Family Computing: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Online Dictionaries for Kids
Find the best online dictionaries for kids. These sites are great for homework help, as well as general learning.
Find the best online dictionaries for kids. These sites are great for homework help, as well as general learning.
Watch TV Online for Free
Find the best spots to catch your favorite old and new TV shows online for free.
Find the best spots to catch your favorite old and new TV shows online for free.
Free Online Books
These sites allow you to read or listen to books online for free. There are classic books, children's books, reference books and more. * Not all of these sites are specifically geared towards children. Some may contain mature content. Please preview any material and links before sharing them with your kids.
These sites allow you to read or listen to books online for free. There are classic books, children's books, reference books and more. * Not all of these sites are specifically geared towards children. Some may contain mature content. Please preview any material and links before sharing them with your kids.
Virtual Worlds for Kids
Which virtual world websites are best for kids? Take a tour of virtual worlds designed for young kids and pre-teens.
Which virtual world websites are best for kids? Take a tour of virtual worlds designed for young kids and pre-teens.
Presidents Day
When is Presidents Day this year? Enjoy US Presidents Day online with games, crafts and a lot of useful info!
When is Presidents Day this year? Enjoy US Presidents Day online with games, crafts and a lot of useful info!
Add New User in Vista
When several people share the same computer, it is best to give each user their own profile or account. This prevents them from accessing each other's files and settings. Adding a new user to Windows Vista is as easy as can be. This handy tutorial will show you how.
When several people share the same computer, it is best to give each user their own profile or account. This prevents them from accessing each other's files and settings. Adding a new user to Windows Vista is as easy as can be. This handy tutorial will show you how.
Virtual Worlds for Teens
Looking for a place to hang out with friends online? Check out these virtual worlds for teens!
Looking for a place to hang out with friends online? Check out these virtual worlds for teens!
Virtual Worlds for Tweens
If your kids are outgrowing Webkinz, but are too young for Teen Second Life, these transitional virtual worlds for tweens are just the thing.
If your kids are outgrowing Webkinz, but are too young for Teen Second Life, these transitional virtual worlds for tweens are just the thing.
Internet Safety Parents Guide
Online safety is a big concern for parents. Learn how to go beyond the filters to promote Internet safety for your kids.
Online safety is a big concern for parents. Learn how to go beyond the filters to promote Internet safety for your kids.
Buying a Laptop vs. a Desktop
Take these factors into account when buying a new computer to help you decide between a laptop and a desktop.
Take these factors into account when buying a new computer to help you decide between a laptop and a desktop.
Teen Guide: Myspace Safety
Learn how to keep yourself safe on MySpace and other online fun spots.
Learn how to keep yourself safe on MySpace and other online fun spots.
Computer Memory & Storage
How much memory does my computer really have? Are KB bigger than MB? Why is my hard drive smaller than I thought? Find the answers to your computer storage and memory questions.
How much memory does my computer really have? Are KB bigger than MB? Why is my hard drive smaller than I thought? Find the answers to your computer storage and memory questions.
Create Custom T-Shirts
Custom T-shirts make great party favors and are a fun family computing project.
Custom T-shirts make great party favors and are a fun family computing project.
What Age for Computer Use?
There is no right or wrong time to introduce your child to the family computer. Much like deciding when to buy the first bike, or when your child can go out alone with friends, the choice will be based on your parenting style, your values and, most importantly, your child’s readiness. Consider the following milestones as you help your children learn how to use the computer, how to communicate online, and how to remain safe.
There is no right or wrong time to introduce your child to the family computer. Much like deciding when to buy the first bike, or when your child can go out alone with friends, the choice will be based on your parenting style, your values and, most importantly, your child’s readiness. Consider the following milestones as you help your children learn how to use the computer, how to communicate online, and how to remain safe.
Free eCards
These are the best free eCards for kids and families.
These are the best free eCards for kids and families.
Kids Learn to Program
Imagine making your own video games or virtual worlds! Learning to program is not just fun and useful for future career opportunities. It builds logic, problem solving and creative thinking skills, too.
Imagine making your own video games or virtual worlds! Learning to program is not just fun and useful for future career opportunities. It builds logic, problem solving and creative thinking skills, too.
Parents Guide to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is becoming a big problem, especially among teens. Learn what cyberbullying is and how to avoid it.
Cyberbullying is becoming a big problem, especially among teens. Learn what cyberbullying is and how to avoid it.
Top Science Websites for Kids
These are some of the best science websites for kids.
These are some of the best science websites for kids.
Free Video Game Demos
Finding games that are fun and safe for the whole family can be tricky. Try out these free video game demos to see if the game is worth purchasing.
Finding games that are fun and safe for the whole family can be tricky. Try out these free video game demos to see if the game is worth purchasing.
MySpace Parents Guide
Your kids are probably going to find a way to use MySpace, so you may be better off having them do so at home under your supervision. The good news is that there are some safe guards in place you can use to help protect your kids.
Your kids are probably going to find a way to use MySpace, so you may be better off having them do so at home under your supervision. The good news is that there are some safe guards in place you can use to help protect your kids.
Clean Desktop Keyboard
With lots of little hands using your desktop computer keyboard, it can get pretty dirty. Regular cleaning will keep your keys clicking and grime free.
With lots of little hands using your desktop computer keyboard, it can get pretty dirty. Regular cleaning will keep your keys clicking and grime free.
VTech Kidizoom Digital Camera
The VTech Kidizoom Digital Camera is designed for the littlest photographers. Find out if the Kidizoom Digital Camera for kids makes the grade.
The VTech Kidizoom Digital Camera is designed for the littlest photographers. Find out if the Kidizoom Digital Camera for kids makes the grade.
Halloween Printables
Find the best free printables for your Halloween and fall holiday fun.
Find the best free printables for your Halloween and fall holiday fun.
PBS Kids Online
PBS Kids Online is a hot spot for toddlers and preschoolers. With games, music, movies and more, there is plenty to do and see.
PBS Kids Online is a hot spot for toddlers and preschoolers. With games, music, movies and more, there is plenty to do and see.
Limiting Computer Use
How much time should your child spend online and how do you enforce those rules? Find out.
How much time should your child spend online and how do you enforce those rules? Find out.
Safe Eyes
Safe Eyes is more than an Internet filter. This parental control software allows parents to monitor internet activity, set time limits, and restrict access to inappropriate websites.
Safe Eyes is more than an Internet filter. This parental control software allows parents to monitor internet activity, set time limits, and restrict access to inappropriate websites.
Webkinz World Review
Webkinz World is extremely popular with pre-school, elementary and even middle school-aged kids. Read this Webkinz World review to find out if it's safe, age appropriate, and the right environment for your child.
Webkinz World is extremely popular with pre-school, elementary and even middle school-aged kids. Read this Webkinz World review to find out if it's safe, age appropriate, and the right environment for your child.
Barbie Girl MP3 Player
What's hot and what's not about the Barbie Girl MP3 player.
What's hot and what's not about the Barbie Girl MP3 player.
U.B. Funkeys Review
U.B. Funkeys is a toy that provides access to a kid friendly virtual world. The About.com Guide to Family Computing shares its merits as a gift for kids and the qualities of the website for kids.
U.B. Funkeys is a toy that provides access to a kid friendly virtual world. The About.com Guide to Family Computing shares its merits as a gift for kids and the qualities of the website for kids.
Buying Cameras for Kids
Choosing a digital camera for kids is a lot of fun. Find out how to decide what camera is best for kids.
Choosing a digital camera for kids is a lot of fun. Find out how to decide what camera is best for kids.
Creativity Express
Creativity Express by Madcap Logic is an engaging software package that encourages art fans of all ages to explore art history, famous artists and their own creativity.
Creativity Express by Madcap Logic is an engaging software package that encourages art fans of all ages to explore art history, famous artists and their own creativity.
Stop Motion Animation
Make a stop motion animated movie with your kids. It's an easy and fun project for rainy days.
Make a stop motion animated movie with your kids. It's an easy and fun project for rainy days.
What is an Internet Filter?
An Internet filter is a piece of software that helps block out unwanted content, such as pornography and hate group sites using a list of keywords and well-known URLs. More advanced filters can also block or filter chat rooms, instant messages, file downloads and forums. Learn how to keep children from accessing inappropriate material by installing an Internet filter
An Internet filter is a piece of software that helps block out unwanted content, such as pornography and hate group sites using a list of keywords and well-known URLs. More advanced filters can also block or filter chat rooms, instant messages, file downloads and forums. Learn how to keep children from accessing inappropriate material by installing an Internet filter
Club Penguin Review
Club Penguin is one of the older virtual worlds for kids. How is it holding up?
Club Penguin is one of the older virtual worlds for kids. How is it holding up?
Kid Tough Digital Camera
The Fisher-Price Kid Tough Digital Camera is designed for budding photographers. Find out if this digital camera for kids is a hit or a miss.
The Fisher-Price Kid Tough Digital Camera is designed for budding photographers. Find out if this digital camera for kids is a hit or a miss.
Speed Racer Comic Book Creator
Speed Racer Comic Book Creator 2
Speed Racer Comic Book Creator 2
Easy Link Internet Launch Pad
The Fisher-Price Easy Link Internet Launch Pad provides a safe, controlled Internet experience for kids. They can visit the best websites for kids while staying safe.
The Fisher-Price Easy Link Internet Launch Pad provides a safe, controlled Internet experience for kids. They can visit the best websites for kids while staying safe.
Choosing Software for Kids
These tips will help you choose quality software and video games for your young children.
These tips will help you choose quality software and video games for your young children.
Guide to Kids Online
From Internet safety to quality websites, these are the things every parent needs to think about before their kids go online.
From Internet safety to quality websites, these are the things every parent needs to think about before their kids go online.
Neopets Review
Neopets looks like a fun site, but is it appropriate for your kids? Find out what it's all about.
Neopets looks like a fun site, but is it appropriate for your kids? Find out what it's all about.
Flip Video Ultra Review
If you're looking for an inexpensive, lightweight camcorder, the Flip Video Ultra may be for you.
If you're looking for an inexpensive, lightweight camcorder, the Flip Video Ultra may be for you.
Make an ABC Book or Slideshow
Use your digital camera to help your children learn their ABCs. A great rainy day activity.
Use your digital camera to help your children learn their ABCs. A great rainy day activity.
Remove Programs from Windows
Follow these simple steps to declutter your computer.
Follow these simple steps to declutter your computer.
Magazine Sites for Kids
Kids' magazines often have some of the best websites for kids. They are engaging, educational and, most importantly, age appropriate.
Kids' magazines often have some of the best websites for kids. They are engaging, educational and, most importantly, age appropriate.
SimCity Societies
This SimCity Societies review will help you decide of it's the right game for your kids.
This SimCity Societies review will help you decide of it's the right game for your kids.
Top Wish List Sites
Create a wish list or gift registry for yourself or your kids. It will make gift shopping easier for family and friends and help prevent receiving duplicate items.
Create a wish list or gift registry for yourself or your kids. It will make gift shopping easier for family and friends and help prevent receiving duplicate items.
Websites for Kids 2008
These are the best websites for kids in terms of educational value, fun, safety, and creative content.
These are the best websites for kids in terms of educational value, fun, safety, and creative content.
Computer Gifts for Kids
From U.B. Funkeys to the VTech Kidizoom Camera, there are plenty of hot kids toys this year that use a computer. Whether your gift recipients are artists, musicians, fashionistas or race car drivers, they'll have a great time this holiday season.
From U.B. Funkeys to the VTech Kidizoom Camera, there are plenty of hot kids toys this year that use a computer. Whether your gift recipients are artists, musicians, fashionistas or race car drivers, they'll have a great time this holiday season.
Buying Video Games for Kids
Before you buy video games for kids, do your homework, check your system specifications and ensure the best gaming experience for your family.
Before you buy video games for kids, do your homework, check your system specifications and ensure the best gaming experience for your family.
Top Santa Websites
Just like everyone else, Santa has a web presence. Here are the best sites to find Santa Claus, send Santa an email and track his annual flight.
Just like everyone else, Santa has a web presence. Here are the best sites to find Santa Claus, send Santa an email and track his annual flight.
Whiz Kid PC Learning System
The VTech Whiz Kid PC Learning System combines education and fun for kids from 3-6.
The VTech Whiz Kid PC Learning System combines education and fun for kids from 3-6.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
A photo scavenger hunt is a great family activity and a way to keep kids busy while having fun.
A photo scavenger hunt is a great family activity and a way to keep kids busy while having fun.
Flip Mino Review
The Flip Mino from Pure Digital is a slick, little video camera that does its job, all while drawing jealous stares from those passing by. Whether you choose the black or white version, it’s small, shiny and a gadget-lover’s dream. Being able to record an hour of video is almost an added benefit to this little gem.
The Flip Mino from Pure Digital is a slick, little video camera that does its job, all while drawing jealous stares from those passing by. Whether you choose the black or white version, it’s small, shiny and a gadget-lover’s dream. Being able to record an hour of video is almost an added benefit to this little gem.
Protect Kids from Cyberbullies
Learn how to protect your kids from cyberbully attacks.
Learn how to protect your kids from cyberbully attacks.
Giggles Computer Funtime
If your kids are anything like mine, they love pressing the keys on your keyboard to see what will happen. It’s a great way to lose files. [i]Giggles Computer Funtime for Baby[/i] is a great solution for that problem, which creating a positive first computing experience for your kids.
If your kids are anything like mine, they love pressing the keys on your keyboard to see what will happen. It’s a great way to lose files. [i]Giggles Computer Funtime for Baby[/i] is a great solution for that problem, which creating a positive first computing experience for your kids.
Thomas & Friends Software
James the Red Engine is chosen to pick up animals and deliver them to the new zoo! Join Thomas & Friends in this Special Delivery adventure from Brighter Minds Media.
James the Red Engine is chosen to pick up animals and deliver them to the new zoo! Join Thomas & Friends in this Special Delivery adventure from Brighter Minds Media.
Disney Learning: Preschool
Disney Learning Preschool comes with 3 CDs of activities. Each CD focuses on a different set of Disney characters including Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and Stanley from “Stanley: Wild for Sharks!”
Disney Learning Preschool comes with 3 CDs of activities. Each CD focuses on a different set of Disney characters including Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and Stanley from “Stanley: Wild for Sharks!”
Radica Video Journal
The Radica Video Journal with Wireless Handheld Device is the newest way for kids to keep their thoughts private. The combination of hardware and software gives you eveything you need to make a colorful digital journal.
The Radica Video Journal with Wireless Handheld Device is the newest way for kids to keep their thoughts private. The combination of hardware and software gives you eveything you need to make a colorful digital journal.
myPC Toddler Stage 1 Keyboard
The myPC Stage 1 Toddler Keyboard is spill-proof and dishwasher safe. Find out if it's the right keyboard for your kids.
The myPC Stage 1 Toddler Keyboard is spill-proof and dishwasher safe. Find out if it's the right keyboard for your kids.
Placing the Family Computer
The location of the family computer in your household may turn into a raging debate as your children get older. The battle lines are drawn between your child wanting privacy, the needs of other family members to access the machine and concerns you may have over the safety of your children while online.
The location of the family computer in your household may turn into a raging debate as your children get older. The battle lines are drawn between your child wanting privacy, the needs of other family members to access the machine and concerns you may have over the safety of your children while online.
Take Mystery Pictures
Taking mystery pictures is a fun family activity and is great for rainy days, school vacations and boredom busters. All you really need is a digital camera and an open mind.
Taking mystery pictures is a fun family activity and is great for rainy days, school vacations and boredom busters. All you really need is a digital camera and an open mind.
Beta Test Definition
The definition of a beta test.
The definition of a beta test.
Shrek the Third the Game
Shrek the Third the Game is based on the third movie in the hit Shrek series. Will the game be a hit or a miss in your household? Find out.
Shrek the Third the Game is based on the third movie in the hit Shrek series. Will the game be a hit or a miss in your household? Find out.
Photo Gifts with RocketLife
RocketLife allows you to turn your photos into beautiful keepsakes such as a photo book, mug or custom t-shirt.
RocketLife allows you to turn your photos into beautiful keepsakes such as a photo book, mug or custom t-shirt.
Netiquette Guide
The rules of netiquette may feel overwhelming for a newcomer, especially since they vary between email, listservs, live chat, forums, and other communication platforms. That said, here are a few of the basics to help you get started.
The rules of netiquette may feel overwhelming for a newcomer, especially since they vary between email, listservs, live chat, forums, and other communication platforms. That said, here are a few of the basics to help you get started.
Bee Movie Game Review
Bee Movie Game
Bee Movie Game
MySpace
MySpace can be a fun place to spend your time online. It’s a nice way to connect with friends and family and has some great features. That said, it’s not the safest place for children. Parents who allow their kids to access MySpace, should take the time to make sure their experience is as safe as it can be.
MySpace can be a fun place to spend your time online. It’s a nice way to connect with friends and family and has some great features. That said, it’s not the safest place for children. Parents who allow their kids to access MySpace, should take the time to make sure their experience is as safe as it can be.
Caillou: Ready to Read
Caillou: Ready to Read is a fun way of teaching kids basic reading skills.
Caillou: Ready to Read is a fun way of teaching kids basic reading skills.
Open Source Software
What is Open Source Software? The Family Computing definition for Open Source Software.
What is Open Source Software? The Family Computing definition for Open Source Software.
Family Computing 101
Learn how to make the most out of your family computer right from the start from buying a new computer to software for kids to Internet safety.
Learn how to make the most out of your family computer right from the start from buying a new computer to software for kids to Internet safety.
Digital Arts and Crafts Studio
The Fisher-Price Digital Arts and Crafts Studio is designed to help kids be more creative. Find out how it measures up.
The Fisher-Price Digital Arts and Crafts Studio is designed to help kids be more creative. Find out how it measures up.
Holiday Wish Lists
Create a holiday wish list or gift registry to save time and make holiday shopping easier on friends and family.
Create a holiday wish list or gift registry to save time and make holiday shopping easier on friends and family.
Malware Definition
What is Malware? The Family Computing definition of malware.
What is Malware? The Family Computing definition of malware.
Blog Carnival Definition
A blog carnival is a great way to find new blogs and promote your own. Learn more about how blog carnivals work.
A blog carnival is a great way to find new blogs and promote your own. Learn more about how blog carnivals work.
Top Instant Messaging Programs
Looking for a great IM program? Try AOL AIM, Yahoo, Trillian or MSN Messenger.
Looking for a great IM program? Try AOL AIM, Yahoo, Trillian or MSN Messenger.
Home Cookin
Home Cookin is a simple piece of software for tracking and sharing your favorite recipes, designing meal plans, and creating grocery lists.
Home Cookin is a simple piece of software for tracking and sharing your favorite recipes, designing meal plans, and creating grocery lists.
Cool Parenting Sites 2008
These great websites for parents, families and busy people will help you save time and money, or just have some fun.
These great websites for parents, families and busy people will help you save time and money, or just have some fun.
Photo Sharing and Processing
There are many sites that process photos and many more specifically for sharing photos, but there are also a few that do both. Photo sharing and processing websites are a great way to share treasured photos with friends and family. Not only does it allow them to view pictures, but they can purchase prints, photo books and personalized gift items.
There are many sites that process photos and many more specifically for sharing photos, but there are also a few that do both. Photo sharing and processing websites are a great way to share treasured photos with friends and family. Not only does it allow them to view pictures, but they can purchase prints, photo books and personalized gift items.
Top Recall Information Sites
The best sites for locating recall information on food, toys, medicine, cosmetics, cars, furniture and other items of importance for families.
The best sites for locating recall information on food, toys, medicine, cosmetics, cars, furniture and other items of importance for families.
Emoticon Definition
Definition of emoticon.
Definition of emoticon.
IP Address Definition
Definition of IP address.
Definition of IP address.
Snowy Fun Online
Celebrate winter online with the best virtual snow activities on the Web. Make paper snowflakes, maple syrup taffy, and fake snow. Curl up by a virtual fireplace, build a virtual snowman or put a virtual sledder through the paces.
Celebrate winter online with the best virtual snow activities on the Web. Make paper snowflakes, maple syrup taffy, and fake snow. Curl up by a virtual fireplace, build a virtual snowman or put a virtual sledder through the paces.
Phishing Definition
Definition of phishing.
Definition of phishing.
Upload Definition
Definition of upload.
Definition of upload.
Family Computing - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of FullReviews for the Family Computing guide site.
Start Instant Messaging
Get started with instant messaging and you can chat live online with your friends and family. Popular programs include AIM, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger.
Get started with instant messaging and you can chat live online with your friends and family. Popular programs include AIM, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger.
Parent Blog Writing Prompts
Writing a parenting blog can be fun, but sometimes you're stuck for ideas. Here are some creative writing prompts for parenting blogs to help get rid of your writer's block.
Writing a parenting blog can be fun, but sometimes you're stuck for ideas. Here are some creative writing prompts for parenting blogs to help get rid of your writer's block.
Parenting Carnival Archive
Enjoy the archives of the All About Parenting Blog Carnival
Enjoy the archives of the All About Parenting Blog Carnival
Parenting Blog Carnival Dates
Join us in an upcoming All About Parenting Blog Carnival
Join us in an upcoming All About Parenting Blog Carnival
Kangadoo Photo Sharing
Kangadoo is an easy way to share photos with family and friends. Learn more about it.
Kangadoo is an easy way to share photos with family and friends. Learn more about it.
Zoo Tycoon Review
Zoo Tycoon 2 is an engaging, youth-friendly simulation game. Users design, build and manage a zoo from building habitats and adopting animals to ensuring that guest have adequate facilities for food, drinks and restrooms. With a number of expansion packs available, Zoo Tycoon 2 allows players to create zoos with water animals and shows; endangered species; sky trams and jeep tours; and even dinosaurs.
Zoo Tycoon 2 is an engaging, youth-friendly simulation game. Users design, build and manage a zoo from building habitats and adopting animals to ensuring that guest have adequate facilities for food, drinks and restrooms. With a number of expansion packs available, Zoo Tycoon 2 allows players to create zoos with water animals and shows; endangered species; sky trams and jeep tours; and even dinosaurs.
Parenting Blog Carnival
This blog carnival is written by some of the best parent bloggers on the Internet. Find great blogs and share your own.
This blog carnival is written by some of the best parent bloggers on the Internet. Find great blogs and share your own.
Blog Definition
Definition of blog.
Definition of blog.
Domain Name Definition
Definition of domain name.
Definition of domain name.
Online Charitable Giving
The Internet can be a wonderful way for kids to explore charitable giving and philanthropy. These sites are great for introducing philanthropy and also for supporting other studies.
The Internet can be a wonderful way for kids to explore charitable giving and philanthropy. These sites are great for introducing philanthropy and also for supporting other studies.
Web Page Definition
Definition of web page.
Definition of web page.
Family Computing - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of HowTos for the Family Computing guide site.
Guest Author Sandra Gordon
Sandra Gordon is a guest author on the About.com Family Computing site.
Sandra Gordon is a guest author on the About.com Family Computing site.