Absolute Beginners Guide to Computer Basics (2nd Edition)

The following list presents some of the best educational software on the market today, organized by age group. The publishers' Web site addresses are included, so you can log onto the Internet to find out more about each program.

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Early Learning

Early learning software is designed for your very youngest children infant (or as soon as they can use a mouse) to preschool age. Most of this software is as fun as it is educational, with lots of brightly colored characters and fun music.

• Adventure Workshop: Preschool-1st Grade (www.broderbund.com)

• Curious George Downtown Adventure (www.vugames.com)

• Mickey Mouse Toddler/Mickey Mouse Preschool (www.disneyinteractive.com)

• Pencil Pal Preschool (www.schoolzone.com)

• Reader Rabbit (www.broderbund.com)

• Sesame Street Toddler/Sesame Street Preschool (www.encoresoftware.com)

Elementary

Educational software for elementary age children (K-6) introduces solid instructional technique, while still keeping things fun and lively.

• Adventure Workshop (www.broderbund.com)

• Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself (www.intensivephonics.com)

• Earth's Dynamic Surface (www.tasagraphicarts.com/progeds.html)

• Flying Colors (www.magicmouse.com)

• JumpStart Series (www.vugames.com)

• Kid Performer (www.el2100.com)

• Kidspiration (www.kidspiration.com)

• Math Blaster (www.vugames.com)

• Reading Blaster (www.vugames.com)

Figure 19.1 shows one of the fun lessons in Math Blaster. Story problems were never this fun when I was a kid!

High School

Educational software for junior high and high school kids is typically heavier on the education and lighter on the fun and games. This software is particularly helpful if your child is having trouble in a particular subject; it's like having a dedicated tutor on your PC.

• Cyber Ed Chemistry (www.cybered.net)

• Inspiration (www.kidspiration.com)

• Kaplan SAT ACT PSAT Deluxe (www.kaptest.com)

• Math Advantage (www.encoresoftware.com)

• Studyworks Teaching Pro: Mathematics Complete (www.learnatglobal.com)

Continuing Education

Continuing education software is for students of all ages equally valuable for a 40-year-old adult as for an ambitious high schooler. Particularly popular are language education programs, as well as typing tutors.

• Easy Language Deluxe (www.bmsoftware.com/easylanguageds.htm)

• LanguageNow! series SpanishNow!, FrenchNow!, etc. (www.transparent.com)

• Learn to Speak series (www.broderbund.com)

• Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing (www.broderbund.com)