Kozlen Communications

A new report from ComScore Networks showed that online (non-travel) spending is up 1/3 for the first 3 weeks of 2006, when compared with the same period in 2005. Online spending during that time totaled $5.5 billion – a 33% increase over the same period in 2005. Online travel spending increased 8%, or an additional $3.5 billion.

As I reviewed my Google Adsense account I noticed a new way to make money. By directing users to sign up for the Firefox Web browser, I’ll get paid $1 for every person who clicks on the link, downloads, and installs Firefox.

It seems like this is a direct shot by Google to help speed up the erosion of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Web browser market share. By offering incentives like this, more and more people will experience Firefox (and the great advantages that come along with it – such as tabbed browsers, mouse controls, etc.) and make the switch. It seems like Google is no longer denying its full-frontal assault aimed at Microsoft.

A study by the Yankee Group finds that 79% of US households have a PC, while only 31% have 2 or more. But in 2000, only 17% of US households had two or more PCs. As multiple PCs and broadband access become more common, home networking also becomes more widespread. Home networks are used primarily for connecting multiple PCs, but are sometimes used for connecting PCs to other media devices. The Yankee Group found that just 5% of homes with one PC have a network, compared to 31% of 2-PC households and 56% with 3 or more.

According to new figures from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 9 out of 10 home buyers use a real estate agent to purchase a home, but 77% use the Internet to search for a home. That’s up from only 2% of buyers in 1995, now ranking as the number one most-used aid. The next most-mentioned source of information for home seekers was the yard sign, mentioned by 71% of buyers.