Technology section for 25 May 2006

This week's print edition of the Technology supplement is online too..

• Making a song and dance
  Don't believe all you read about web-driven musical phenomenons. From the Arctic Monkeys to Sandi Thom, old-fashioned PR and marketing still have a big part to play in their success. Adam Webb reports.
• One small step on a long-haul journey
  Government advisers are taking notice of our campaign to Free Our Data, but it will take time for the idea to permeate to ministers, explains Michael Cross.
• Window's Vista requirements come into view
  When Windows Vista arrives, will you get a first or business class seat, or will you be relegated to economy? Here's how to find out
• 'Two words is a minute description of a human need'
  Famous for citing website design mistakes, Jakob Nielsen, the web's original usability guru, explains why search has taken over, why adverts aren't working, and how to make browsing better. Interview by Bobbie Johnson.
• Why we all sell code with bugs
  Creating quality software products means knowing when to fix bugs and when to leave well alone, writes Eric Sink.
• Broadband has become a utility for the 21st century
  Charles Arthur: We're moving house, and I didn't bother to ask one question that would have been essential only a few years ago: does the new place have broadband? Because I knew the answer would be yes.
• Newly Asked Questions:
  • Why is Google planning video ads when I already hate the ones on TV?
    The search giant announced this week that while it won't display video ads on its main site, websites that take its AdSense adverts will get the option of having video ads.
  • Why will Sony start off selling only the pricier PS3 here?
    Possibly because we're all rich. Or else because keeping UK customers happy is less important to Sony than maximising retailers' margins by letting them sell only the higher-priced of the two PlayStation 3 models.
• Gadgets roundup
  • Sky's HD TV system
    The picture quality is at times breathtaking, especially on documentary channels National Geographic and Discovery.
  • HP's iPaq Navigator
    For a few years, manufacturers have been building satellite navigation equipment into PDAs - the theory being that owners can use the device as an electronic organiser and then slip it into their car for help while driving.
  • HTC StrTrk smartphone
    HTC, best known as the maker of smartphones such as the Orange SPV series and the T-Mobile MDA models, has turned its attention to the mass market with a Razr-style skinny clamshell.
• Get real: now it's time for physics to join the game
  Gamesblog: Keith Stuart: Games journalists emerged from E3 sharing one whispered anecdote: next-generation graphics were still falling short of all that wild pre-release hype.
• Satellite navigation still drives me mad
  Victor Keegan: There are some gizmos I have been poised to buy for years but have procrastinated until improved price and reliability make further resistance impossible.
• Technobile
  Kieren McCarthy: Never in human history has the disparity between name and function been so large than with what we laughingly call "support".
• Ask Jack
  Send your questions and comments to jack.schofield@guardian.co.uk. Published letters will be edited for brevity, but include full details with your query.
  Please visit our Ask Jack weblog for daily updates.
• Newsbytes
  Bigger than yours | Aiming off | Portable for pros | PCs by instalments | Word attack | Unsafe IM worm | Symantec sues MS | Soft targets
• Letters and blogs
  Send your letters, comments, questions and rants to tech@guardian.co.uk, and please include your address and post town.