Those who know web know Microsoft's Internet Explorer, in any version, is slow and hopeless. It has now been revealed the most widely-used internet browser has a SERIOUS security hole that leaves computers exposed to hijack attempts.

Anti-virus software maker Trend Micro has confirmed that the said 'hole' helps criminals trick you and I into entering websites that contain code which can steal our passwords, as well as more serious information such as financials.

With the festive season around the corner, direct research of KayWeb clients has shown increased activity in ecommerce websites, particularly those offering gift options like digital goods, fragrances, clothes and hardware.

This may seem only logical with Christmas around the corner, however a deeper analysis shows that the economic doom and gloom has made people realise that online is the best place to find a bargain.

I read with great interest last week when the independent Web Marketing Association called the 2008 United States presidential election, three weeks before a vote has been cast, to Barack Obama. The reason for this was that Obama's website won their WebAward over John McCain's website!

The decision to award www.barackobama.com the gong for 'Better Website' was made by 110 internet website experts, who sit on the Web Marketing Association's WebAward judging panel. And the fact that this same crew voted for Obama's website as 'better than Hillary Clinton's' during the Democratic primaries, and Obama ended up defeating Clinton, could mean the same path is set for November 4.

Let's take a closer look at both barackobama.com and johnmccain.com...

In 2004 Google exploded onto the email scene with their innovative free webmail offering, GMail. Microsoft and Yahoo quickly tried to play catchup, but GMail has been going from strength to strength ever since then.

But what's so good about GMail? Well, consider just a few of it's key features...

A month since its trial release, Google's Chrome web browser is gaining mixed reviews by web analysts. According to some users, Google Chrome is super-fast and easy to use; others complain that it is too bare, while competitors state their own products remain superior in the newly-congested browser market.

My personal tests of Chrome have been extremely positive, considering it is its VERSION 1 release. Google has again embraced the advantages of open source web development to deliver a product in a rare segment of the web they haven't yet cracked.