Computers may be used in many ways to make our lives easier: word-processing, calculations, tables, Web surfing, fax, e- mail. Computers offer so many features, that the average user is generally unable to use all of them.

But there is one function that virtually every computer owner has already used: games! They are the passion of children and teenagers, and - may we say - adults as well!

The WorldWide Web is full of places where you can download every kind of game, for all types of computers. Some are freeware (this means you can freely download and make use of them, without any payment); others are shareware (you can play for a given period of time and then pay for it); and there are also demos (which usually allow you to play a part of the game for free, and you have to pay for the complete software).

A note of caution: viruses may infect your files if you download them from unofficial sites. A good and current anti-virus is a must if you plan to make good use of the Web to increase your game collection. Take a look at the sites below and enjoy yourself!

One of the most complete sites for game downloads on the Web. More than 5,000 games are available from its numerous mirrors around the globe (thus enabling faster downloads). There you can find games for DOS, Windows, Amiga and Macintosh, segmented by category (arcade, war, simulation, adventure, etc.). FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for most games are also available.

This site promotes the 100 most popular games available on the Web and the 100 most popular sites for game download. They say it is the result of huge research with lots of sources on the WorldWide Web. Many of the indicated sites are game magazines, and not pure download sites. Rankings are also available for other kinds of software, thus making the site useful for other purposes, aside from game download.

Undoubtedly one of the most popular download sites on the Web, with mirrors throughout the globe, Tucows also has its game section. This is ideally suited to those looking for Web-related games, and games to be played online. Tucows is updated regularly, and a free weekly newsletter keeps you informed about the latest upgrades. Check the site for details.

This site is maintained by PC Computing magazine and contains a huge variety of all kinds of software for download (demos, freeware and shareware). The games section includes a number of car racing and sport games, apart from action, adventure, arcade, cards and games for kids. A good source, updated monthly.

Although it does not offer as large a game collection as the sites mentioned above, this site is ideal for beginners. In a well- humored fashion, Dr. Download explains the basics about games on the Web, and indicates a selected number of cool shareware games. Worth taking a look!