For its part, Microsoft is betting that cable is the cheapest way to computerize 100 million homes, beating out telephone lines with modems.

FORBES: The hit parade

And it has an edge: it embraced new technology early on, being one of the first to computerize customs clearance and other port operations.

CNN: BUSINESS FORECAST '96

Two related stories at New Scientist caught my eye this week, because they speak to one of the sad truths of the increased computerization of the economy the more we computerize, the more threats there are.

FORBES: Increased Computerization Means Increased Vulnerability