PC OPERATING SYSTEMS
What is the number one operating system in use throughout the world? Windows95? Nope. DOS/Windows is still the leader with 43% followed by IBM's OS/2 at 25% and DOS at 10%. WindowsNT and MacOS are tied at 7%. Unix/Other comprises 5%. Windows95--last with 3%. Remember these percentages reflect the installed base of operating systems and not current sales in which Windows95 is the leader. (Source: PC Week, 9/9/1996).

PERSONAL COMPUTER SALES
Worldwide sales of personal computers grew by 16% in the third quarter compared with the same quarter last year. Compaq with a unit sales of 1,7 million was the unit sales leader. IBM had a 30% increase based on strong sales for its consumer models. Packard-Bell and Apple both reported decreases. Packard-Bell recorded a 1% decrease and Apple's sales dropped 26% for a market share of 5.6%. International Data Corporation is predicting 1997 sales to grow at 13% in the United States and 16.3% world-wide. (Source: Wall Street Journal, 10/28/1996).

INTERNET SERVICE VIA SATELLITE
Beginning October 10th, Hughes Electronics Corporation is providing Internet access via satellite. The service, named DirecPC, is currently being sold in CompUSA's California stores. The 21" dish and related hardware costs $699 and there is a monthly charge of $40 to $120 for the satellite linkup in addition to the monthly Internet access fee. Hughes is promising installation within 48 hours.

Speed is the primary advantage. Satellite transmissions will be about three times faster than ISDN data phone lines. Downloading a 400 page document will take about one minute. Uploads will take longer as they will be sent via modem through the telephone system. (Source: Wall Street Journal, 10/10/1996).

WEB SITE OF THE MONTH
Looking for the perfect bottle of wine to give as a gift or to go with dinner? SmartTaste has ratings for over 1,800 wines from seven countries and seven states including Wisconsin. Each wine is rated in three categories. The first rating is based on the tasting qualities (body, complexity, tanin, etc.). The second is on the appearance, color, finish and aroma. The third is the relative value of the wine. Wines can be searched for by geographic location, winery, varietal, vintage, ratings and price.

SmartTaste www.wineratings.com contains only ratings and is not involved in the sale of wine. (Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, 10/26/1996).
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Technology Tidbits is published monthly by Jerry Price, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
© 1996 Jerry W. Price

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