This issue marks the one hundredth ON-LINE column in PhotoStockNotes. We've been here since the first issue way back in November 1993. Back then, we talked about how GEnie, CompuServe, and Prodigy were the really big players in the on-line field, and you connected directly to their proprietary systems via those really fast (and sometimes pricey) 2400 BAUD modem connections. Now, it seems, everyone is connected to the Web via unlimited flat rate pricing, and many of us use high-speed DSL or cable connections. Ah, the good ol' days.

Search engines, just like the Web itself, continue to evolve. Check out these recent entries: www.vivisimo.com, www.wisenut.com, and www.daypop.com. Vivisimo uses your inquiry to search other search engines, but then applies algorithms to categorize the results instantly. Wisenut has a feature called Sneak-a-Peek that allows you to preview individual sites without leaving Wisenut (it opens up a small scrolling window right on the search results page), thus making it easier than having to "go back" to the search engine page to check out another link as with other engines. (Note: As of this writing, the Sneak-a-Peek feature does not work in Netscape, but they're working on it.) Daypop is interesting in that it scans and indexes over 4,000 (last count) news sites and other places to give you the equivalent of a current events search engine.

It's taken much longer than originally anticipated, and there are still some names in negotiations, but here is the list of new Internet domains that should be fully functional by year's end (some are working now). They are: .biz, .info, .name (for individuals), .coop (for cooperatives), .museum (for museums), and .aero (for air transport organizations). Details for release of the .pro (for professionals such as doctors, lawyers and accountants) is in process. Wonder if .pro would include stock photographers? We ARE professionals, right?

The IRS is finally getting around to making it easy for the rest of us to pay our taxes (and check status, etc.) via the Web at www.eftps.com. Previously, you had to use special software and dial directly into the Treasury's computers, and initially only your accountant was permitted to do so. Of course, you can't use it right away -- you have to first sign up online, and then wait for the government to mail you materials (they just can't get away from paper).

According to last year's figures from the Commerce Department, over 50% of whites go online, 49% Asian-Americans, 29% African-Americans, and 24% Hispanics.

In a continuing trend of huge corporate mergers, Hewlett-Packard has agreed to purchase Compaq Computer Corp. Both companies were feeling the computer slowdown, and by merging, the new combined company may be better able to regain market share. Of course, there are many hurdles, including anti-trust concerns, and the merger may ultimately be disallowed. Should the merger be approved, however, the buying public (as in you and me) will have fewer choices in computers. Between them, they account for about 2/3 of the computer sales in U.S. retail stores (Mercury News).