Odds and ends

With the world beaming into our living rooms, we have access to what the world is watching and information on where it is heading. The Internet complements all traditional media, and sometimes adds a new dimension to how we handle and process information. This week, we look at three sites totally unrelated to each other but which reflect the way the Internet has changed the way we look at things.

www.jumptheshark.com

Web sites with unusual names usually end up being places you don't regret visiting. And this one is no exception. In case you are wondering what the URL means, as you should be, it is a new coinage that stands for the decisive moment when a TV show reaches its peak. After that it is downhill all the way. This site is dedicated to determining precisely that moment, with the participation of show watchers from around the world. Not quite a lofty purpose, but then it is a great deal of fun. Though the site is America-centric, users would be able to recognise some of the TV shows featured. And going through the user comments can keep you from getting bored for a long time.

www.machinebrain.com

All about robots is what this one is all about. Asimov's fascinating sci-fi creations are slowly getting closer to reality and it is only befitting that an entire Web site is devoted to ''robotics and smart machines''.

From general robotics to the latest developments in the quest for intelligent machines, this site is a treat for the robotics enthusiast. There are enough and more links to keep you engrossed for weeks, plus a newsletter that delivers all robot-related news into your inbox.

www.wheretodoresearch.com

What happens when someone starts using the Internet for research, only to discover the true depth of the Internet as a reference resource? - This aptly-named site.

Saguee Saraf logged over 8,000 hours on the Web doing research since 1995, and the result is this invaluable collection of links to over 6,000 other sites to service the research needs of anyone interested in using the Internet for research.

In fact, Saraf's experiences before and after setting up this resource are themselves an exhaustive read. The Web site is the official site for Research Unlimited, Saraf's research consultancy, with nearly 100 subject areas and over 6,000 external links. A no-frills site, this one just gets down to business straightaway and does a pretty good job of it.

Compiled by C. Ramesh

Please e-mail us at eworld@thehindu.co.in if you have queries on computer usage or if you find an interesting way of using the computer.