MacSense Connection?
Last month on this page, I wrote about the changes over at MacSense. A few astute readers wrote in with this type of letter: "Speaking of Macsense, is that the same John Nemerovski on "The Readers Voice" page who wrote "Brave New World" for MacSense, or an incredible coincidence?" Well, it was a coincidence only in that it was not planned that way, but it was indeed the very same John Nemerovski of MacSense fame. And I am happy to announce to all of John's fans that he will become a regular writer here in My Mac Magazine, starting this month!

His new, regular column is called "The Nemo Memos", but we're also looking forward for a series of computer book reviews he intends to write.

Welcome aboard, John!
-Tim

Big Software to Suspend Operations
Only a few months after I downloaded Big Software's accounting package, Big Business, I was disappointed and saddened to read that they would be going out of business. Big Software announced on June 2 that they would be suspending operations, and I'm personally sorry to see them go. Although I've been using QuickBooks Pro for a while, I'm always on the alert for new accounting software, and I was very impressed with Big Software's program. And, of course, I'm always bummed out to see a Macintosh software vendor go "belly up". Good luck to Big Software and all their employees.
-Tim

The Supreme Court, the Internet, and Your Family
On June 26, the United States Supreme Court rendered its decision on the regulation of the Internet, unanimously declaring that parts of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) were unconstitutional. With this decision, the court gave to the Internet the same protection from government interference that it already grants to newspapers, books and other printed materials. The CDA, which had never really been put into effect due to immediate legal challenges regarding the right to free speech, will now have to be substantially re-written if its sponsors ever expect to see governmental control of cyberspace.

What does that mean for those of you with children who are interested in exploring the vastness of the Internet? First, it means that you get more involved in what your kids are doing, become "Internet aware" and get more involved in which sites your kids are visiting. Help them set up bookmarks of their favorite sites so that they can easily go back and visit. Do your kids visit and use "chat rooms"? Why not visit the rooms with them and see what is going on for yourself so that you have a better idea of what is going on "online"?

Second, sit down and talk with your kids. The same things that apply in real life apply in cyberspace. Just as they know not to accept gifts from a stranger or to get into their car, they need to know that the same things apply on the Internet. Don't let them give out their names, addresses, telephone numbers or their passwords to someone they don't know. Tell them there will be no meetings at the mall to talk with their new found friend from the "chat room". Teach them that if someone approaches them online with improper advances or suggestions, they should let you know immediately so that you can immediately advise the company sponsoring the chat room about what's going on. The last thing any reputable online company would want is to have pedophiles, pornographers or their like roaming through the chat rooms, looking for a victim.

Third, if you're really concerned that the kids may be visiting sites while you're not home, consider using content-blocking software. Find out the pros and cons (like the fact that they can be extreme in blocking anything that may be construed by the parameters of the program as "offensive"). Most major online services and ISPs offer parental control systems that you can set up and use. USE THEM. Exercise the greatest parental control: just say NO. If you need to, limit their access to the computer to specific times or specific programs.

If you've instilled good values in the kids from the start, they won't be off wandering the hardcore pornography sites and hell holes of the Net that everyone is so busy yelling about. They'll be busy using the Internet for all the right reasons.
-Russ

Real Mac and Apple Wizards
Last month, I wrote and asked if there were any other good Mac-based electronic magazines out there, and I got some responses.

The first was from Elliot Robinson, Co-Editor of Real Mac Magazine. I have yet to read it myself, but I am looking forward to it. Elliot send a nice long letter, and seems to be very enthusiastic about the Mac and Real Mac. If that enthusiasm carries over into his magazine, I am sure it will be great. He doesn't have a Web page yet, but if you would like to check it out, you should send a letter to him at galaxy737@earthlink.net.

The other magazine was brought to my attention by a reader who also downloaded Apple Wizards. I must say, I liked what I saw. Apple Wizards shows a lot of promise, and I hope they are here for the long haul! Check out their Web site at: http://www.erie.net/~iacas/applewizards/index.html.

Welcome Real Mac and Apple Wizards! I wish you all the best, and I will be reading!
-Tim