America Online released a beta version of AOL Instant Messenger 3.5, also called AIM Talk. Armed with a microphone and headset, you can talk to your buddy just as you would chat on the phone, instead of furiously pounding away on a keyboard.

- Talk and type -

So you've decided you want to try a little pro motocross, eh? Are you up to the physical and mental sacrifice it takes to be a champion? Well, unless you have been training and riding competitively for a long, long time, it might be better to give THQ's "Championship Motocross" a try.

- Ride on -

Japan is far more prepared than is the United States for possible computer problems that could hit worldwide after midnight Dec. 31, a top Japanese official overseeing the Y2K issue said Tuesday.

- Two months left -

Despite our dependence on PCs, most of us don't take the time to back up our files. We all know there's no good reason for this risky behavior: Copying files to a zip disk is simple, and these days, removable storage is cheaper than ever. Ultimately, plain old inertia may be the culprit, but these shareware programs can help you overcome this.

- Better safe... -

12/31/1999 all year.

CNN has many e-mail services. To register for another, click here.

To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE to any CNN e-mail click here.