Think Research

Cover Story Transparent Computing Tomorrow's user interfaces will respond to your gaze and speech, even your emotional state, letting you concentrate on tasks. It's all part of the concept of "attentive environments." Features Virus beater Modeled on the human immune system, an innovative scheme for protecting computers can automatically spot a new virus, analyze it and distribute an antidote within the hour. The end of digital epidemics may be at hand. Meanwhile, back at the Corral IBM researchers are fixin' to harness quantum mirages—images created by focusing electronic waves in tiny corral-like structures. One possible use: transmitting information in nanoscale computers. When easy math turns hard The field of computational complexity is defining the boundaries between problems that can be solved in a reasonable amount of time and those that are simply intractable. Departments Perspective Our computers, ourselves: how advances in computing are changing the user experience. In brief How high the moon | More clocks, faster time | Helping the Web go wireless| Ensuring accessibility | Eyes on aging | Walking tall. Solutions Clip and save online: the advent of the e-coupon,Certifiably yours: how to build trust online,Screen and screen again: halftone images for instant books. Viewpoint Customer, partner, client, competitor: Nick Donofrio on IBM's multiple roles.