Instead, it relies on common software protocols and formats so that individual computer applications can find and talk to one another across the internet.

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Instead of sprawls of special-purpose computer servers--one for Internet applications, one for e-mail and so on--a virtualized system uses one machine to do all of these functions.

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Software now covers a maze of different industries, including applications software, operating systems, databases, the Internet, computer-aided design and networking.

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There is a wealth of data, games, applications, videos, music, and products available to anyone with a computer and internet access.

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The Mogul doesn't look quite as futuristic or elegant as the iPhone, but it has some features Apple's phone lacks, like a removable battery, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for thumbing messages, access to a "third-generation" (3G) Internet connection for fast mobile Web access and downloadable software applications that let you turn your smart phone into a mini computer.

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