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Describes efforts to develop computer systems which can control an entire house. Details about Microsoft's home of the future; Networking home appliances; Use of voice commands; Home operating system work by IBM and Sony; Views of Sony's Jim Bonan; Joint corporate venture called the Open Service Gateway Initiative; Desire to avoid needing to rewire a home. INSET: Round 5 and not much new, by Susan Gregory Thomas.

Describes efforts to crack down on the hiring of illegal immigrants in Yakima, Washington. 562 people fired at the Northwestern Fruit & Produce plant; Investigation of the plant by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS); Increasing pressure from the INS to hire only legal residents; Prevalence of illegal workers in agriculture.

Discusses the installment of media rooms in homes in the United States. Technology included in such rooms; Example of the room of Microsoft executive John Purrier; Costs involved; Need to hire experts to design media rooms; Centrality of television.