Jerks on the Web, Apps for the iPhone, and Linux PCs

Have you run into any jerks on the Web? Read our story about spammers, flamers, and all-around nasty people, then share your experiences with us.

Macworld editors put together a list of native iPhone apps they hope to see when Apple releases its software developer's kit for the iPhone. What would you like to see? Join the discussion.

Many people slammed our review of two low-end Linux-based PCs from Sears and Wal-Mart. Is Linux ready for the average computer user? Tell us what you think.

Our most popular stories this week cover Microsoft execs having trouble with Windows Vista, plus value desktop and laptop reviews. To vote for your own favorites, click one of the thumbs-up icons on an article's page.

Our user product reviews are linked to our redesigned Shopping section this week. Please visit PCW Shop & Compare, then come to our discussion forum and give us your feedback.

Note: To use our interactive features, such as adding comments to discussions, voting in the weekly poll, and contributing your own product reviews, you must be signed in to the PC World Web site. (Not registered? You can sign up online.) However, you can view the discussion threads and poll results without being signed in.

Jerks of the Web

montbkk says: I was briefly a member on a forum for bodybuilding that is run by a very popular bodybuilding Web site. I imagined I would find info on working out from other members, but to my shock I found a large group of teenagers who regularly posted hard porn. I would have thought this type of Web posting to be illegal, but according to the more mature members this has been going on since this group joined the forum in 2006.

Fenderguy2112 says: I can't say much, because I'm 4chan fan... but it's just all immature fun!

Adama says: I was looking through several Web sites wanting to join another community, and in this one Web site I really wanted to join there was so much name calling, rudeness, bad language, etc., that I decided against joining.

Coastie65 says: Well, the Web is just an extension of life, I guess. You've got jerks in everyday life and it extends to the Web as well. Either way I can cope. There is a lot of immaturity on the Web to be sure, as there is in the real world.

Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.

25 Native iPhone Apps We Hope To See

brianleahy says: Apollo already exists for those of us that jailbroke the phone.

Justmef says: What about voice-activated dialing? I can't believe this phone does not have that yet.

dakotaWolf says: Check book program like PocketQuicken. A vault program like SplashID, 1Password, or Wallet.

Hylite says: This list is sad; only a few would be much use to me.

Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.

$200 Linux Desktops Systems Are No Bargain

freedom says: Freespire or Linspire by any other name is a piece of crap. That being said, once these folks are introduced to Linux and hit the forums on the Net they will find that there are hundreds of choices when it comes to Linux. They can try and use what works for them; they're not stuck with one operating system like the would be with Windows. That's worth 200 bucks right there.

Kilme says: I run Ubuntu on a laptop at home. It's fun to mess with, but I prefer Windows XP for doing any actual work. I don't think the average computer user is ready for [Linux] yet. Maybe in a decade or so, when the average user isn't so computer illiterate.

Chipbennett says: I still don't believe that the Linux community at large is ready for the "average" computer user. It is getting better, but a large gap still exists between the world of terminology such as bash/vim/grep/apt-get/etc. and the world of those who still sometimes confuse Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office.

Reddish says: I believe that the article is misleading. Those systems are plenty good for nonexperts and they will allow users to do what they want, as long as they don't assume that they are working with Windows (like the reviewer did). In normal use it is not required to use a command line at all, unless you choose to.

Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.

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