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P> Finding federal files: Want to retrieve a file, say a sensitive federal document, that you thought was lost for good? The makers of Canopener, the Macintosh utility, have developed seven new programs to do precisely that. There's Rescutxt 1.0, which finds files that have disappeared completely. There's Dduper 1.0, which locates and removes duplicate files.

The Web is the Word: Admitting that the World Wide Web is becoming the premier on-line platform, AT&ampT, Basking Ridge, N.J., says it will abandon its proprietary Interchange Online Network software in favor of the Web. The first operation to be transitioned will be the AT&ampT Business Network, now to be called AT&ampT Business Network Version 2. All of the Interchange Network will be Web-based by the end of the year.

"In the future, the Web will be a superior environment for on-line services," said Michael Kolowich, president of AT&ampT New Media Services, based in Cambridge, Mass. The move was overshadowed by AT&ampT's announcement last week of 40,000 layoffs, which included a mention of a write-off involving the Interchange software. In a telephone call with journalists, Kolowich admitted to the write-off, but declined to give a dollar figure. He said the Web will be the dominant medium for AT&ampT's on-line services by the end of the year.

High-tech mouse pad? 3M has developed a high-tech mouse pad to replace that annoying 1/4-inch spongy surface occupying so much space on your desk. Called the Mousing Surface, the device is but 1/16th of an inch thick. And its back is made of a smooth material that feels like leather. The surface was designed based upon the results of hand and motion studies conducted by 3M. And it features microscopic, pyramid shaped bumps, which increase the friction between the mouse and the pad. This actually makes it easier to get something done on screen, eliminating tracking errors. The product is marketed by the consumer stationery division of 3M, at (800) 364-3577.

Having a hard time clearing off old files from your hard drive? Verisoft Systems has a software program called Remove IT, a $29.95 utility that erases unneeded Windows and DOS apps, files, fonts and drivers. It also can prepare your PC for that inevitable Windows 95 upgrade. Oh boy!