The series covers new developments in computer technology. Most chapters present an overview of a current subfield within computer science, with many citations and often include new developments in the field by the authors of the individual chapters. Topics include hardware, software, theoretical underpinnings of computing, and novel applications of computers. This current volume emphasizes the role of the internet, the world wide web and other aspects of a distributed computing environment. Open source development as well as computing for the handicapped are additional important topics. Key Features: - In-depth surveys and tutorials on new computer technology. - Well-known authors are researchers in the field. - Extensive bibliographies with most chapters. - Important chapters on new technologies for software development: open source development and the technology needed to use the web for electronic commerce. * In-depth surveys and tutorials on new computer technology. * Well-known authors are researchers in the field. * Extensive bibliographies with most chapters. * Important chapters on new technologies for software development: open source development and the technology needed to use the web for electronic commerce.