The PointCast Network was a pioneer in broadcast-style delivery of Internet content, and it remains one of the best. Don't look to it for premium information, since most of PointCast's content is accessible for free at other Internet venues. Its real value lies in the fact that you can make a custom selection from a large number of sources and have that information delivered to your desktop for free in an attractive and engaging way. Some cover broad topics such as news, companies, industries, weather, sports, or the Internet. Others provide content from specific news organizations and Internet sites, including The New York Times and Pathfinder.
Most channels deliver straight hypertext with live links to Internet sites.
Content is displayed through either the PointCast client software or a screen saver. The client's look can vary depending on the channel, but in essence it provides one window for viewing headlines or summaries and a larger window for viewing full text or graphics. On the left, you will find a third window with a set of tabs and buttons for selecting channels and configuring the software. You can select how often you'd like PointCast to update your information, whether you're a dial-up user or have a constant connection. Clicking on an item launches the client and lets you view the details.