Brand: MacNews

Netgear today introduced the RO318 Cable/DSL Security Router, which features an 8-port 10/100 switch and enhanced security features, including: Stateful Packet Inspection, which prevents against Denial of Service attacks; static content filtering; and logging, reporting, and email alerts. The RO318 is available now for US$240 and comes with a five-year warranty.

An Upside article discusses the vision of the past and future presented by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates at last week’s Summit. Gates, who is very bullish about what the next ten years will mean for the tech industry, explained that gauging demand is crucial to success (something that many dot-coms missed) and that adoption of industry standards, such as XML, will further bolster the success and proliferation of technology.

Lobbying another shot in the cut-throat Internet Service Provider industry, MSN — which recently surpassed EarthLink to claim the number-two position — has launched a $50 million “switcher” ad campaign. The promotion offers new MSN customers three free months of access and guarantees monthly access fees will remain at US$21.95 until Jan. 1, 2003. Last week, America Online raised its monthly rates to $23.95

Opera has updated their browser for the Mac, releasing beta 1. Opera 5 for Macintosh will run on PowerPC Macs with Mac OS 7.5 or later installed. Systems prior to 8.0 will require installation of Appearance Manager. Opera 5 for Macintosh Beta 1 will work with Mac OS X in the Classic mode.

ATI issued a press release today unveiling what they say will “deliver the smoothest and most natural images ever seen on a PC.” In addition, the company claims that this advancement will not compromise the overall performance of current PC technologies or compatibility with existing 3D games.