On The Net - Computing News

with Chris Goh

One of the most peaceful places on earth is actually 15 metres underwater on the Great Barrier Reef. Diving gives you a new appreciation of silence - with the exception of your breathing, it is as quiet as you can imagine.

Returning to civilisation, you soon realise what an awful lot of noise we make. Noise is the most underestimated form of pollution. And the advent of new multimedia devices, like radios and mobiles, many folk think it's okay for the rest of the world to hear their noise.

It's not unusual for a teenager driving up in an old Ford Escort blaring music through speakers that cost them more than the car. I don't think I'm getting too old and wowserish just yet, but I reckon they are selfish, and indulging in little more than attention seeking behaviour.

I can sympathise at some level that music is useful for when you want to drown out the rest of the world. But I also know how refreshing silence can be.

And the music shouldn't impact on everyone else.

Next time you're in a big city, try to listen for a natural sound. They're hard to find amidst the cacophony of bangs, engines, screeches, spruikers and other din made in the name of technological progress.

Maybe that's why people decide to escape the city and head for the country, where the space means you can still hear your own scream.

Amidst all this noise, I envy my country cousins.

HotNews

Microsoft may have won their anti-trust case in the US, but their European anti-trust battle is very different. The European Commission case will be finalised at the end of this week after 15 nations unanimously backed the Commission's draft recommendation that says Microsoft is a monopolist and should be punished. The software giant faces a fine ranging from $100 million to a $1 billion, along with demands that it change the way it participates in the EU market, including unbundling of some programs to allow greater competition. This will be a significant blow to Microsoft, which is already facing stiff competition as more government agencies required to look at open source alternatives.

While the ACCC is breathing down Telstra's neck again, the telco is also facing political trouble following a leaked memo which suggested the number of faults on the Telstra network is at a six year high. Critics claim that in a bid to compete, the telco's maintenance levels have been sacrificed. The Government counters that there's been a series of extenuating circumstances, like the weather.

Hotsites

www.asic.gov.au/fido/fido.nsf

I'm often asked how to buy shares online - as well as the pitfalls. The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) set up Fido to give investors a few pointers on what to look out for. This site was recently revamped for its 4th birthday and I think much improved. It features some important tips on finance and security checks.

www.infochoice.com.au

For more financial advice visit this consumer-friendly site, which has comparisons between various banking and financial services, from personal to home loans. If you're shopping for financial services, this is a good place to see what the market has on offer.

www.yourmortgage.com.au

If you're in the hunt for a mortgage then this site is dedicated to helping you compare the various products available. It also features some simple financial tools so you can see what you're up for.