---Computer and Information Technology Publications

Although there are hundreds of online computer and information technology publications, the ones below have been selected for their business orientation.
CIO	InfoWorld
CNET.com	TechWeb
CRN	Upside
Computer World	ZDNet E-Commerce
IDG.net	ZDNet eWeek
Information Week

---General Internet Publications

These online magazines have been selected because of their business emphasis on the Internet or technology.
ISP-Planet	Internet World
e-commerce	ON Magazine
HotWired	Netrepreneur
Industry Standard	News.Com
inter@ctive week	Newslinx
Internet Business Advantage	Red Herring
internet magazine	Upside
InternetNews.Com	Wired News
Internet Week

---Information Technology Challenges and Concerns

The Next Information Revolution by Peter F. Drucker, Forbes (Forbes requires that you complete a free registration before gaining access to its articles). The famous management professor provides a long-term perspective on the past, current and future role of data and information systems in a company. He explores the limitations of traditional data in contributing to high-level decision making, such as deciding to go for short-term profits or long-term market share. Another theme discussed is how companies have relied on internal information to their detriment instead of seeking information outside the company to identify "opportunities, changes and threats." Go Figure by Doug Bartholomew, Industry Week. A debate about whether the increased use of computer technology has improved productivity and reduced costs as much as promised. Killer Technologies by James Champy, Forbes (free registration required). Stories of companies that were significantly damaged by problems implementing information technologies and the steps a company can take to protect themselves.

---Technology Trends Affecting Business

Cyber Jobs by Mary Lord, U.S. News. The magazine's annual job survey shows that ten of the twenty hottest jobs are technology related. Many technology jobs did not exist until recent years, such as "digital journalists" and "knowledge workers." The article also describes how technology is playing an increasing role in a wide range of jobs, including farmers, doctors, journalists and librarians. Inventory control could be fueling business growth by Steven D. Jones, The Business Journal Portland. Computers have enabled business owners to improve inventory control, such as keeping lower levels of inventory without running out and accurately tracking what products are selling to avoid overstocking.

---New Technology Affecting Business

Checkout tech by Margaret Mannix, U.S. News. Businesses are finding new ways to make purchases and other transactions easier for their customers, including digitizing and storing credit card signatures for better fraud protection, portable credit card machines that can be brought to your restaurant table and ATMs that can cash checks. 25 Cool Things You Wish You Had And Will by Clint Willis, Forbes. In-depth descriptions of 25 applications of embedded chips, such as "all-knowing appliances," "Powerful Personal Digital Assistants," "Wearable Computers" and "Personal Shopper-on-a-Card." Dawn of the Hydrogen Age by Jacques Leslie, Wired. The application of hydrogen fuel cells has the potential to transform the way energy is provided, especially in vehicles. Over the next 50-100 years, this technology may shift energy consumption from fossil fuels and transform the energy industry. Free Flight by Jacques Leslie, Wired. Many tasks now handled by air traffic controllers and pilots may be automated in the future using "satellite-based navigational equipment that identifies their positions with a precision far outstripping radar's. Five Amazing Inventions Still in the Labs by Jesse Berst, ZDNet. Computer hardware and software technologies under development: holgraphic storage, light-etched chips, hand motions replacing a mouse, smarter search engines and super-small PDAs (Persona Digital Assistants).

---Protecting Information Systems

Tunnel Visions by Suruchi Mohan, CIO. Through a new category of Internet networks, called "Virtual Privacy Network," companies can use the full power of the Internet to connect their offices, suppliers and customers around the world without endangering the privacy of their data. VPNs have the potential of replacing private corporate intranets and networks in all but the largest companies. The Biggest Threat to Network Security (It Isn't What You Think) by Jesse Berst, ZDNet. Many security problems result from abuses by employees, not outsiders trying to break into a company's network. --- Computer Crime PC Security Basics by ZDNet. How to protect your individual PC (not in a network) from security threats such as unauthorized access to your files. --- Computer Viruses I Am Virus: Hear Me Roar by Earl Greer, Byte. Overview of the virus problem and what antivirus companies are doing about it. Protect Your Files by PC Magazine. An introduction to virus protection software and reviews of the most popular programs on the market. You can also link to the Web sites for each of the products. --- Disaster Recovery and Backup Back Up Your Work by PC Magazine. Introduction to the importance of making backups in order to protect data from loss and reviews of four backup programs, including links to their Web sites.

---Company Profiles

Management Information Systems Companies such as Office Depot, Charles Schwab and Knight Ridder have developed information systems that have improved sales and reduced costs. Advanced and Future Technologies Companies with some of the largest research and development budgets describe the technologies they are advancing, especially in the areas of computer, information and communications technology.

---Exercises

Purchasing a computer system for your new business Step into the shoes of an entrepreneur who needs to buy a computer and software to run a new video rental store. You'll decide what products you need for handling such important tasks as tracking inventory, preparing customer newsletters and keeping records of all financial transactions (customer purchases, expenses, etc.).

Copyright © 1999-2001 South-Western, A Thomson Learning Company. All rights reserved. For problems or suggestions concerning this service, please contact Internet .