitations.

Mac Fans Respond To Our Completely Unvarnished, Slightly Biased Apple Buyer's Guide

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:04:00 EDT

Readers wrote in to praise the Mac mini, take us to task for advising against buying the iPhone, defend .Mac, and let us know about a couple more free and cheap apps.

Apple Buyers' Guide: Where To Shop And Get Support

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:56:00 EDT

You can get your Apple fix at the Apple Store, online, or at your local computer dealer, where you also can get help when things go wrong.

Apple Buyer's Guide: Online Storage And Sharing -- The .Mac Way

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:55:00 EDT

The .Mac service lets you share and store files online -- but there are a lot of other services out there that do it cheaper and better.

The Complete, Unvarnished, Slightly Biased Apple Buyer's Guide

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:06:00 EDT

Find out which Apple products and services are right for you, and how to get the most from them. An in-depth look at Macs, the iPhone, iPods, and more.

Apple Buyer's Guide: Macs, MacBooks, And Other Machines

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:01:00 EDT

While Apple users don't have as much choice in notebooks and desktops as their PC-using counterparts, there are still plenty of options to choose from. Here's one take on what's best.

Apple Buyers' Guide: 14 Free And Cheap Mac Applications

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:01:00 EDT

You don't have to shell out big bucks to get things done on your Mac. These tools will help you with instant messaging, writing, password management, and more.

Apple Buyer's Guide: iTunes And iPods Put Media In Your Pocket

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:01:00 EDT

Apple's iPods and iTunes offer a rich toolkit for your audio and video entertainment.

Apple Buyers' Guide: 4 Ways To Run Windows Apps On Macs

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:01:00 EDT

You can now have the best of all possible worlds as the Mac's Intel processor, along with one of these four applications, lets you run both the Mac OS and Windows.

Apple Buyers' Guide: Apple's Amazing iPhone

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:01:00 EDT

The phenomenal success of Apple's iPhone doesn't mean that everyone should immediately go out and buy one. Does it?

Five Rules For Bringing Your Real-Life Business Into Second Life

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:00:30 EDT

If you're thinking about establishing yourself in Second Life -- or are wondering whether you should -- we've got five rules that will help your new venture be a success.

Linux Vs. Mac: Mac Fans Respond

Wed, 8 Aug 2007 00:00:30 EDT

Following our recent article comparing Mac OS X with Linux, readers wrote in to slap us on the back, kick us in the shins, or add their two cents.

Second Life Voice Set To Leave Beta

Thu, 2 Aug 2007 14:31:00 EDT

Users of the 3D world on Thursday will see voice included in the default client software starting around 3 p.m. Pacific.

Linux Vs. Mac: Which Is The Better Alternative To Microsoft Windows?

Wed, 1 Aug 2007 00:00:30 EDT

If you're a Vista-wary Windows user who would rather switch than fight, should you move to a Linux distro or Apple's OS X? We asked a Mac fan and a Linux advocate to lead a guided tour of each OS.

Second Life Casino Owner Left Scrambling After Gambling Ban

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:00:00 EDT

The Second Life entrepreneur complains that Linden Lab was happy to take his money for months after the U.S. banned Internet gambling. And then Linden Lab shut the casinos down abruptly Wednesday.

Apple's Quarterly Earnings Show The iPhone Revolution Is Succeeding

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 06:03:00 EDT

AT&T sold more iPhones in their first weekend than any other device, and Apple says more consumers will buy iPhones in the first quarter of sales than bought iPods in their first seven quarters.

Review: The iPhone Is Apple's Latest Triumph

Mon, 2 Jul 2007 11:45:00 EDT

Apple's phenomenon does phone calls, multimedia, e-mail, and text messaging and surfs the Web amazingly well. But the AT&T Edge network is slow, text input is difficult -- and it'll cost you.

Get Paid To Wait In Line For An iPhone

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:01:30 EDT

People with free time and entrepreneurial spirit are posting ads on Craigslist offering to wait to buy iPhones for other people -- charging as much as the cost of the iPhone itself.

Pranksters-For-Hire To Help iPhone Buyers Sneak Ahead In Line

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:06:00 EDT

An outfit called "Over Here, Jerks!" will release a wild animal or do some other stunt that causes lines of iPhone buyers to disperse.

Mitch Kapor: Virtual Worlds Are Like A Drug Experience

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:10:00 EDT

Virtual worlds are driven by "crazy people" with a shared mystical vision, but -- like the PC and Internet revolutions -- they'll result in practical benefits for everyone, said PC pioneer Mitch Kapor.

Panel Attempts To Debunk Myths About Online Predators

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 06:00:00 EDT

Misguided common wisdom about online predators often leads to ineffective efforts to protect young people, according to researchers.

Review: Camino Offers Fast, Lightweight Browsing For Macs

Sat, 9 Jun 2007 00:00:30 EDT

With version 1.5, Camino now has all the features it needs to really compete with other Mac browsers.

New Parallels Version Released, With Improved Graphics To Run Games

Fri, 8 Jun 2007 09:08:00 EDT

The new version supports tighter integration between Mac and Windows, allowing applications in one environment to open documents in the other.

Intel Launching Developer Education Program In Second Life

Wed, 30 May 2007 09:23:00 EDT

The area will include online training, Webcasts, and meet-the-experts events, as well as contests for developers.

Sex In Second Life

Sat, 26 May 2007 00:01:00 EDT

As with every medium since cave paintings, sex is a big part of Second Life. The virtual world is a haven where people can fulfill their sexual fantasies. But it also has a dark side.

Second Life Delays Adding Voice Features

Sat, 26 May 2007 00:00:00 EDT

It's an unfortunate turn of events since high-quality sound could make the virtual world a better place to do business.

Review: Parallels -- The Mac Way To Do Windows

Sat, 19 May 2007 02:00:00 EDT

Parallels is an extraordinary accomplishment, allowing you to run Windows and Windows applications on the Mac. However, it's still got a couple of flaws.

Review: Voice In Second Life Gets Two Thumbs Up

Wed, 16 May 2007 19:45:00 EDT

Voice in Second Life, due to go live May 23, will fundamentally transform the virtual world. We tried out the beta version, and were extremely impressed.

Real Crimes Against Children Reported In Second Life

Thu, 10 May 2007 15:09:00 EDT

Linden Lab, the company that develops and operates Second Life, says it will work with authorities to help bring the virtual and real-life pedophiles to justice.

The NBA Builds A Second Life Virtual Playground With Potential For Real Fun

Sat, 5 May 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Real-time diagrams of games, interactive games, and video lounges could keep fans' attention in ways other Second Life areas have failed to.

Bugs And Unstable Code Threaten Second Life's Future

Fri, 4 May 2007 09:30:00 EDT

Second Life business owners and users want Linden Lab to fix the service's egregious bugs and instability before the whole thing comes crashing down.

Second Life Founder Outlines Plans For Global Domination

Wed, 2 May 2007 03:23:00 EDT

Philip Rosedale, CEO of Linden Lab, talked about the company and service's open source plans, future business model, and stability problems, and he fielded questions about whether Linden Lab is open to being acquired by Google or anybody else.

Wikia Hires Jabber Founder To Head Up Open-Source Search Project

Tue, 1 May 2007 09:29:00 EDT

Jeremie Miller will guide a project designed to make crawlers a commodity to allow search services to proliferate and challenge Google.

NBA Goes Above The Rim In Second Life

Tue, 1 May 2007 00:01:00 EDT

Unlike many corporate areas in the virtual world, the NBA Headquarters incorporates capabilities designed to keep fans coming back, including real-time 3-D diagrams of games as they're played.

Second Life Sex Business Sells On eBay For $50,000

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:05:00 EDT

One of the most popular areas in Second Life, changes hands, as the former owner -- who goes by the moniker "Stroker Serpentine" -- says his company wants to focus on a new, bigger adult business.

Second Life Gets A Virtual Makeover

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Reality intrudes on Linden Lab's virtual world, as problems crop up with performance and capacity.

IBM Launches Developers' Resources In Second Life

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:04:00 EDT

Codestation includes a giant labyrinth where software developers can build robots and race them against each other.

Short-Form Bloggers Let Loose

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EDT

What do soulpatrol girl, who got stuck in an elevator on her birthday, and Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards have in common? They're both using Twitter, a simplified blogging service.

Internet Atwitter About Twitter

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:45:00 EDT

The Twitter blogging service is exploding in popularity, as twitterers fill each other in on what they're having for breakfast and where they're meeting up to party. But is it actually useful?

Firefox 3 Public Beta Due In Spring

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:37:00 EDT

New features will include standardized support for running Web apps like mail and office suites while disconnected from the Internet, and support for Places, a redesigned bookmarks and history manager.

Dr. Dobb's Launches Developer Resources In Second Life

Thu, 8 Mar 2007 09:12:00 EST

Life 2.0 will provide information and training for developers and business, including the Life 2.0 Summit, a week-long conference in Second Life kicking off April 28.

Inside Second Life's Data Centers

Mon, 5 Mar 2007 13:54:00 EST

As Second Life strains to keep up with recent popularity, InformationWeek looks at the real-world technology foundations of the make-believe world and developer Linden Lab's plans to stay on top of growth.

Linden Lab Details Plans For Voice In Second Life

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:24:00 EST

The new feature, allowing users of the virtual world to talk to each other, is scheduled to go live around May. It will require complex technology to deliver a unique audio stream to each of the thousands of users who log into the world simultaneously.

Linden Lab To Begin Beta-Testing Voice In Second Life Next Week

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:49:00 EST

The service is expected to formally launch in the second quarter, with features designed to help preserve the illusion that Second Life is a three-dimensional place.

Nine Easy Web-Based Collaboration Tools

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST

If e-mail attachments are your idea of advanced collaboration, these Web-based tools from vendors like Google and Zoho can help jump-start your workflow, without straining your budget or brain.

Brief: Jobs Calls For DRM-Free Music

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:03 EST

DRM doesn't work and bother customers, he says.

'Macaca' Moments May Define 2008 Presidential Campaign

Sat, 20 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

Online video promises candidates immediacy and extended reach--and will amplify any unwitting mistakes

Sen. Obama Uses Brightcove To Launch Presidential Campaign On Internet Video

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 16:32:00 EST

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama contracted with Brightcove to provide tools and services to help manage Internet video for his possible presidential campaign, the company says.

U.S. Reintroduces Law Requiring DRM For Digital, Internet Radio

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 17:22:00 EST

Opponents of the Perform Act, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein and others, say it restricts consumers from making lawful use of the music they've paid for.

Placeblogs Cast A Narrow Net

Sat, 6 Jan 2007 00:00:03 EST

Local information is becoming a higher priority online.

Our Guide To The Guides

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:01:00 EST

A roundup of places to go for information about Windows Vista.

Online Marketplace Pays Bloggers To Endorse Advertisers' Products

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:30 EDT

PayPerPost doesn't require bloggers to disclose that they're being paid for endorsements.

Accidental Tech Entrepreneurs Turn Their Hobbies Into Livelihoods

Mon, 3 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

InformationWeek interviewed five accidental entrepreneurs, including the founders of del.icio.us and Digg and the author of the blog Dooce, to find out how they freed themselves from the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.

Microsoft's Ozzie Unveils 'Live Clipboard' For Wiring The Web

Tue, 7 Mar 2006 18:30:00 EST

The technology is designed to allow users to share information between Web sites and desktop applications as easily as copying information to a desktop keyboard.

Google's Magic Pixie Dust

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 19:07:00 EDT

I definitely want some of the magic pixie dust that Google uses. Google gets away with stuff that other companies--particularly Microsoft--get hammered for. But Google gets a free pass. Because it's Google. And everybody loves Google.

How IT Can Change Your Life

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EDT

Michael Hawley, director of special projects and founder of MIT's GO Expeditions programs, was the keynote speaker for the kickoff of the InformationWeek Fall Conference. I've seen these MIT guys speak before; they toss off brilliant ideas like fireworks. The most intriguing point came when Hawley was asked what he saw as the technology most likely to change our lives.

Presenting The InformationWeek 500

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EDT

It's a big day for all of us for a couple of reasons: First off, today launches our annual InformationWeek 500 special issue, where we profile the 500 companies that have proven themselves tops at using information technology to create business value.

Microsoft Pounds The Stuffing Out Of Google

Wed, 14 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EDT

I'm a lazy person. I work only as hard as I need to. When the news is breaking fast (or when the boss is looking), I hustle. When the news is quiet, and the boss is away, I kick back with my feet on the desk and enjoy the many pleasures of the Internet.

Anonymity Should Be Protected, And Unnecessary

Mon, 12 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EDT

Last week my colleague Tony Kontzer expressed concerns over a presentation he heard about the Stealth Surfer drive:

Internet Aids In Katrina Relief

Thu, 1 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EDT

While information technology is impotent to protect or even soften the blow of a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina, IT is doing a lot to help in the recovery effort.

Chips, Power, And Other Of Life's Mysteries

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EDT

We had many articles about chips and power last week, and you might have found them kind of confusing. I know I sure did. Then again, I'm confused by many things, such as: Where does the light go when the refrigerator is off? Why does my cat meow insistently that she wants attention, and then run away every time I go near her? And why do they keep giving Rob Schneider money to make movies?

User-Created Content: The Next Big Thing That's Already Here

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EDT

You want to know where the big money is coming from on the Internet nowadays? Look in the mirror. Online businesses are increasingly finding revenue in capturing content from users like you. Companies are making money by providing tools and services that let you write stuff, take pictures, organize your information, and publish it to the Web.

Keeping Your Best Employees On The Job

Mon, 8 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EDT

It's easy to see our story on the latest job opening at Google as nothing more than frivolous, but there's some meat to it. So to speak.

Getting Things Done

Thu, 4 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EDT

Generation Y has always been on the cutting edge of finding interesting ways to use technology. They were teenagers during the dot-com boom of the late '90s. They were the first generation to take cell phones and Internet access for granted.

Privacy: Not Just Less, But Different

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EDT

Our expectations about privacy aren't just lowered, they're also changed. We not only expect more surveillance, but we think differently about privacy than we used to. And those changes are only going to accelerate.

Pitfalls In An Open-Source World

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EDT

Problems don't just show up in the technology; Developers need to pay attention to where code comes from and to licensing issues

Why Kids Aren't Getting Into IT

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EDT

Bill Gates is one of the towering figures of the past 150 years or so, ranking--in my view--with Franklin Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, and the Wright Brothers. But occasionally, he utters things that show his perspective is a bit, well, skewed.

Sun Aims Open-Source Efforts At Competitors

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 19:44:00 EDT

By open sourcing its single-sign-on technology, Sun is looking to devalue investments by Computer Associates, IBM, and Oracle.

Open-Source Developers Need New Ways Of Thinking About Their Business

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 03:07:00 EDT

Open-source developers can't afford to have blinders on and think only about technology. They also need to be sensitive to intellectual-property issues and maintain relationships with the open-source community, says the head of R&D for systems integrator ADP.