THE SOFTWARE INDUSTRY IN THE U.S.
A recent study found the economic activity generated by the computer software industry will surpass that of automobile industry in 2000. In 1998, software sales in the U.S. grew to $140.9 billion an increase of $21.4 billion from the previous year. One measure of the software industry's economic impact is the amount of federal and state personal income taxes collected from its workers. California leads the nation having collected US$2.88 billion in 1998, followed by the State of Washington with US$1 billion. The other top tax collection states were Massachusetts, Virginia, Texas and New York. (Source: INFORMATIONWEEK, 6/21/1999).

WORLD'S SMALLEST DISK DRIVE
Weighing in at a mere 16 grams, IBM's new drive is designed for digital cameras and laptops. The 340MB drive measures 1.68 by 1.43 by 0.19 inches. The drive costs US$499. I was able to hold one of these drives at a trade show in Minneapolis in June. It is so small that my business card more than covered the drive. (Source: Computerworld, 6/21/1999).

ELECTRIC SUNGLASSES
The next generation of sunglasses being developed by PPG and EIC Laboratories, will use very small batteries to power the process that darkens the lens. The batteries provide the charge to a thin metal or chemical layer in the glasses that react causing the change in color. The lens will darken in as little as 25 seconds compared to the photosensitive glasses currently on the market that can take several minutes to change. Another advantage is the wearer will have total control over when the glasses will darken. On the other hand, the users will have to remember to change the batteries and dropping them in water may ruin the glasses. Look for the new glasses to be available in the next two years. (Wall Street Journal, 6/14/1999).

WEB SITE OF THE MONTH
Speed. More is better when it comes to your connection to the Internet. This month's site, Godspeed, will help you find the various high-speed options available at your home or business. All you have to do is provide your street address, zip code and telephone exchange and Godspeed will list the available Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), satellite, cable modem or wireless options. The service is free. Godspeed can be found at www.godspeed.com (Source: Computerworld, 5/31/1999).
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Technology Tidbits is published monthly by Jerry Price, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
© 1999 Jerry W. Price

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