What about people who download calling card numbers straight out of the data banks of giant phone companies in order to use or resell them, download and resell credit reports or have the ability to reroute or even take down entire telephone networks at will? Those guys are gone, right? Not so fast. They're far from done; they've just gone out of fashion.

- 3 hackers did just that -

Despite the high-profile battles by Microsoft, America Online and AT&T over instant messaging, the smaller skirmishes among companies promising next-generation chat software have gone largely unnoticed. Two companies expected to exchange salvos today are Multimate.net and Cahoots, which are vying for industry position with dueling partnership and funding announcements.

- Clash of the tinies -

Whatever happened to millennium computer bug panic?

- Not so bad? -

The holiday season is in full swing, and this collection of files will help you get control over the chaos. It features two shopping agents that search hundreds of sites for the best prices. If you're looking to bid on bargains, other files can help you shop at online auctions. You'll find card creators and party planners as well. And decking your desktop with a holiday screen saver could help you stay in that festive frame of mind.

- Dashing through the downloads -

Best foot forward.

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