IDE for Java
How to choose an IDE for developing Java Applications ? Today, majors IDE for Java are JBuilder from Inprise, Forte from Sun, VisualCafé from BEA and Visual Age from IBM.
JBuilder fundation is free and 100% Java. It's easy to learn and use. You need to purchase a professionnal or an enterprise version for EJB and Database support.
Forte is 100% Java. All editions are free and very open. Many modules are available for Internet or Enterprise developments. Good for any sort of devs.
Visual Café (or WebGain) is not free. It provides huge tools for business developments.
Visual Age is not free and not Java. It provides all tools for business developments. Versioning is also integrated in the software. Heavy IDE for small/medium devs.

 Java (smart) Card
Gemplus, Sun Microsystems and Visa International announce a Java Card platform initiative.
"A Java Card platform-based smart card runs Java technology-based applications in the form of byte-code. These are loaded into the memory zone of the smart card's microprocessor where they are run by the virtual machine. The executable code is platform independent so that any card incorporating a Java Card technology-based interpreter can run the same application." (java.sun.com)
http://java.sun.com/features/2000/09/wallet.html to learn more.

 Sun joins GNOME
Industry leaders form the GNOME Foundation and drive creation of a next-generation user environment. GNOME 2.0 -- the future desktop for the Solaris[tm] Operating Environment.
"Developers and users alike will appreciate GNOME's backward compatibility. Applications written for CDE, Java[tm], and other environments will run without painful -- and time-consuming -- reengineering." (sun.com)
http://www.sun.com/software/gnome/ to find out more.

 Suse for Sun's Sparc
European Linux distributor SuSE Linux has ported its version of the open source software to Sun Microsystems' Sparc architecture to strengthen its offerings for the enterprise market. SuSE already supports PowerPC processors, IBM's S/390 and RS/6000 platforms, Digital's Alpha chips and Intel platforms.
http://www.suse.org

 Linux + DVD
Happy end for the Linux DVD story ?
"InterVideo is actively engaged with the Linux community, Linux platform manufacturers, and DVD content providers to deliver a robust, high quality DVD software player solution, and is committed to providing outstanding multimedia software solutions for the Linux operating system. InterVideo is actively recruiting talented Linux gurus to develop sophisticated multimedia applications that will make Linux fun and accessible to everyone." (intervideo.com)
http://www.intervideo.com
http://www.opendvd.org to learn more about DVD + Linux fight.

 Napster the story goes
After the attempt to close Napster on 07/28/2000 the famous MP3 file-sharing company has found new defenders with the Digital Music Association (DiMA), the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), and NetCoalition.com
"They are not arguing whether Napster itself is guilty or innocent of copyright infringement, but are instead focusing on elements of the injunction they believe cut a fairly broad path through a variety of technologies and services other companies are already offering or are planning." (nbnn.com)
These associations with members including RealNetworks, Liquid Audio, Tower Records, AOL and Yahoo, are filing one brief.
Note : In the first week of August, the company jumped from the number 31 spot online to the 19th most visited website.
http://www.napster.com
Funny FLASH cartoon parody of Napster DEATH :
http://www.campchaos.com/cartoons/napsterbad/

 MP3.com must pay
A federal judge today found that MP3.com willfully infringed the copyrights of Seagram's Universal Music Group, opening the company to enormous potential damages ($250 million) in one of the first trials to address the legal boundaries of Internet music distribution. MP3.com CEO Michael Roberston said he was "disappointed" with the decision. "We'll definitely appeal," he said. "It is premature to speculate about any damages." (cnet.com)
http://www.mp3.com