Family Computing: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
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.
Webkinz World Review
Webkinz World is extremely popular with pre-school, elementary and even middle school-aged kids. Read this 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 review to find out if it's safe, age appropriate, and the right environment for your child.
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.
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.
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!
Free eCards
These are the best free eCards for kids and families.
These are the best free eCards for kids and families.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VTech Kidizoom Digital Camera
The VTech Kidizoom Digital Camera is designed for the littlest photographers. Find out if the Kidizoom Camera makes the grade.
The VTech Kidizoom Digital Camera is designed for the littlest photographers. Find out if the Kidizoom Camera makes the grade.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Speed Racer Comic Book Creator
Speed Racer Comic Book Creator 2
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kid Tough Digital Camera
The Fisher-Price Kid Tough Digital Camera is designed for budding photographers. Find out if this 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 camera for kids is a hit or a miss.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Parenting Blog Carnival Dates
Join us in an upcoming All About Parenting Blog Carnival
Join us in an upcoming All About Parenting Blog Carnival
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.
Remove Programs from Windows
Follow these simple steps to declutter your computer.
Follow these simple steps to declutter your computer.
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?
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.
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.
Bee Movie Game Review
Bee Movie Game
Bee Movie Game
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Protect Kids from Cyberbullies
Learn how to protect your kids from cyberbully attacks.
Learn how to protect your kids from cyberbully attacks.
Family Computing - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of FullReviews for the Family Computing guide site.
Upload Definition
Definition of upload.
Definition of upload.
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.
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.
Domain Name Definition
Definition of domain name.
Definition of domain name.
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.
Family Computing - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of HowTos 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.
Phishing Definition
Definition of phishing.
Definition of phishing.
Parenting Carnival Archive
Enjoy the archives of the All About Parenting Blog Carnival
Enjoy the archives of the All About Parenting Blog Carnival
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.
Download Definition
Definition of download.
Definition of download.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Open Source Software
Open Source Software definition
Open Source Software definition
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.
URL Definition
Definition of URL.
Definition of URL.
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.
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.
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.
Web Page Definition
Definition of web page.
Definition of web page.
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.
Podcast Definition
Definition of podcast.
Definition of podcast.
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.
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.
Malware Definition
Definition of malware.
Definition of malware.
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.
Parent blogging is fun, but it comes with its share of risks, so be careful what you say in your family blog.
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.
Blog vs. WebsiteBlo
Is there a difference between a blog and a website? If so, what is it?
Is there a difference between a blog and a website? If so, what is it?
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.
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.
Bandwidth Definition
Definition of bandwidth.
Definition of bandwidth.
Plugin Definition
Definition of plugin.
Definition of plugin.
Spyware Definition
Definition of spyware.
Definition of spyware.
Blog Definition
Definition of blog.
Definition of blog.
Bookmark Definition
Definition of bookmark.
Definition of bookmark.
Emoticon Definition
Definition of emoticon.
Definition of emoticon.
IP Address Definition
Definition of IP address.
Definition of IP address.
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.
What is the Blogosphere??
Learn more about the blogosphere.
Learn more about the blogosphere.
About - Family Computing Buyer's Guide
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.
Family Computing - Articles
An index of Articles for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of Articles for the Family Computing guide site.
Family Computing - Before You Buy
An index of Before You Buy Articles for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of Before You Buy Articles for the Family Computing guide site.
Family Computing - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of StepBySteps for the Family Computing guide site.
Family Computing - GuideReviews
An index of GuideReviews for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of GuideReviews for the Family Computing guide site.
What's a Blog?
A quick definition of a blog.
A quick definition of a blog.
Virus Definition
Definition of virus.
Definition of virus.
Cookie Definition
Definition of cookie.
Definition of cookie.
Family Computing - FAQs
An index of FAQs for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of FAQs for the Family Computing guide site.
Family Computing - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Family Computing guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Family Computing guide site.