The Internet has made it much easier for us to make friends all over the world as well as keep in touch with loved ones who live far away. With the ease of emails, message boards, chat rooms, and instant messaging, we are able to carry on lively conversations on just about any subject you can think of.

Of course, the written word can sometimes be ambiguous when it comes to expressing the feelings behind the words. A great tool that helps put our words into perspective are the happy little smiling faces that so many of use in our messages: the emoticons.

Configured so that they can be inserted into the text of everything from a post on a message board to an instant message conversation, emoticons are often used to make the intent of our words a little clearer. The basic emoticon, known as a smiley, is a way of letting the person you are communicating with that the remark you just typed is meant in a friendly way. Resembling the happy face that was so popular during the 1970's, the most popular style of emoticons are round, often yellow in color, and have eyes and a mouth that are used to convey all sorts of emotions.

There are emoticons that can cover just about any feeling or emotion you want to express. As an example, surprise or shock is often indicated by an emoticon that displays wide-open eyes and a round mouth. Anger may be conveyed by an emoticon that is red rather than yellow, and features a grimace. Love or cordial feelings are often expressed by the use of an emoticon that features a beating red heart. There are even emoticons that can convey boredom, excitement, wild laughter, and a sly wink.

Using emoticons is very easy. Just about every message board and text messaging service provides the user with basic information about how to insert emoticons into communications. Typically, it is a matter of selecting the emoticon from a listing, using the computer mouse. Many systems also allow key sequences from the keyboard to register as emoticons as well. If you are particularly savvy and know how to create the emoticon you want by using your keyboard, you can forego pulling up the emoticon menu and using the mouse to make your selection.

In addition to being informational, emoticons are a way to add a touch of whimsy to any of your electronic communications. Most of us do use these types of communications in an informal manner, so the emoticons will lend themselves well to this type of usage. Opening up an email and seeing a cute remark followed by a line of laughing emoticons can bring a smile to our lips with ease.

Who doesn't like to receive an emoticon conveyed electronic kiss from someone we are romantically interested in? Between the real service of helping to make our written communications clearer to the recipient, and the sheer fun that emoticons bring to our emails and instant messages, they are definitely now part of our culture.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on emotion icons and emoticons at http://www.emotioniconshq.com





When we were children, me, my brother and sister would sit in the family room and do jigsaw puzzles. I don't want to say exactly how old I am, (my mainly salt and little pepper beard gives a good indication), but back then there was no such thing as cable television. There were only 4 channels that were hard to get, even though you tried positioning the antenna a thousand different ways. You had to be able to make your own entertainment and our family's favorite was jigsaw puzzles.

My brother and I would make a contest of it, while my sister would calmly find the pieces and fit them into the puzzle. She always completed more of the puzzle than we did, but that didn't stop us from proclaiming that we had done the most to complete the puzzle.

Now, instead of buying puzzles at the store, I put them together online. I have to tell you, of all the advanced technology out there, the ones that have been put into puzzle games amaze me the most. These are interactive puzzles that allow you to drag the pieces around the screen to form it. It may sound boring, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

My favorite game site, Big Fish Games, has puzzles that come to life as they take shape. There's one particular game that uses the ocean as a background. You start putting the puzzle together and as the fish shapes are completed, they take on life and begin moving about the screen. Way too cool, as my son would say. Somehow, they've managed to give the puzzles a 3D effect, which makes them even more beautiful when they are completed. The details are so fine, that you feel like you are actually in the room shown in the puzzle.

Another of my favorite puzzles blends objects into the picture and you have to find them all in a certain amount of time. Some of the objects are easy to locate, but others are so well hidden, it's hard to locate them. You can get hints to their location and I am always shocked that I didn't see them earlier, since they appear to have been "hidden" in plain view. These games are excellent to sharpen your observation skills and provide exercise for your mind. Body fitness is given tons of attention, but little is given to how to keep your mind in shape. Puzzle games are a great way to do this and provide a lot of entertainment at the same time.

If you really want to get on a mental treadmill, try the games that make you find the differences in pictures. It might seem easy, but it isn't. This weekend my sister is coming for dinner and I'm going to introduce her to these games. Finally, after all of these years, I think I may actually best her at a puzzle.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as puzzle gifts at http://www.puzzleandgamegifts.com.





How would you recognize a good innovation? It must improve a certain process in a simple and easy method. According to this definition internet fax is a great innovation. Find out how you can send and receive faxes using internet fax services.

Internet fax improves the process of sending and receiving faxes - No more investing and maintaining an expensive fax machine, no more frustrated waiting to delayed faxes or free phone lines. Internet fax brings a new era to the data transmission world.

A guide to sending faxes using internet fax services - email to fax services:

1. If you do not have one, you must create an email account.

2. Make an account on one of the internet fax services. Just go to their site and log in. You can use the free trial or pay almost nothing to get an account.

3. Install the internet fax service software and fill in the required parameters.

4. Open a new email message.

5. Write the content of the fax in the body section of the mail or attach a text file with the content.

6. Fill in the destination number in the "To" field. The destination number will be a combination of the fax number and the internet fax service. For example, if the fax number is "12345678" and the internet fax service is "efax", then the destination number would be: 12345678@efax.com.

7. Fill in the recipient name in the subject field of the email message (not mandatory).

8. Choose the "Send and Receive" to send the fax.

9. The fax will immediately reach the recipient as a regular fax.

A guide to receiving faxes using internet fax services - fax to email service:

1-3. The first three phases are identical to the ones in the email to fax guide.

4. Once a fax is sent to you, it will automatically be converted into an email message, which you could read as any other email.

Well, internet fax service is a real innovation. Try it. The only question now is which internet fax service is the best one for your needs.

Find the best internet fax services only on Internet fax services source. http://www.tigilet.com - Web content experts





Finally, you have some time to personalize your desktop with an interesting screensaver. But wait... What's that? Why in the world the system prevents you from doing that? The screensaver controls are grayed out or, even worse, the whole Screensaver tab is missing from Display Properties. Don't panic! This article will help you change things for the better.

I've found that people who use Windows 2000/XP often can't enjoy screensavers because their system is configured in a way that prevents them from doing that.

Unless you are very experienced in administrating Windows, you may stuck with the problem. If you ever found yourself or your friend in a situation like this, add this article to your arsenal of screensaver tips.

Most of the time people encounter the problem with office computers. I should warn you, though, that some companies have a strict screensaver policy. Usually they allow only certain or no screensavers at all to be used on office computers.

If you are not sure how your company treats screensavers, I recommend you to consult your system administrator before applying any of the changes described below to your system.

So why can screensavers be inaccessible on your system?

As you know, Windows 2000 and Windows XP had many improvements over Windows 95/98 and Windows Me that made lives of many users easier and more comfortable.

But that's not all that made these operating systems so popular. Their developers also haven't forgotten about people who are responsible for administrative tasks when it comes to computers shared by different users and large computer networks.

Windows 2000 and Windows XP introduced a lot of new features needed specifically for their administration. Controlling/disabling screensavers was among them.

No matter whether it was their intention or an accident, your system administrator or the person who configured your PC could use this feature to your disadvantage. Now you'll have to use it once again and regain control over screensavers.

Here's what you should do:

1. Click Start and then click Run...

2. Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter.

3. A window will open with a tree on its left. Expand the User Configuration node, then expand Control Panel and click Display.

4. Now look at the policies in the list to the right. Make sure that the policies starting from Hide Screen Saver Tab and ending with Screen Saver Timeout all have their state set to Not Configured.

5. If any of them has a different state, double click the line with the policy, select Not Configured and click OK.

6. Now close the Group Policy window.

Now you can open Display Properties and see whether screensavers are back. If they aren't, step back and check if you carefully followed all the steps described above.

Note that you can see a window saying you don't have permission to access Group Policy window when doing the step 2. That will happen if you are working under a restricted user account. You will have to log under an account with Administrator's rights or contact your system administrator.

With a little creativity, you can use the information in this article to prevent your kids and other unauthorized users from messing with your screensavers. The procedure is basically the same. The only difference is that you should specify meaningful values for screensaver related items instead of Not Configured.

About The Author

Roman Kramar is a software developer who enjoys writing screensavers as his time permits. Visit his site at http://www.elasticsystems.com/ to find out more about screensavers and his work. webmaster@elasticsystems.com





Do you like video games? Do you beat video games after playing once? Do you feel like the games are too easy? Well, it sounds like you have a passion for these things then you should go where your heart leads you.

If you at the point where you are thinking about your career, I suggest that you do what you love to do. You should consider a different course of action: majoring in something you TRULY enjoy... something you could do hours on end without feeling like you are working at all. And if you are like many people, this 'something' would be playing video games.

That's right! You can actually get a job creating and/or playing video games. Below is a list of some of the careers available for those with a video game degree.

1) Video Game Programmer

Gameinformer Magazine mentions that, video game programmers are the "heart and soul" of the industry. They are the ones responsible for creating the code necessary for getting video games to function. And contrary to popular belief, their jobs aren't always easy. Video game programming often involves creating complex functions and algorithms often times more challenging than programs created in Corporate America.

Indeed, game programming may not be the appropriate course for everyone seeking a video game career, but if you were deciding to go into the computer field anyway, which job would be more enjoyable... coding the next Halo, or working on a boring, hum-drum piece of no-name software?

2) Video Game Tester

As a video game tester it is a position in which you truly would get paid for playing video games. According to current game tester Doug D. from Electronic Arts, he say's as a game tester you would "go over different components of a game and look for things that just don't make sense." You would also "break the game," meaning you would "do things a normal user would do and accidentally see something go wrong."

Doug Powell further adds that video game testing is a good place to start for young people who want to "break into the industry." To get such a position in it is best to have a "passion for gaming" and some educational background. Doug recommends a degree, or some form of higher-level education.

3) Video Game Animator

Animators are in charge for coordinating the movement of video game characters. Accomplishing requires more than drawing something on a piece of paper, which according to Alex Jones, an established game animator, occurs after a lot of "brainstorming, chilling, playing, planning and testing" with the programmer. But when the busy work is done, the video game animator will finally get a chance to do what he or she does best... animate. Alex Drouin says the thing he liked best about his job was "being able to come there late in the morning, sit behind his computer, put on a great CD, and then create crazy animation that will end up in a game that will be seen all around the world by gamers." With a video game degree it is certainly possible!

4) Sound Designer

Sound designers are responsible for creating the music and sound effects of video games. Video game music is created either from digital sources or real-life stimulation. As video game consoles become more advanced, many sound designers favor the latter when deciding on what type of music they want in the games they are working on. Creating appropriate sound effects, on the other hand, sometimes requires more creative experimentation.

To be successful at designing video game sounds it is best to: 1) have an interest in both music and sound, 2) possess knowledge of recording equipment and 3) be familiar with the types of music and sound used in today's most popular video games. A video game degree will help develop these talents and skills.

5) Game Designer

Video game designers are responsible for creating the 'experience' of a particular game. Charles Perry, a video game designer, sums it up by saying "the main tasks of the designer is to make sure the game is fun."

Wells further adds that game designers are responsible for macro and micro level design. Macro level design involves "figuring out the core mechanics of the game; the variety of level looks, power-ups, etc." Micro-design involves creating the "actual levels and the moment-to-moment gameplay within those levels... the enemies, the objects, and the particular way you encounter those enemies and objects."

Good game designers should obviously have an interest in video games along with some drawing and programming skills.
visit http://www.video-game-directory.com





The Internet has many websites to help you pass the time away and ease boredom. Some of these online distractions come in the form of Internet games that you can pay to play or as a free form of entertainment. Some of the available outlets allow you to play chess, checkers, solitaire, as well as playing backgammon online.

When you are interested in playing backgammon online, you can choose to either play against a human competitor or if you don't feel like dealing with a real person, the computer is also equipped to play backgammon online.

There are plenty of websites to go to when you are in the mood for a game of backgammon, where you can even choose the option to play for cash prizes or achieve rankings for the best game players.

Gammon Village.com is a website that promises a good game of online backgammon. The site claims that there will be no Java or browser issues when using this website. The connections to play backgammon at this site are fast and stable, featuring entertaining and impressive graphics. When there is an issue regarding play, 24-hour customer support is available live and online. When downloading the software, you should know that it accommodates a variety of different languages, including Portuguese, Danish, and Japanese.

When you are looking to play backgammon online against a wide-range of playing levels, the realistic 3D Back-gammon.com website offers a large network of players. These players hail from all across the world, and games are for fun, as well as for monetary prizes. The software takes less than 5 minutes to download, and then you can engage in exciting single, session, and multiplayer tournament games. At the end of every game, each player receives a ranking - and those interested should keep in mind that all of the games are timed. It is also free to enjoy this backgammon experience, even featuring the option of joining a league.

If you are looking for a Java applet that allows you to play backgammon online, you should look into Motif, - played using Netscape, or Internet Explorer web browsers. With Motif, you are strictly playing against the computer. Another website that requires the use of a Java-enabled browser is Yahoo Games, which allows visitors to play online backgammon against computer opponents, as well as against a variety of gaming members. It is free to play using Yahoo, but more advanced options, such as joining a league requires a subscription to premium services.

The list of Internet sites to choose from when you wish to play backgammon online is endless. A few others to consider include: Vinco Online Game (VOG); Games Grid; GameSite 2000, as well as HC-Gammon, which allows you to play against a computer opponent. When seeking out At the Crosswords, you will encounter a Shockwave variety of backgammon that allows visitors to play against the computer.





Educational software for children generally comes in the form of computer tutorials related to different school subjects and other areas of learning such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, reference books, etc., but when all this knowledge integrates fun, a new exciting and rewarding experience comes to reveal a new world of possibilities.

In fact, learning PC Games are aimed at all the family who can together enjoy discovering a new dimension in an entertaining way, taking the role of an adventurer or traveling through history or even the whole universe comfortably from home through the PC screen.

Some games have been developed which use popular TV characters and popular cartoons to make it easy for basic learning of different skills including, math, spelling, logic, science, and social studies for kids from pre-school to Grade 8.

However, many other PC games are available for very young children whose age range from 2 to 5 years old. Preschooler games generally include more than one game to facilitate early learning and coordination with programs that covers letters, numbers, shapes, color recognition, memory skills, phonics, telling time and solving puzzles, among others.

Kept as simple as possible, preschooler games have a minimum of distractions like menus that little kids do not understand, but only with the use of a mouse in an easy click-and-play environment. Learning experiences are greatly enhanced if a teacher, parent or older kid helps little children to become familiar with the software, providing encouragement and guidance while they explore this new experience.

Many of those games include several little kid games just for fun rewarding the children for solving a challenge. Other PC games are intended to develop particular skills toward future careers or activities for boys and girls. The basics to learn sewing, design, block building and many other entertaining activities have been developed in a game-like context for easy learning while achieving a sense of accomplishment.

Integrating fun and learning with PC games is not a new concept, just a new approaching taking advantage of the present technology, because educational software has been used since the early days when computers became part of our daily lives to help students with basic academic skills and problem solving. Pioneer games were as simple as the limitations of the early technology, with limitations of PC memory, screen resolution and slow processor chips.

Today, the computers make possible a virtual reality-like experience offering interactivity that children and adults enjoy alike, although few parents still believe that computers are nothing else than just a mind numbing entertainment, missing the great experience of allowing their children to play on them alone or together as a family who shares and enjoys PC games for learning.

Natalie Aranda loves computer games. She writes about family, business and learning. In fact, learning PC Games are aimed at all the family who can together enjoy discovering a new dimension in an entertaining way, taking the role of an adventurer or traveling through history or even the whole universe comfortably from home through the PC screen.





Educational software for children generally comes in the form of computer tutorials related to different school subjects and other areas of learning such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, reference books, etc., but when all this knowledge integrates fun, a new exciting and rewarding experience comes to reveal a new world of possibilities.

In fact, learning PC Games are aimed at all the family who can together enjoy discovering a new dimension in an entertaining way, taking the role of an adventurer or traveling through history or even the whole universe comfortably from home through the PC screen.

Some games have been developed which use popular TV characters and popular cartoons to make it easy for basic learning of different skills including, math, spelling, logic, science, and social studies for kids from pre-school to Grade 8.

However, many other PC games are available for very young children whose age range from 2 to 5 years old. Preschooler games generally include more than one game to facilitate early learning and coordination with programs that covers letters, numbers, shapes, color recognition, memory skills, phonics, telling time and solving puzzles, among others.

Kept as simple as possible, preschooler games have a minimum of distractions like menus that little kids do not understand, but only with the use of a mouse in an easy click-and-play environment. Learning experiences are greatly enhanced if a teacher, parent or older kid helps little children to become familiar with the software, providing encouragement and guidance while they explore this new experience.

Many of those games include several little kid games just for fun rewarding the children for solving a challenge. Other PC games are intended to develop particular skills toward future careers or activities for boys and girls. The basics to learn sewing, design, block building and many other entertaining activities have been developed in a game-like context for easy learning while achieving a sense of accomplishment.

Integrating fun and learning with PC games is not a new concept, just a new approaching taking advantage of the present technology, because educational software has been used since the early days when computers became part of our daily lives to help students with basic academic skills and problem solving. Pioneer games were as simple as the limitations of the early technology, with limitations of PC memory, screen resolution and slow processor chips.

Today, the computers make possible a virtual reality-like experience offering interactivity that children and adults enjoy alike, although few parents still believe that computers are nothing else than just a mind numbing entertainment, missing the great experience of allowing their children to play on them alone or together as a family who shares and enjoys PC games for learning.

Natalie Aranda loves computer games. She writes about family, business and learning. In fact, learning PC Games are aimed at all the family who can together enjoy discovering a new dimension in an entertaining way, taking the role of an adventurer or traveling through history or even the whole universe comfortably from home through the PC screen.





Google