Getting  Along With Your Computer Column Archive

Fun and Games
By Cate Eales

Appeared November 3, 2005 on castanet.net

I confess. When I worked in the corporate world, I spent lots of time on conference calls, and they didn't always have my complete attention, even when my boss was running the call. Well, things have really improved in the last ten years. Instead of playing solitaire that came with Windows, now you can use your high-speed internet connection to waste time faster than ever before!

Here is a collection of websites for the cube-dweller, or for anyone who drinks far too much coffee and stays up way too late at night.

Interesting High-speed Video Clips
http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~dga/high_speed_video/
"The video clips were filmed with a special high-speed camera. The super slow-motion playback lets you visualize effects that cannot be seen with the naked eye or with a standard video camera." Check out the electric toothbrushes, and the explosions. My favourite is the dog. (Windows Media Player required.)

Human Clock
http://www.humanclock.com/
The clock changes every minute, just like a clock is supposed to. However, this clock is made up of people holding numbers to represent each minute of the day. It's more fun than it sounds, trust me.

Montage-a google
http://grant.robinson.name/projects/montage-a-google/
"Montage-a-google is a simple web-based app that uses Google's image search to generate a large gridded montage of images based on keywords (search terms) entered by the user. Not only an interesting way of browsing the net, it can also be used to create desktop pictures or even posters." Try different keywords until you produce a montage you like. "Kelowna" is interesting; so is "Ogopogo", but you can come up with better ones! And if that's not enough of a time-waster, try "Guess-the-google", here: http://grant.robinson.name/projects/guess-the-google/. It's the same technology, except a montage is created for you and you have to guess what keyword was used. (Both require Flash)

Pong online
http://www.gamesgnome.com/action/pong2/
Just like the old machines that used to be in the bar, but with sound and colour. (Turn down the sound!) And you don't have to have a stack of quarters nearby. An enormous time-waster!

Mahjong online
http://www.goriya.com/flash/mahjong.shtml
There are lots of sites, but this is a really nice one, with big, bright tiles. You can choose your level of difficulty. Best game ever for long telephone hold times.

Virtual Bubblewrap
http://www.virtual-bubblewrap.com/popnow.shtml
"Bubble Wrap® has been a source of fascination for people of all ages since its invention. Now, finally, there is a web page dedicated to this most entertaining packing material." Pop some bubbles now. You know you want to.

What online time-wasters do you like? Tell us about them and we'll let everyone know in a future column. And, as always, keep the computer questions coming in. They're always good questions, and always a challenge.

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Cate Eales has been helping people make online computing safe, accessible and fun for over 20 years. She lives in Kelowna with her husband, Eric, and her dog, Sandy. Cate is a partner in Real Life Internet Solutions, helping individuals and small businesses with virus, spyware and malware eradication; personal computer training and management; digital image management; music transfer; and website design, hosting and management. Email Cate at cate@rlis.com with your comments, suggestions, or questions. To browse the column archives, visit the Real Life Internet Solutions website at http://rlis.com/.