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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.
Allow Popups
How to Allow Pop Ups When You Have a Pop Up Blocker Installed
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.
Best Toy Kids' Laptops
Are you looking for a kids' laptop? If you're not ready to spend big bucks on a real laptop, these toy laptops for kids are educational and fun. Surprise your little ones with one of these kids' laptops for a birthday or holiday gift.
Virtual Worlds for Girls
Check out these virtual worlds just for girls!
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.
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.
Virtual Worlds for Teens
Looking for a place to hang out with friends online? Check out these virtual worlds for teens!
Watch TV Online for Free
Do you want to watch TV online? Find the best spots to watch your favorite old and new TV shows online for free.
Top Science Websites for Kids
These are some of the best science websites for kids.
Presidents Day
When is Presidents Day this year? Enjoy US Presidents Day online with games, crafts and a lot of useful info!
Disable Firefox Popup Blocker
Disable the popup blocker in Mozilla Firefox
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.
YouTube Videos for Kids
YouTube is a wonderful resource for finding videos for kids online. These are some favorite kids' videos on YouTube.
Free Online Games for Toddlers
Find some of the best free online games for introducing toddlers to the computer.
Disable the IE Popup Blocker
Disable the popup blocker in Internet Explorer
What is Sexting?
Sexting is becoming more prevalent among young people as technology advances. What is sexting and why might you be concerned?
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.
Choosing Software for Kids
These tips will help you choose quality software and video games for your young children.
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.
Dance Mat Typing
Learn to type with fun characters and lots of encouragement. This is a great site to teach kids to type.
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.
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.
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.
LeapFrog Tag Reader
The LeapFrog Tag Reading System helps kids learn to read while having fun. Is it right way for your kids to learn?
Hottest Computer Toys for Kids
These are the top computer related toys for kids in 2008. Expect for them to top holiday wish lists this season.
Virtual Sand Art
Create your own virtual sand art at Thisissand.com
Email for Kids
Are you looking for safe email for kids? Here are some options for allowing your kids to exchange email with friends and family - and no one else.
Virtual Worlds for Boys
These virtual worlds for boys serve up plenty of sports, cars and fun.
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.
Computer Gifts for Kids
Cool new software and hardware for elementary school kids.
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.
Preschooler Computer Gifts
Preschoolers are just the right age to learn about computers. Find the best products to help them with their new skills.
Baby & Toddler Computer Gifts
Babies and Toddlers like to dabble with computers. These gifts help them make the most of the experience while keeping the computer safe.
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.
Highlights Hidden Pictures
Highlights Magazine has brought our favorite activity to the Internet. Enjoy interactive Hidden Pictures Puzzles online, or download and print them out.
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.
ShelSilverstein.com
Enjoy your favorite poems and artwork from Shel Silverstein with games, puzzles and more in this website for kids.
Free eCards
These are the best free eCards for kids and families.
Parents Guide to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is becoming a big problem, especially among teens. Learn what cyberbullying is and how to avoid it.
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.
Disney's Tinker Bell
Disney's Tinker Bell tries to learn a new school in this title from Disney Digital Books.
Limiting Computer Use
How much time should your child spend online and how do you enforce those rules? Find out.
Club Penguin Review
Club Penguin is one of the older virtual worlds for kids. How is it holding up?
Stop Motion Animation
Make a stop motion animated movie with your kids. It's an easy and fun project for rainy days.
Ridemakerz Virtual World
Ridemakerz is a virtual world for boys ages 6-14. They can customize their own cars to race and show off.
YouTube Tips for Kids
Don't miss out on all of the great YouTube videos for kids. These tips can help you have a positive YouTube watching experience with your family.
Webkinz World Review
Webkinz.com is extremely popular with pre-school, elementary and even middle school-aged kids. Read this Webkinz World review to find out if Webkinz..com is safe, age appropriate, and the right environment for your child.
DreamBox Learning K-2 Math
DreamBox Learning K-2 Math is an interactive and individualized math website for kids. Make math fun!
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.
Disney Digital Books
Disney Digital Books brings your favorite children's stories to your computer with an interactive reading experience that includes quizzes and rewards.
More Free TV Online
More of your favorite TV shows online.
Top Instant Messaging Programs
Looking for a great IM program? Try AOL AIM, Yahoo, Trillian or MSN Messenger.
Barbie Girl MP3 Player
What's hot and what's not about the Barbie Girl MP3 player.
DreamStarter
DreamStarter are little bits of creative inspiration.
WiggleTime.com
WiggleTime is the virtual home of Australian band The Wiggles. Will your family love this website for preschoolers?
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.
World of Goo
The World of Goo Corporation invites you to goo. Will you? Find out!
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.
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.
NIEHS Optical Illusions
If optical illusions fascinate you, this is the site for you. Are the dots pink or green? Are the lines straight or curved? Don't rely only on your eyes for the truth here.
Didj Custom Gaming System
The Didj Custom Gaming System from LeapFrog is billed as an educational hand-held gaming unit designed for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. The customizable system allows parents to specify skills sets to reinforce during game play and kids to earn new characters and special moves.
The Jungle Book
Mowgli and Baloo looking for "the bare necessities" from Disney's The Jungle Book.
Create Custom T-Shirts
Custom T-shirts make great party favors and are a fun family computing project.
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.
Make Facebook Photos Private
Want to share your Facebook photos with some friends and family, but not everyone? Learn how to make your Facebook Photos Private.
Leapster's I Spy Treasure Hunt
I Spy Treasure Hunt for Leapfrog’s handheld Leapster video game sends you on a quest to find missing pieces of a pirate’s treasure map. Solve I Spy riddles and other tasks to earn map pieces and complete the game.
Tow Mater, Lightning McQueen and Friends
Disney's Cars friends gather, including Tow Mater, Lightning McQueen, Doc and Sally.
Magazine Sites for Kids
Kids' magazines often have some of the best websites for kids. They are engaging, educational and, most importantly, age appropriate.
Flip Video Ultra Review
If you're looking for an inexpensive, lightweight camcorder, the Flip Video Ultra may be for you.
Free Realms Virtual World
Free Realms is a role playing virtual world for tweens and older, similar to Runescape.
Teen Guide: Myspace Safety
Learn how to keep yourself safe on MySpace and other online fun spots.
Bob the Builder Can-Do Zoo
Bob the Builder is a favorite among the preschool crowd. Now kids can help Bob and the gang build a new zoo with Bob the Builder Can-Do Zoo.
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.
Remove Programs from Windows
Follow these simple steps to declutter your computer.
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.
LEGO Indiana Jones
LEGO Indiana Jones - The Original Adventures is a fun video game for kids and families. Find out why.
Whiz Kid PC Learning System
The VTech Whiz Kid PC Learning System combines education and fun for kids from 3-6.
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.
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.
Seussville
Visit Seussville and interact with your favorite Dr. Seuss characters through games and activities.
Posting Photos of Kids
Is it safe to post photos of your kids? Learn the dangers of posting photos of kids, as well as ways to keep them safe.
LeapFrog Tag Junior
The Leapfrog Tag Junior book pal is a fun way to engage young kids in learning early literacy skills. Find out what this junior Tag Reader is all about.
Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland's Alice enjoys the unbirthday party with the Mad Hatter and the March Hare
Scenes from Disney's High School Musical
These scenes from Disney's High School Musical are the prologue for a chapter book from Disney Digital Books.
Snow White and Friends
This lovely scene from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs stays true to the movie with simple, but elegant illustrations.
Halloween Printables
Find the best free printables for your Halloween and fall holiday fun.
Videos for Kids
From their favorite TV shows and cartoons to videos on YouTube, kids love to watch videos online. These are some of the best free sites to watch videos for kids.
Mickey Mouse & Friends in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Enjoy the adventures of Mickey Mouse & Friends in the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse series on Disney Digital Books.
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
Carcassonne Online
Enjoy a free online version of the German board game, Carcassonne.
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. Giggles Computer Funtime for Baby is a great solution for that problem, which creating a positive first computing experience for your kids.
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.
Wildlife Filmmaker
The National Geographic Wildlife Filmmaker turns kids into directors and producers.
Boom Blox Bash Party
Boom Blox Bash Party is a great family game for the Wii.
ItzaBitza Review
ItzaBitza is a creative and educational software for kids by Sabi. It encourages literacy, creativity and problem solving.
Protect Kids from Cyberbullies
Learn how to protect your kids from cyberbullying attacks.
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.
Web Browsers for Kids
Looking for the perfect Web browser for your kids? There are plenty of options out there for safe web browsing.
The Best of the Best
The World of Goo video game is fun and unique.
Neopets Review
Neopets looks like a fun site, but is it appropriate for your kids? Find out what it's all about.
Photo Gifts with RocketLife
RocketLife allows you to turn your photos into beautiful keepsakes such as a photo book, mug or custom t-shirt.
Weird Science Kids
Weird Science Kids contains more than 100 messy, loud and exciting science experiments for kids.
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.
Make an ABC Book or Slideshow
Use your digital camera to help your children learn their ABCs. A great rainy day activity.
CSI Experience
Are you intrigued by forensics? Do you love watching CSI? This interactive website leads you through the steps of analyzing a crime scene.
Teens Learn Skills Online
Teens can learn essential life skills while hanging out online. Find out how parents can help teens learn and grow.
Bach's Optical Illusions
Learn how some of the most famous optical illusions work. Even when you know the tricks, they're still amazing.
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.
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.
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.
Holiday Wish Lists
Create a holiday wish list or gift registry to save time and make holiday shopping easier on friends and family.
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!”
Photo Scavenger Hunt
A photo scavenger hunt is a great family activity and a way to keep kids busy while having fun.
Caillou: Ready to Read
Caillou: Ready to Read is a fun way of teaching kids basic reading skills.
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.
Family Computing - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Family Computing guide site.
Family Video Games
Looking for video games the whole family can enjoy? These video games will appeal to a variety of family members.
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.
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.
Websites for Kids 2008
These are the best websites for kids in terms of educational value, fun, safety, and creative content.
SimCity Societies
This SimCity Societies review will help you decide of it's the right game for your kids.
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.
Picnik Photo Editor
Picnik allows you to edit your photos online with a variety of fun and powerful tools.
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.
A Parent's Guide to Hulu
Hulu is a great place to watch online video for free. Here are some tips and tricks for using hulu with your kids.
Bee Movie Game Review
Bee Movie Game
Tag Reading System Tips
The LeapFrog Tag Reading System is a wonderful way for kids to learn. These tips will make the experience a positive one for kids and parents.
Computing 101 for Young Kids
Starting young children out on the computer can be overwhelming for parents. These tips will help you figure out when and how to introduce kids to the computer and Internet.
T-Teen ESRB Rating
Learn about the T or Teen ESRB video game rating.
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.
MyPublisher Review
MyPublisher allows you to create your own photo books and gifts. These custom photo books and gifts are a great way to capture memories.
Unique Places to Shop Online
These online shops are a great way to find unusual gifts for anyone on your list.
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.
Speed Racer Comic Book Creator
Speed Racer Comic Book Creator 2
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.
Kangadoo Photo Sharing
Kangadoo is an easy way to share photos with family and friends. Learn more about it.
Upload Definition
Definition of upload.
Beta Test Definition
The definition of a beta test.
Martin Luther King Jr Day
Martin Luther King Jr Day falls on January 21 in 2008. Celebrate with an act of service in honor of this civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood on PBS Kids is a great way to introduce your kid to your favorite Mr. Rogers songs, games and field trips.
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.
Blogging Privacy and Safety
Parent blogging is fun, but it comes with its share of risks, so be careful what you say in your family blog.
Save Money Shopping Online
Save Money Shopping Online
Snapily Review
Snapily.com is a photo gift website with a twist.
Pirates of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow's Poseidon's Peak
This illustration goes with Poseidon's Peak (Disney Pirates of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow series), a Disney Digital Books chapter book.
Bambi's Thumper
Learn to Count With Thumper
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.
Holiday Shopping Online
Shopping for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts online can be a lot of fun. It's also a way to find unique gifts and save money and time. These tips can help you make the most of your holiday shopping experience and lower your holiday stress.
Buy Halloween Candy Online
Buying Halloween candy online can save you time and money. Plus, you may end up with the most unique Halloween candy on the block.
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