Occassionally, games can be found that are fun and educational and FREE to download onto your computer. We use some of the at school and your child may enjoy them on your home computer as well. Here are some you may be interested in:

StudyDog - This is reading software for grades K-2. There is no spyware/adware - no time limit either. The graphics are amazing and its really fun and actually educationally sound.It was featured in an issue of Technology and Learning magazine. Note - There's a pay version and a free version. We are using the free version here at Spring Hill. This is no longer a free download.

Incredible Machine 3 - This is an older program, but it's fabulous. I have more questions asked about where to find this program than any other. It is used with grades 3-5 at Spring Hill.

The original version, which Spring Hill students love, is very old and hasn't been available in stores for years. I looked for it for ages and finally found it online for free!

Here are a number of sites you might try for downloading this program.
I cannot vouch for any of these! Only use a site you feel comfortable with!
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4

You might also take a look at this page with instructions.

You might find more download sites by doing a search on Google. The file name is "tim.exe". There are also newer versions of this game available for purchase. Another way to get the game - any version - is to look on Ebay. The original version was published by Dynamix. Newer versions were published by Sierra.

Using Older Programs on Newer Computers
Some older programs won't run correctly in Windows XP. But if you use the compatibility wizard, you can get them to work! This is a fabulous feature in XP. Use the following links for help with this wizard.
Using Program Compatibility Mode
How to use the Program Compatibility Wizard in Windows XP

GetNetWise - all about internet safety
SafeKids.Com - articles & info from Larry Magid (syndicated columnist & technology consultant for CBS). "Child Safety on the Information Highway" and "Kids' Rules for Online Safety" are especially recommended

Screen It - entertainment reviews for careful parents.  
Grading The Movies, Music & Games - grades in categories - violence, sexual content, language, drugs & alcohol

WebMD - This site does not replace a doctor's visit, but you will feel more informed during an appointment if you have researched beforehand.
American Academy of Pediatrics
The Merck Manual Home Edition - one of the best medical references on the Net
Gray's Anantomy - the whole book is online!

Wunderground - weather forecast site
Yahoo Weather - weather forecast site
Intellicast - weather forecast site
Georgia Public Broadcasting - Television
CNN - news and weather
National Public Radio - NPR
WSB Radio - news & weather

Access Atlanta - local news, weather, and more
Fayette County - the home page for links to everything about Fayette County government
Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater
Fayette County Public Library
Georgia Traffic - This site is designed to provide Georgia's traveling public with accurate, real-time transportation information for use in making informed transportation decisions.