BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) software tool that distributes download bandwidth among those who are downloading. The problem with offering large files from your website is that a surge in traffic can crash your web server. BitTorrent rewards those that share their bandwidth by using cooperative distribution, also known as swarming downloads. With the rise in popularity of podcasting (and huge audio files) torrents are also gaining ground.
The newest from Google Labs ( http://labs.google.com ) is a television search tool called Google Video ( http://video.google.com/ ) that searches a database of closed caption text from a handful of television channels. The database of content is still growing, but it’s an interesting glimpse into the future of online video.
Although gummed CD labels from a print-them-yourself kit can look cool, there is evidence that over time they can destroy your CDRs, leaving them totally unreadable. The safest method for labeling a CDR is a permanent marker on the clear inside ring, where no data is stored. For details read Langa Letter: More Tips Like This One: Audio, CDs, Video
There are many ways to send and receive faxes over the Internet. Interpage allows you to send free text faxes from your web browser as a demo of their paid service. eFax is another paid service that allows you to send and receive faxes via e-mail. For reviews and user ratings of over a dozen Internet fax services, read Kevin Savetz’s FAQ: How can I send a fax from the Internet?.
If your new DVD burner has you thinking about converting your archive of family video tapes, here are a few sites to get you started: DVDR Help Newbies Guide, PC World: Convert Analog Video to Digital, and Lockergnome’s Guide to Converting VHS to DVD ($5).
