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Buzz Report Molly Wood, senior editor, CNET.com 
How we calculate the Buzz

Latest column | SP2? No, thank you
Windows XP SP2 had you interested but wary (and rightfully so), and spyware worries topped the search results, even more than usual. Meanwhile, is Apple planning a crazy light-up, color-changing, tablet thingamabob? We all want to know.

 More recent columns
08.11.04 | Doom lives on; iPod won't die
Once again, CNET readers surprise us with their varied interests and amusing lack of understanding about our technology-specific mission. This week, Doom 3 shows surprising staying power, while the iPod suffers a shocking slide to result No. 5!

07.28.04 | iPod, Treo, Siemens: let's make a deal!
Looks like it was a great week for budget shopping. A new, cheaper iPod; a fabulous deal on the Treo 600; and a brand-new Siemens phone that actually leaves you with $50 extra dominated your searches over the past week. Want more? Buzz on over.

07.21.04 | Signs and portents
You were scanning your crystal balls this week, looking for hints of things to come. Your top searches involved an emerging technology with privacy-violating potential, a file-sharing tool on the rise, disturbing developments at Red Hat, the top-secret Danger Sidekick 2, and an intriguing acquisition by the inscrutable Google.

07.14.04 | Cell phone-using, browser-hopping poker players
Apparently, it's the time of year to buy a new cell phone; current and future models dominated the search. After that, though, you wanted new browsers, new file-sharing apps, and, um, poker technology. You hipsters, you.

07.07.04 | Calling all Internet Explorer defectors
The security news last week just would not stop, and IE was practically on the 10 Most Wanted list as a bank robber, thanks to malicious code that uses advertising pop-ups to steal data from bank Web sites. Not surprisingly, CNET readers wanted to know more.

06.30.04 | Are the Russians about to attack?
Last week, we hid under our technological desks, bumping up browser security amid warnings that a Russian server was broadcasting malicious code to otherwise innocent Web sites. After that crisis passed, cell phones, Apple's new OS X controversy, and teeny little USB drives dominated your interest.

06.16.04 | How fast can you type with your thumbs?
We keep an eye on what you're searching for and reading about. Current top-of-mind topics: cell phones with keyboards, PDAs with good battery life, digital camera bargains, and luggable desktop PCs.

06.09.04 | PDAs: pining for the fjords?
Is the PDA dead? No, not really--at least not yet, but you could be forgiven for thinking so after Sony announced it was pulling its CLIEs from the U.S. market. Plus: Apple rolls, camcorders rock.

05.19.04 | What you can do about spyware
Spyware, adware, and other variants on the same theme are always high on the list of topics you click on and search for here. This week, we answered with a guide to antispyware apps. Also: Why Apple is faster than Microsoft.

05.12.04 | E3 show brings out the gamers
As the game industry gathers this week at its annual E3 confab, reader interest in gaming software and hardware is peaking. Also high on your interest list: the aftermath of Sasser and a really smart smart phone.

05.05.04 | The worm turns (again)
This week's big story was the Sasser worm. But that wasn't all you were clicking on: PDAs, iTunes, spyware, and the return of the Internet bubble were also high on your reading lists.

04.28.04 | Smaller, faster, cheaper
The hottest of this week's hot topics: The smallest desktop PCs, the fastest 802.11g routers on the planet (for now), and printers that cost less than a good lunch.

04.21.04 | Sniffing out a tech deal
This week's search logs and story rankings prove one thing: CNET users may be rabid fans of the latest technology, but they're willing to wait for a good deal.

04.14.04 | Microsoft: Good news, bad news
This week, you were buzzing about Microsoft--from an upcoming Windows service pack to fallout over the recent EU ruling. Also: An easy-to-use digital camera and a controversial new e-mail service.

04.07.04 | Waiting for Nikon
CNET readers have been champing at the bit for our review of the new Nikon D70 digital SLR. The good news: Your wait is almost over. Also among last week's hottest topics: Google's entry into the free-mail free-for-all, the Indian tech boom, and the Apple-Adobe spat.

03.31.04 | Getting serious about games
This week's top stories among CNET readers: the latest news from the Game Developers Conference, offshoring tech jobs, superlight laptops, the CeBIT technology fair in Germany, and electronic books that are just as good as the paper kind.

03.23.04 | Gearing up for photo season
Digital cameras are always popular with CNET readers. But this week they were more popular than usual. One reason: You're getting ready for spring break and summer vacation. Also big this week: Cell phones, wiretaps, MP3 players, and industry standards.

03.16.04 | All this and phone calls, too
Cell phones are always hot topics for CNET readers--especially this week, as Sony Ericsson and Motorola rolled out their latest multimedia handsets. Also high on the hot list: Microsoft Office, broadband, MP3 players, and portable DVD.

03.10.04 | Spying on spyware
"Adware" and "spyware" are perennial pests--which is why they always rate high on the CNET Buzz Meter. This week was no different--but this time, those searches turned up some interesting new developments. Also big in the search logs: the new WordPerfect, voice over IP, and gaming consoles.

03.03.04 | When viruses attack
The past week saw the debut of not one, not two, but six separate viruses on the Net. Which made viruses (and the applications that fight them) top-of-mind for CNET users. Other hot topics: Layoffs, laptops, and the possibility of a new Windows.

02.25.04 | The product of the year (so far)
Hot topics of the week included the product-of-the-year-so-far: Apple's iPod Mini MP3 player (finally) went on sale. Plus: Photography vendors and dealers gather to palaver in Vegas, and a judge says stop copying those DVDs.

02.12.04 | Is your TiVo watching you?
Whether you have TiVo or not, the news about TiVo users rewinding Janet Jackson's Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction" definitely got your attention. But TiVo users were also shocked by the fact that TiVo was tracking how many of them had rewound the clip.

02.04.04 | The cost of good virus protection
MyDoom, the fastest-spreading virus ever, has our readers scurrying for antivirus tools to keep it and other evil worms away. We give you our top picks and a warning against freebie apps. Plus, we have the latest on Intel's Prescott.

01.21.04 | MyDoom's gloom spreads fast
The fast-spreading MyDoom virus casts a bit of gloom on CNET readers' buzz this week, but our security experts are on the case with advice on how to steer clear of this tricky worm. Plus, readers look for tech solutions to make taxes less taxing.

01.21.04 | Picturing a new Photoshop
Dying to get your hands on the new Adobe Photoshop CS? You're not alone; many of your fellow CNET readers are, too. But there's more to this update than you may realize--namely, a nice deal on Adobe's new Creative Suite.

01.14.04 | CES 2004 shatters records
The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is the trade show for anyone looking for what's in the pipeline from major electronics makers--both big and small. Our editors were there, and our readers were eager to find out what we saw.

12.17.03 | Creature speaker comforts iPod fans
Need some speakers to go with your slick iPod that look just as cool and other-worldly? Check out JBL's Creature speakers; we know some other CNET readers have already. Plus, we look into the growing VoIP trend. What's that? Read on.

12.11.03 | Pleasing your iPod fetishist
Are you frantically looking for the perfect gift for that iPod-obsessed loved one? We have a few to choose from in our latest roundup of crazy iPod accessories. Plus, we give you the lowdown on the lies behind K-Lite.

12.02.03 | Holiday shopping with CNET editors
Now that you've put away plenty of Thanksgiving turkey, it's time to start thinking about some serious holiday shopping. Many of you readers are already making your list and checking it twice against CNET's editors' reviews.

11.19.03 | Microsoft-powered smart phones: smartest yet?
Smart phones are definitely a smart choice, and our readers are always on the lookout for the hottest, most cutting-edge smart phones out there. For the moment, it's the Samsung i600, a new Microsoft-powered PDA/phone combo carried by Verizon.

11.13.03 | Is Napster still a cool cat?
The cat with the headphones is back, and it's gone legit. That's right; after years as the bane of the RIAA, Napster has returned and is totally legal. But is this clean-cut version as good as the bad boy we used to know?

11.06.03 | Dell takes the iPod challenge
Looking for a true alternative to Apple's slick iPod? So am I; now we have one in Dell's Digital Jukebox. We have the full review, and our editors were thrilled with what they saw. Plus, Apple lets its new cat out of the bag: Mac OS X 10.3 Panther.

10.21.03 | Apple iTunes does Windows
Has hell frozen over? According to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, yes, it has--now that Apple is catering to Windows users. Is iTunes really "the best Windows application ever written," as Jobs says?

10.14.03 | Sony's slick six-in-one PSX
What's white and compact and combines five most-wanted home entertainment gadgets in one box? Sony's PSX, the just-unveiled home media hub, and it's the hottest device with readers this week--even if it's set to sell only in Japan.

10.07.03 | Palming Palm's new PDAs
Palm's new handhelds gave readers sweaty palms this week, especially the new business-minded Tungsten T3. Plus, you were tuning in for news on Musicmatch's new online service and the latest goods on the hottest new ATI graphics card.

09.23.03 | Napster's purr-fect deal
You readers were bit shaken up this week by all the topsy-turvy news. Once the bane of the music industry, Napster is about to launch in its new incarnation, which could make it the industry's darling. Meanwhile, Kazaa's founders are making new enemies--telephone companies--as its P2P voice-over-IP service grows.

09.16.03 | Who's afraid of the RIAA?
Most of us, now that the group is suing 261 alleged file traders, including a 12-year-old girl. We give you the update on what's next for the accused. Plus, we also look at whether the bigger iPods are really all that much better.

09.09.03 | Gateway opens its gadget gates
Think Gateway has only plasma TVs up its electronics sleeve? Hardly. The big PC maker has begun rolling out a slew of new gear--from DVD players to digital cameras to MP3 players--and you want to know if it lives up to the hype.

09.02.03 | Ditch your VCR for DVD
Time to ditch that old VCR. CNET readers are looking for more info on the latest and greatest DVD recorders, now that these machines are improved and more affordable. Plus, you're seeking out recent info about the new, smaller iPod killers.

08.26.03 | The motive behind Sobig
Forget virus week; it's virus season here at CNET, and when it rains, it pours. The biggest one yet, Sobig.f, hit this week with hurricane force; many of you came looking for a way to stop it. Plus, Apple's powerful G5 finally hit stores, and Sony Ericsson's new camera phones hit the airwaves.

08.19.03 | Taking the blast out of MSBlast
It's virus week here at CNET, as you readers look for ways to fight the pesky MSBlast worm. We have all the patches and tools you're looking for to win the battle. Also, we size up the clash of the big 2004 finance software bundles: Quicken vs. Money.

08.12.03 | HP's fall line gets it together
Sadly, summer is ending, but it's already shaping up to be a pretty exciting fall for gadget hounds as HP announces its largest-ever lineup of new consumer-oriented products. Plus, you readers get serious about security, checking out the best firewalls and antivirus apps.

08.05.03 | Getting your palms on GPS
CNET readers want help finding themselves this week, but they're not seeking a spiritual guru. Instead, they're curious about Garmin's GPS-equipped handheld, the iQue 3600. Plus, a lot of you are flipping for Nokia's text-friendly 6800 phone and for hopeful news on the RIAA battle.

07.29.03 | Tungsten T2: double your pleasure
Is Palm's new Tungsten T2 handheld twice as nice as its predecessor? We give you the skinny. Plus, CNET readers are looking for news on the latest pay-to-play music player BuyMusic.com and AOL's upcoming 9.0 Optimized.

07.22.03 | Fiddling while Nero burns
The burning question on readers' minds this week is whether Nero 6.0 Ultra Edition really lives up to its title. See what our editors thought after putting this new disc-authoring app through its paces. Plus, do some testing of your own with CNET's Bandwidth Meter.

07.15.03 | Verizon gets snappy
If a picture's worth a thousand words, a camera phone can do a lot of talking for you. Now, Verizon users have their very own camera phone with the LG VX6000, and we have a First Take. Plus, we look at why DSL is so hot. Two words: cheaper, better.

07.08.03 | Hiding behind Blubster
Blubster says you no longer have to run from the law and the RIAA; you can hide behind its anonymous network. But the RIAA says there's nowhere to hide if you're sharing copyrighted goods. Who's right?

07.01.03 | Three cheers for Treo
Smart phones just got smarter with the unveiling of Handspring's new Treo 600. It won't be out until later this year, but readers are already buzzing about it. Plus, we finally satiate your need for news on MSN Messenger 6.0 with a review of the public beta.

06.17.03 | Microsoft, let's chat
CNET readers, let's chat about chat--IM chat, that is. You've been looking far and wide for more info on the upcoming MSN Messenger 6.0. Plus, you're checking out the latest Sony multimedia CLIE handhelds and Samsung's forthcoming smart phones.

06.10.03 | Is that digital video in your pocket?
If you thought MP3s made you too cool for school, PVPs have come along to up the ante of what's cutting edge in pocket-size gear. This week, we look at Archos's PVPs and get the skinny on Canon's much-anticipated 5-megapixel PowerShot G5.

06.03.03 | Graphics card wars turn soap opera
Finger-pointing abounded last week as Nvidia was accused of cheating on its graphics-card benchmark scores. Did the leading chipmaker really cheat? And why is Futuremark, the company that made the accusation, changing its tune? This and more in another episode of As the Graphics Card Turns.

05.27.03 | Beat down those pop-ups
We know you readers think pop-up ads are a nuisance; we want to show you how to beat them down like all other online pests and dangers. Also, we take a look at where The Matrix Reloaded is popping up online.

05.20.03 | The biggest game in town
Gaming is always hot with our tech-savvy readers, and nothing is hotter in the gaming world than the world's biggest gaming trade show, E3. We have the latest. Plus, Fizzer bubbles up to the top of our readers' worry lists, and we try to figure out Microsoft's iLoo story.

05.13.03 | The Matrix buzzes CNET
Everyone is talking about the upcoming Matrix sequel, and CNET readers are no exception. This week, we look at the new Matrix phone, the CNET way to test your Net speed, and gaming news about the Xbox and Sony.

05.06.03 | Cuckoo for iPod
The slimmer, sexier, handier new iPods have our readers in a tizzy looking for more info, and our editors have it. Plus, you're all hungry for the latest leak of Microsoft Longhorn.

04.22.03 | Sounding the ZoneAlarm
Think firewalls are only for corporate networks? If you're using broadband and sharing it on a home network, think again. Time to learn more about the new ZoneAlarm Pro. Also, get the skinny on Sonicblue's new deal and the wonders (and dangers) of undelete.

04.15.03 | Shed that unsightly spyware fast
Sick of that unwanted spyware adding more weight to your computer? File sharers, cut the electronic fat with spyware killers and Diet Kaza. Plus, we take a look at TiVo's new features.

04.08.03 | DVD copying: Burn or get burned?
Super, amazing DVD-copying tool! Yeah, yeah: you've seen it all before, and you filter that spam to your trash. But what if you really could legally copy your DVDs? Would you? CNET readers are looking to find out.

04.01.03 | Wrangling downloads and Longhorn
Got downloads? A lot of downloads? Get them under control with download manager tools. Plus, we give you an early peek at Microsoft's Longhorn, as well as reviews of hot camera phones and firewalls.

03.25.03 | Life during wartime on CNET
The war in Iraq is all over the media and obviously very much on the minds of you readers. Other hot topics this week: cell phone news from CTIA and Nintendo's new Game Boy Advance SP.

03.18.03 | Wild about Centrino
Can Intel build a better notebook with Centrino? Our readers were definitely curious and came to CNET to find out the truth. Luckily, we have seven Centrino and Pentium M notebooks reviewed.

03.11.03 | Lassoing Longhorn
You readers seem ready to lasso Longhorn, Microsoft's code name for the next version of the Windows desktop OS. While Longhorn is a long way off, we offer more news from Microsoft: the latest Office 2003 beta.

03.04.03 | Get the fix for your chat fix
Instant messagers who get their fix using Trillian fix their Trillian. Plus, you readers get the final word on Palm's high-end Tungsten W, a sneak peek at Sony's new electronics, and the truth about 802.11g.

02.25.03 | Exorcising your tech demons
If you thought The Exorcist was scary, wait until you see the tech ghoulies in this week's Buzz Report: spam, spyware, and (shiver) pop-up ads. Forget the crucifix; we offer you solid tools for driving out those demons.

02.18.03 | Gunning your graphics cards
CNET readers are speed testing their high-performance graphics cards and upgrading their favorite file-sharing apps. Plus, they're looking for TiVo tricks, cheap notebooks, and news on the Dell dude.

02.11.03 | Find more than your soul on Soulseek
Our readers seek out Soulseek, a new peer-to-peer app, in large numbers. Plus, price cuts on Palms and Macs send readers shopping for the latest bargains.

02.04.03 | How can you stop spyware dead?
Spyware is really killing CNET readers' surfing buzz. Ad-aware to the rescue! Plus, we take a look at the latest in entertainment servers and sing the praises of Opera 7.

01.28.03 | Worms, viruses, and the RIAA
Worms and viruses and the RIAA, oh my! What a rough week it's been for you readers. At least you have cool new graphics cards and camera/phones to entertain you.

01.21.03 | Covering your electronic tracks
This week, CNET readers look for cool tech on the cheap, better ways to cover their electronic tracks, and the latest news in the P2P battle.

01.14.03 | A tale of two trade shows
Mac fans, unite! You readers came stampeding for information about the Macworld announcements, especially the Safari browser. Not to be outdone, the Consumer Electronics Show also got your attention.

01.07.03 | Starting 2003 with tech tools
Happy New Year, Buzz lovers. To start 2003, you CNET readers are looking for tools to get organized, do taxes, and make new friends. You're also searching for faster wireless and Apple's latest.

12.17.02 | Best of the Buzz 2002
The year 2002 has nearly come to an end, and what a year it's been in tech. To ring in the New Year, we present what we consider to be the biggest buzz stories of 2002.

12.04.02 | Finding the perfect tech gift
Only two more weeks until Christmas, and CNETers are obviously still looking for that perfect gift. Cameras, cell phones, and photo printers top the list.

12.04.02 | Holiday shopping fever sets in
Digital cameras, photo printers, and faster CD burners were on CNETers' minds this week. Plus, the file-swapping debate, and Sony's slick all-in-one PC.

11.26.02 | Dell's handheld grabs readers
Dell's Axim X5 reigns supreme in the curious minds of CNETers, but Comdex, speedy new graphics cards, and HP's iPaq are close behind.

11.19.02 | Clash of the Gaming Titans
Xbox Live takes on Sony's PlayStation 2 Online. Also, Dell shows off its Axim at Comdex Fall 2002, and users are buzzing about TiVo Series2 and camera phones.

11.12.02 | Tablet PCs are write on with readers
Think our readers can ignore a huge innovation in computing like this week's tablet PC debut? Think again. Plus, Gateway's plasma is still scoring big, and we get an early look at the Dell PDA.

11.06.02 | Hung up on Tungsten
Can Palm bridge the Palm-Pocket PC gap with its high-end Tungsten T? Inquiring CNETers want to know. Also, the newest home-theater toys.

10.29.02 | MSN 8.0 gives readers butterflies
Last week, the Internet-access wars flared with the release of MSN 8.0, and CNET readers wanted our take. Also popular was the laptop that Porsche Design built.

10.22.02 | Meditating on Zen
Creative's slick, silver, and tiny Nomad Jukebox Zen has our readers seeking its MP3 nirvana. Plus, the latest in low-cost Pocket PCs, and Steve Ballmer squirms.

10.15.02 | Palm's Zire lights our readers' fire
This week, CNET's readers were still curious to learn more about Palm's $100 Zire, and were eager to get new info on AOL 8.0. Plus, KaZoom speeds up file-sharing.

10.08.02 | Bugbear worm bites hard
The Bubear Internet worm made the rounds this week, and its quick spread caught the attention of our readers. Plus, the wireless T-Mobile Sidekick and low-end Palm Zire hit stores..

09.18.02 | Users want their XP service pack
"Make our Windows better!" CNET users cry. Also, is a new version of Trillian the answer to our IM problems? Lastly, a demo of Unreal 2003 is now available.


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