November 4, 1996

Analysis: Concept of network computer is stirring waves of interest in corporate America, even though it is still an unproven product chasing market that does not yet exist; it promises to reduce costs of equipping workers with computers, and also promises to give companies more control of how their workers use information technology; workers could no longer install their favorite sofware on office PC, thereby removing risk of computer viruses, hackers and high-tech thieves (M)

There will be no big pre-election labor rally in Garment District of Manhattan, and neither Democrats nor Republicans have rented out hotels and ballrooms to wait out election results; reason for this break in tradition is lack of suspense, since public opinion polls predict uge win for President Clinton over Bob Dole; photo (M)

Giacomo Leone (Italy) wins New York City Marathon; photo (M)

John Birt, director general of British Broadcasting Corp, has made BBC a more efficient noncommercial broadcaster, but has alienated many employees in the process; his rescue plan has been similar to that adopted by some American networks, including the dismissal of thousands of staff members; Birt sees his primary task as that of turning BBC into efficient noncommercial domestic broadcaster capable of withstanding competition from private British terrestrial channels and satellite-delivered programs; photo; graphs (L)

On the last weekend before the election, the politically faithful across America busily sought converts for their favorite candidates and causes. Article, page B9