Some cutting-edge software has crossed the desk; let's offer some holiday ideas.
-- "Bleem!" is a controversial package that, once installed on your PC, allows you to play many Sony Playstation games on your computer. It is especially cool if you have a 3D card installed. Sony, of course, is less than happy with this new product, and there has been much saber-rattling in the press and in the courts about it. Bleem's creators claim the product does not infringe on Sony's copyrights, and a trial is set for next year. Regardless, the review copy I checked out accurately played the games I tossed in there.The company admits some won't play and others have a glitch or two. But if you have the computer horsepower (Pentium II 300 or better), give it a shot. You can get the info at www.bleem.com.; price is $29.
-- There are dozens of titles out there to help you through the maze of decisions when you decide to build a house; one of the better ones I have seen is "Michael Holigan's Guide to Your New House," a four-CD set that takes you through step-by-step. It includes home plans (5,000 of them), a building planner to keep your construction folks on schedule and lots of multimedia content to talk you through. It's only $29 and worth it for some peace of mind during the construction process. See this great title at www.homestyles.com.
-- I usually love the software coming out of Humongous Software; Freddi Fish, Putt-Putt and SpyFox are big hits with the kids. However, one of its newest releases, the SpyFox adventure "Dry Cereal," is quite a disappointment. Though tagged for ages 3-6, neither my 6-year-old son nor I could even solve some of the puzzles to reach a successful conclusion. I guess there are hints on the Web site, but I am not sure I need a game aimed at toddlers that requires a cheat sheet. I'd send this one back to the drawing board. ($20 from www.humongous.com.
-- Speaking of kids, we all know it can be a dark place for children online these days. Consumer Reports, Ranger Rick, Sports Illustrated and others have teamed up to form "JuniorNet," an online service exclusively for kids ages 3-12. It's a great idea. For one $9.95 monthly fee, up to four of your kids can enjoy the service -- and you don't have to worry they are seeing advertising or porn. By using a CD containing some of the content, the download times for games and such appears to be much faster. And thanks to firewall technology, the browser only can connect to sites that are designed for the system. Parents also can set limits on email and other content. It's slick. Check it out at www.juniornet.com.
-- Adults on the Web might want to check out Trellix Web, a simple-to-use Web site development tool. From putting photos of your cats online to a simple Web business front, this software can do it. Best of all, it's free, with some limitations. Head to www.trellix.com and check it out for yourself.
WEEKLY WEB WONDER: Getting good technical support these days is a chore; next time you need help, check out MyHelpDesk www.myhelpdesk.com and let others guide you along.
James Derk is new media editor for The Evansville Courier & Press. His e-mail address is jderk@evansville.net