Spotlight on Shareware and Freeware

So just what do you do if you don't have a CD-ROM drive? Or if buying commercially produced CD-ROMS is not in your budget? Or you just want something different not found on the retail shelves?

Shareware and freeware might be the perfect option for you. Freeware is true to its name; it's free. Shareware requires you to send the creator or publisher of the software a small fee. Some shareware programs allow you a preview program before they begin to send "nag" messages on your screen. Other shareware programs simply stop functioning after a limited preview time. Shareware fees vary from as low as $5 to $20 or more. Make sure the program is worth the fee. If you are paying $15 or more, make sure the shareware program contains as much content and activities as the average CD-ROM.

Kids Domain http://www.kidsdomain.com/down/index.html features a wealth of shareware,freeware, and demo programs. They boast that they "post the best and trash the rest." There have been no updates on this site since October 2001, but there is still a wide variety of programs to choose from. PC and Mac titles are listed separately, which makes searches easier for the Mac user. Titles are indexed by both age groups and subject. There is a little bit of everything available from babies to adults including "keyboard bangers" for the youngest children, kid produced software, and teacher's tools. There is a section for people who use black and white Macs, as well as a selection of clip art and screen savers. You can also find demos from well known software publishers like Humongous, Disney, and Fisher Price. To find the "best of the best" look for the revolving gold coin next to the title.

Another download site I recommend in my links is Kids Freeware http://www.kidsfreeware.com/ This site is updated with brand new downloads every week. Downloads (all freeware) are divided into the following categories: Lots of Fun, School is Open, and Computers and Web. There is also a section called Parents Only with information of safe surfing and other things.. You will also find links to sources of "free" commercial software. "Free" meaning there is a small shipping and handling charge. The only drawback is the Mac compatible freeware isn't easy to find. You have to sort through all the selections.

Kids often tire of software too quickly. With shareware and freeware, you can provide them with a great selection of educational software at a budget price. I also treat my children with new downloads of software as special treats on days when they are sick or the weather is bad.

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