Skype is what we use for recording our conversations. It is a program that allows parties to have "telephone" conversations over the internet. If you use Skype from one computer to another, the call is free. However, you can also sign up for SkypOut and SkypeIn which allows placing calls to, and receiving them from, traditional telephones or cell phones. SkypeOut costs $29.95 for 12 months. SkypeIn costs $60 for 12 months.
HD DVD and Blu-ray are the two competing formats for High Definition DVDs. HD DVD was developed by Toshiba and NEC while Blu-ray is a Sony technology. Both have pros and cons and it is still too early to tell who the winner will ultimately be.
Blockbuster and Netflix are two available services for subscription-based movie rentals. Both have the same basic model. You sign up on their website and browse through the movies. You place all the movies that you want to see in your queue. Depending on your monthly level of service, they will send you a certain number of movies from your queue. You can keep those movies as long as you want. When you are done with a movie, mail it back and another movie from your queue will be shipped. Blockbuster has the additional benefit of being able to return movies to the store and trade them there. Netflix has the additional benefit of being able to download and watch movies on your PC.
Vista is the latest version of the Windows operating system from Microsoft. Some of the new features include the Aero interface, instant search, extras for the Ultimate Edition, and in-place upgrades to higher editions.
Microsoft and Iowa have settled a class action case in which Microsoft has agreed to pay $179,500,000 to consumers.