The alliance between German media conglomerate Bertelsmann and music-swapping upstart Napster signals the beginning of the end for bootlegged MP3 music files. Bertelsmann, the parent of BMG Entertainment, agreed to drop its lawsuit against Napster and make its music catalog available online. Napster, in turn, pledged to develop a subscription service that would compensate the artists and record labels. The charge kicks in after the user downloads more than 25 albums. While some are trying to keep free online music alive, the movement is expected to spread in 2001.
Many details remain to be announced about both projects, but the benefits are clear.
Windows 9x and the older Mac operating systems are crash-prone because a single misbehaving application can bring down the entire system. As with all new operating systems, only the owners of newer computers will be able to participate because of steep hardware requirements. Mac owners will need a machine with one of the newer G3 or G4 processors, while Whistler will probably be sluggish with processors running at less than 500 megahertz. AM and FM radio is prone to fading, static and other interruptions. Satellite radio receivers for the home are expected later next year.