Computer Games that Help Your Babies Learn

by Natalie Aranda

Playing games has been a common activity of humans since ancient times, not just for fun but also aimed at learning basic life skills. PC games come in a large array of forms and intended for the most diverse objective from mere entertainment for leisure time to childrens early instruction at home, thanks to their undeniable power to motivate them to approach learning from a fun perspective.

Baby computer games are a useful tool for parents fostering valuable early skills in areas such as strategic thinking, socialization and collaboration, while developing basic understanding of their surroundings by identifying colors, shapes, numbers and more, associating at the same time places and names in an easier way with the aid of the games audiovisual experience.

Many parents and even educators still underestimate PC games considering them as a waste of time and irrelevant to set the basic of learning for kids during preschool age, and even considered harmful for individuals of any age. Fortunately, the percentage of adults who are convinced of the role of fun in education are higher today and the computing industry develops new digital games for both, learning and fun each and every day.

The surprising benefits of PC games have been evident over the supposed disadvantages and the branch of baby computer games offers a range of activities from early stimulation to the learning of basic skills and challenges useful for preschool children.

Most baby computer games stimulate the babys brain development, coordination and motor skills enhancing language and problem-solving skills, making a strong bond between baby and parents because playing computer games with babies can become a pleasant family activity. Encouraging baby intellectual development is necessary but love and physical closeness is as important as the learning itself for healthy emotional growth.

Educators promote PC games as a fun activity for children and parents making a retrospective on how families were engaged though time in various activities that created stronger ties. The bedtime story tradition that still survives in many homes, the family shared time listening to popular radio shows that later evolve to watching TV together, the picnic and camping days, and so on.

Today time runs fast and for many parents is not possible to continue old traditions, but computers and the internet era have brought a whole universe of exciting family activities. PC games are classified by ages as baby computer games, toddler computer software, preschooler games and activities, etc. Regardless of the age, games are equally exciting for parents and teachers.

If you are a parent seeking PC games for your children, keep in mind that most baby computer games are just for fun but are an aid in developing the babys intellectual, emotional and physical stability.

Natalie Aranda writes about, familay, fun and learning. PC games are classified by ages as baby computer games, toddler computer software, preschooler games and activities, etc. Regardless of the age, games are equally exciting for parents and teachers. The role of computer games in education and learning is a new and inter

Gift Ideas for men: Computer Games!

by Matthew Seigneur

Computer games for Men of all ages.

From online sports games to fantasy roll playing you can be assured to find some nice computer game gifts for men of all ages. Men simply love to play games and of course football baseball and basketball may be at the top.

In this new high tech gamers age computers games have become one of the busiest activities on the net. Computer games make exciting gifts for most any man. What are the hottest computer games for all age men?

If you look online for the most popular games you will find many action games near the top of the list. These action games can be many different scenarios from war type games to adventure type games. Many of these games can be one player games or can be played online with others all over the world. The most popular action game right now is Half Life 2.

Role-playing games are very popular computer games for all age men. Most of the role playing games can be one player or also played online with other players.

These games have wonderful graphics and make you feel like you are really there being the person that you have chosen. They are usually 3D and can be hours of fun for any man that enjoy a great adventure and becoming someone else for awhile. The most popular role playing game at the present time for computers is World of Warcraft.

Being a pirate on the high seas may be just what the man in your life would enjoy being for a few hours. Strategy computer games for all age men are very popular, these games make you think. One great game in this line is Sid Meiers Pirates. He can learn what all it took to be a pirate and see if he has what it takes.

If the man on your gift list loves driving games and race tracks then you are sure to find many computer games for all age men that will fit his style. Many of these driving games put you behind the seat of a race car. Learning to control the car and win the race will be very exhilarating to say the least.

Sports, what man does not like sports? In this category you will find that there are many computer games on the top list. He can play basketball, football, or even soccer and be on his favorite team.

No matter what type of games your man likes to play, you will find a computer game for all age men that will keep him happy and content for hours.

Remember when buying computer games to check what type of graphic card and how large the game is and other important information. Some games will not play on older computers they do not have enough RAM or the video card is not the correct type to play the game properly. Also, if you purchase some computer games there are accessories that will help the enjoyment of the game like a joy stick for flying games and steering wheels for driving games.

http://www.gifts-for-men.org/ Provides gift ideas and unique gifts for men, visit http://www.gifts-for-men.org/gadgets-uk/?category=Games for some cool gadgets you can buy for men!

Ingredients For A Great Computer Game

by Natalie Aranda

When it comes to talking about computer games, it is really hard to focus our mind on a particular one of those thousands and even million of games developed since the time when computers were found to be a source of entertainment and leisure.

Some games remain in the players mind for their complexity or great features, some others come to attend a temporary demand before falling into limbo of forgetfulness, but then, what are the ingredients for a great computer game to make them unforgettable and yet a rewarding experience?

Experts and successful PC games programmers agree, affirming that every player is motivated when he/she feels to be in focus in the game. Players want to have fun living the role of the chosen character so he or she needs to feel that it is the player who can control the outcome of the games.

Many programmers believe that focusing the players perspective is achieved just by making the actions easy throughout the game, but that point of view may result in an even more frustrating experience for experienced players who might feel a particular game as a development for fools.

A large number of the most memorable and great computer games include a selectable skill level to achieve the different challenges a player might want to take. Depending on the complexity of the games, some players may go for easier, but most of them believe the harder the game the most rewarding the experience when they win a competitive game or complete an adventure-like game.

Developers should also consider the present technology before programming a game. Computer games are only limited by the players computer system and resources, so those users with a powerful computer will find a game worthless if the story is great but the graphics are poor and the actions do not correspond to the actual technology, while others will find it frustrating in not being able to play a game above their system specs, but with the look and feel of those belonging to the early day of computerized games.

Simplicity is the clue to satisfy both, the high tech player and the ordinary PC user. A great computer game is not one with all heavy graphics running intensive system resources through hundreds of pages but one with a quality look and great performance on an average computer with the possibilities to improve the gaming experience in equipment with a higher capacity.

Additionally, the game has to be simple from the playable perspective. A game which features are complicated or hard to understand may discourage the player no matter how good it may look. It is interesting to note how many old PC games based on text adventures without fancy graphics still remain popular. So then, the development of a story is also important to fulfill what a player expects from games.

Natalie Aranda writes about, familay, fun and learning. PC games are classified by ages as baby computer games, toddler computer software, preschooler games and activities, etc. Regardless of the age, games are equally exciting for parents and teachers. The role of computer games in education and learning is a new and interesting research topic.

How To Cheat In A Computer Game

by Beverly Kane

The definition of a cheat is pretty easy to figure out. If you have an affair with someone other than your lover, you can be called a cheat. If you copy answers from another person during an exam, you can also be called a cheat. In sports, if you try to win or get an advantage by disregarding the rules you are cheating but in computer games this definition become hard to follow. Taking advantage or lying to your fellow game players does not automatically mean you are cheating.

Cheating in a computer game is defined by the game and the people who are playing it.A lot of computer games come with a "cheat code". This is usually to help a person get started and makes the game a little easier. They are usually designed for a single player. If you use these cheat codes you are cheating technically but it doesnt mean you have an advantage.

The most common occurrence of cheating is when there are multiplayer and mass multiplayer games through the internet. In this instance, the players are not known to each other so they dont have the restrictive influence of being seen by their opponents.

There are two main areas of cheating in computer games. You can change your settings through the use of exploits, bugs and external software or cheesing.

If you alter your computer settings, the layout of the computers hardware or the computer game to fit your gaming style you are cheating in a sense and this can be alright. But if you went even further and changed the brightness or the color of the screen in order to see better in shadow areas it becomes questionable.

Exploits are termed as errors in the game itself that give an advantage to one person or another. If someone deliberately uses those it a game, it could be considered cheating but it also could add to the excitement of the game.

There are software programs you can purchase that modify a program that runs computer game. This is a more serious form of cheating. Other software programs study the status of the game through the computers RAM

Another form of cheating is called cheesing. This is when the players do things that cannot happen in real life or are not allowed in real life.

The most common of game cheats these days find ways to change the games software. Even if the game developers try to encrypt or protect the files, there are software programs that will be able to change the games code without changing the main program. Cheats of this kind may be detected using programs that are installed on a server.

Preventing computer game cheaters is not easy. There are a lot of grey areas to agree on and consider before you term someone a cheat.

Beverly Kane is a staff writer at Games Enthusiast and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including The Shopping Gazette.

Flash Games Are Good For You ; Good For Your Child

by Jonathan White

The modern day lifestyle is giving in to smaller nuclear families, with both parents working to make ends meet more comfortably. Even if one of the parent is non-working, the need to get away for sometime is pervasive and understandably so. The good old days are also gone when children used to play in group as families used to be joint and/ or had many children. Now parents are increasingly having a single child only. Under the circumstances, online computer games offer immense help as an effective baby sitter who not only makes a child sit at one place, but also enhances his/ her mental faculties and reflexes.

The computer games invariably render the young children technology savvy as they get interested into computers because of the games to start with. This sort of transforms a class lesson into a road to entertainment that is traveled with keen interest and sincerity. The familiarity with computers gradually developed into thorough knowledge and eventually attained a unique comfort level with computer technology and topics of relevance. It is always a matter of initiative with children. The first few steps into a subject render them confident and comfortable in the subject forever!

Online games relieve the parents to worry about the fellow children who can play with their child. The single child families are specifically benefitted as they do not have to rely on another child from neighborhood or otherwise, to join in and enrich the play for their child. They do not have to engage a baby sitter either, whose duties are generally to look after the safety of the child as he/ she does not sit at one place. Online games simply enchant the young minds and make them sit at one place... before the monitor screen of a computer !

The web is teeming with a wide variety of computer games, ranging from action and adventure to puzzles and word games... the online games offer ample variety for children to enthuse them into playing these games with initial assistance, wherever necessary. The board games are pretty enjoyable for children, who feel particulary attracted to bright and colorful animations provided by these games on interactive basis. The domino effect in these games is particularly enchanting for young children.

Whats more the good news does not end with replacement of a fussy and expensive baby sitter for your child, the good news extends beyond and above. Online computer games allow your child to learn subconsciously and refine ones motor skills, hand - eye coordination, reflexes, logical thinking and various other skills. Thus, in no uncertain words, the computer games allow pleasure and fun along with sharpened intelligence. The distraction provided by computer games take his/ her mind off from the fact that he/ she does not have any body else to play. The computer becomes his/ her steady friend.

Besides enhanced intelligence and exercise for eyes, the online games instil in your child a sense of understanding of what competition means. Because the online games do not present a direct challenge to his/ her ego, which often happens in group games when a child loses or wins, the online games help your child to accept win and lose in the same spirit. He/ she earns patiences and perseverance over time. Further, the child learns a very invaluable lesson of life... hardwork! The child learns that to achieve everything you want, you need to work hard. Moreover, with Human Resource Development people recognizing proficiency in playing computer games as an added advantage and a plus point in the profile, your child is better off with online flash and shockwave games in all respects.

Article author - Jonathan White, owner of SimplySearch4It - Online Games Directory , Online Entertainment

Media Addiction Quiz for Teens: Do TV, Video Games and Computers Run Your Life?

by Katherine Westphal

Welcome to "The Media Generation"

Teens are spending so much time watching TV and playing with their computer and video games that the Kaiser Family Foundation has dubbed this generation "The Media Generation."

The recent study found that children aged 8-18 were watching TV, playing video games, on their computers, and listening to music for a total of 6 hours and 23 minutes EVERY DAY! Many kids were doing two or more activities at once. Most of this time is still spent watching TV. Kids spent almost four hours every day watching TV. With so much time in front of TV and other media, perhaps Kaiser should have labeled it "The Media-Addicted Generation."

What excess TV, video game, and computer use may be doing to you

How much time you spend in front of a TV, video, and computer screen is important, because these activities have been linked to obesity, attention problems (like ADHD), and poor grades. Violent content may condition you to accept violence in your life. The sexual content of many popular shows and games may encourage you to experiment before you are ready. The TV can act as a depressant, stifle your creativity, encourage conformity, and simply waste your valuable time.

Find out if you are part of "The Media-Addicted Generation":

1. Does your family have more than one TV set? Yes [] No []

2. Are you in front of a screen for more than 2 hours per day?Yes [] No []

3. Do you sometimes have trouble getting TV or video game jingles "out of your head"? Yes [] No []

4. Is there a TV/video game/computer playing in your home much or all of the time? Yes [] No []

5. Do you have a TV, video game, and/or computer in your bedroom? Yes [] No []

6. Is it easy for you to turn off the TV/video game in the middle of a favorite show/game? Yes [] No []

7. Do you ever rush home, ditching friends and family, to catch a favorite TV show, play video games, or go on the computer? Yes [] No []

8. Do you frequently eat meals while in front of the TV, video games, or computer? Yes [] No []

9. Have you ever caught yourself unintentionally mimicking a TV or video game character? Yes [] No []

10. Do you talk to and play with your friends more than you watch TV, play games, and play with computers? Yes [] No []

11. Can you turn off the TV, computer, and video games OFF right now and leave them off for three days? Yes [] No []

12. Do you ever mindlessly surf through TV channels or the internet? Yes [] No []

13. Do you need TV, video game, or a computer to relax after a rough day? Yes [] No []

14. Do you feel edgy, anxious, or "not right" if there is no TV, video game, or a computer playing? Yes [] No []

15. Do you watch TV, play video games, and/or play on the computer more than spend time with your family? Yes [] No []

16. Do you ever watch the TV, play video games, or surf the internet longer than you intend to? Yes [] No []

17. Do you feel spend too much time with TV, video games, or computer? Yes [] No []

18. Have you missed a special event with friends or family because you were watching a TV program? Yes [] No []

19. Have you ever tried to quit watching TV, playing video games, or going on computer, but were unsuccessful? Yes [] No []

20. Do you have difficulty limiting the time you watch TV, play video games, or go on the computer? Yes [] No []

*Note: Time spent on the computer for homework purposes does not count:

To calculate your score: For all questions, except for #6, #10, and #11, give yourself 1 point for every "Yes" answer and 0 points for every "No". For questions #6, #10, and #11 give yourself 0 points for every "Yes", answer and 1 point for every "No". Add your total. Your total: ____________

Scoring:

0-6: Great! Your TV, computer, and video games are not in control of your life. You are. But keep an eye on how much time you spend with these activities to make sure an addiction does not sneak up on you.

7-14: You are moderately addicted to your TV, video games, or computer. Maybe all of them. The good news is that with a little effort, a list of fun non-screen activities, and a reasonable schedule you should be able to keep your addiction under control. "The TV-FREE System" also helps you create a schedule that keeps you busy with fun, goal-centered activities. Follow your dreams instead of staring at a screen..

15-20: Yikes. You probably have a serious addiction problem. You may need to take extreme steps, including getting rid of your TV or video games, to get in control of your time. Start with the device which squanders the most of your time. The good news is "The TV-FREE System" was designed to help even the most serious addict, and can be used for video game, or computer addiction as well.

Life is too short to "watch" it go by.

Katherine Westphal is the guru of TV control and the founder of TrashYourTV.com. Get in control of your TV, video games, and computer with The TV-Free System. Go to http://tvfree.trashyourtv.com to get in control of your addiction today.

Improving Spelling with Games

by Steve Hall

You got it! You can do just about any type of learning for a child or an individual learning a second language through the use of various computer games. You are sure to find something that will fit with their needs. You are also able to find a game that will keep them interested. Lets take spelling as an example.

Many kids struggle each and every year at school with that dreaded Friday spelling test. It doesnt get any easier because chances are good that the words just keep getting harder. For many parents, spelling is often a challenge to teach as well. The English language is nothing simple. But, what if you could teach them through the use of a PC game? That would be excellent, wouldnt it?

Think about this. The next time your child comes home with that awful list of twenty words they just have to know, you can easily say to them, "Why not go play a game on the computer." Yes, you can do this!

There are a number of games that are just perfect for teaching children the art of spelling. For example, you might want to try a word puzzle game like Beeslys Buzzwords. Or, if Spiderman happens to be your childs favorite character, you have games like Spider-Man 2: Web of Words. In this game, you child can advance through the levels by correctly spelling words. Its fun, rewarding, and most of all, it will help to improve their spelling capabilities.

The spelling games are not boring, dull, and difficult. To the opposite, these games will hold your childs attention so that they can get the knowledge they need. That is what makes these games different. If you are thinking back to your school days and those boring computer programs you were allowed to play and wondering how your technology loving child is going to play with something like that, dont worry. These games are much different. They are made to stimulate your childs knowledge without even allowing them to realize that they are. To them, they are simply playing a Spider Man game.

The value of these games is huge. In fact, there are more than just spelling games, as we will see down the line. They are great ways to feed your child the knowledge that they need without boring them. When it is fun, it will get played more often. The more that it gets played, the more they can learn from it.

So, then, what is the bottom line? You can easily allow your child to play some computer games but of course, you still need to monitor their usage. And, yes, you may have to practice those specific spelling words each week, but it may just get easier as time goes on. Heres a thought. Replace their favorite computer game with one of these for a week. They still get computer time and they still get to play a fun game. But, you get the satisfaction of knowing that they are playing an educational game as well. All in all, we think these games may be a great way to boost confidence and knowledge. Consider them for any age of child. Youll be happy that you did!

Steve is a member of the GrandMatrix team. They provide a broad range of games, puzzles, articles and reviews. Read more articles, download and play the latest PC games for free plus enjoy thousands of user submitted puzzles, quizzes and word games at: http://www.grandmatrix.com

Computer Games For Toddlers

by Burt Cotton

There are a huge variety of games for toddlers out there that are easy on their hands, interactive, and very educational while at the same time entertaining. The old games that you use to see being played by parents with their child on their laps are games that you would not be playing now once you see the selection.

When choosing a good toddler computer game, pick one that will be engaging for the child and entertaining also for the adult. Toddler computer games are supposed to be played with the parents as initial guide that graduates to the child playing the game alone. They must provide both fun to the parent as well as the child. Toddler games must be easy to start, it can be paused anytime, it must have colorful graphics without the scary and bloody episodes and preferably, should be customizable.

Computer software today is not really that inexpensive. As much as possible, you would not like experimenting with a CD only to find out in the end that what you bought is not appropriate. If you are one of the parents that wants to provided on for your toddler but are not sure how, you can click to any games website. The websites, aside from the games listing also provides a brief description of a game that might catch your interest.

You can also try the several shareware or trialware that are listed which you can try out first before buying its full version. This toddler computer game CDs will provide you a glimpse at the graphics and the general theme of the game although in a limited level only. However it will be enough to guide you by trying out a game first before deciding to buy one. There are also free games that are available on the public domain. The toddler computer games here may not be a new version although they are oftentimes just as good especially when starting to hunt for a toddler computer game CD.

Or you can try the following toddler computer game CDs.

Worlds of Xeen: this is a great game for small children. It is colorful and executed in the style of cartoons. The monsters in it are lovable characters and not in a bit scary. The quests are simple enough for toddlers to understand. Children above years old though may enjoy the game better because it is not customizable even with a hex editor. It also has more complex controls that may not fit the patience of younger preschoolers.

Wizardry Gold - This is also a fighting monster kind of game. The plot may be a little bit complicated but toddlers enjoy opening up chests and moving along countryside in search for the monsters. This toddler computer game like the worlds of Xeen is very kid friendly. No gore and bad language. It is very customizable. Even the stats can be tweaked so the monster will not die.

Siberia - this toddler computer game is a modern graphic adventure. It has an easy plot and puzzles that could be absorbing to little children. Its glitch free operation makes for an absorbing play up to its end. There is no violence and skimpy dressing.

Other games you want to try: The Omega Stone, Mystery of the Mummy, Chemicus, Physicus, Myst, Wizardry 8, Katamari Damacy.

Burt Cotton http://www.video-gaming-news.com