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This despite a misfire, Beacon, that made information-sharing a little to easy to do by mistake. But it's intriguing how the promise of a worldwide Net, with all that implied for outsourcing and working with distant suppliers, is being fleshed out by networks designed to connect people on a more intuitive level. Facebook's decision to open its system to anyone who wants to build applications ensures a vibrant user experience and probably more surprises in 2008.

* Need an inexpensive PC for novice users or a second machine for quick connections when you're on the move?

The ASUS Eee PC 701 packs a 7-inch display, 4 GB of storage space and no DVD drive. But the Linux-powered machine offers easy and quick access to basic Web resources and the ability to use a straightforward menu system. You'll get a cramped keyboard but solid state storage that can withstand a fall and keep running a suite of excellent software. Flash memory is a storage technology to watch as we begin exploring options other than fragile hard-disk technology.

* It will be interesting to see how Joost progresses in 2008.

The streaming television site has acquired a buzz even though its software is still in beta testing (www.joost.com). But the idea of high-quality television shows at a schedule you determine is potent. If Joost can add some punch to its relatively lame lineup of content, you won't need special hardware to take TV to a new level. A key prerequisite: higher broadband speeds, whose ultimate emergence should give pause to entertainment moguls not thinking in Net terms.

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