Network Update

SCHOOL truants may be at risk from a system being tested at Glyn School, near Epsom, which requires them to swipe a card through a reader twice a day to register their presence on a computer. The system, installed by Datastripe, is supported by the Department for Education. Eventually, pupils may have to swipe before each lesson. Information: 081-547 3418.

IBM IS giving away 25 Thinkpad notebook PCs to the winners of its Leonardo awards for creativity. Entry categories include multimedia works, programs, essays, slogans and 'creative freestyle'. Call 071-436 4060.

MUTE Records is making new singles available for downloading in digital form from the Internet. Details from ironacton@state. cityscape. co. uk.

AN EXHIBITION of 'visions of a virtual world', called V-Topia, until 12 November, will showcase interactive electronic images, addressing the increasing relationship between art and technology. Bluecoat Gallery, School Lane, Liverpool. Call 051-709 3818.

BRENT Council is offering free public access to North Londoners on Thursday at Willesden Green Library, as part of its policy to bring technology to the attention of non-specialists. Call 071-388 2380.

BUDDING bankers can send payments from their PCs through BACS, the Bankers' Automated Clearing Service, if they pay pounds 595 for a new piece of Windows-compatible software from Checkpoint. For more information, call 0734-258251.