Microsoft PLUS! For Kids
Reviewed by Sara Payne
Published by Microsoft

Age Group: Age 4 to 8, Age 8 and Up Type: Thinking Games Price: $24.95

Description:

Microsoft PLUS! for Kids is a Windows 95 add-on that combines eye-catching desktop themes, 4 kid-appealing creative applications, and PC security (to safeguard your programs and files from curious mouseclickers!). There is also an optional Internet security application for users of Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or higher.

Features:

• Desktop Themes offers ten colorful and imaginative desktop themes.
• Paint It! is a full-featured graphics application that includes lots of fun drawing and painting tools, color palettes, and audio tools.
• Picture Picker is a collection of 33 "cool" fonts and more than 1000 pieces of clip art.
• Play It! is an electronic keyboard application.
• Talk It! is a text-to-speech tool that pronounces whatever is typed on the keyboard.
• Protect It! is a PC and Internet Security program to restrict access to selected programs and Internet sites.

Technical Aspects:

Microsoft PLUS! for Kids installed without hitch and has operated flawlessly. The most challenging part of installation was to decide which of the dazzling desktop themes to use! Our not-quite-three year old mastered basic use of all four creative applications after a very brief introduction; older children can explore the more advanced aspects of each applications. Parents should find that it is quite simple to set up individual Protect It! profiles and to update them as needed. I did not review the Internet security option.

Report and Conclusions:

We became interested in a PC security program when our computer-curious child started getting into our programs and files at the age of 2 years. After installing Microsoft Plus! for Kids, we were surprised by just how much our son enjoyed and used the creative applications as well. With the distraction of the eye-popping bug desktop theme and a new log-on procedure, he was oblivious to his newly restricted access. All of the creative applications have been popular, but the surprise favorite has been Talk It! This application can be very attractive to children interested in beginning reading, writing and spelling. We are frequently asked, "how do you spell ______?" and then are rewarded by hearing the word pronounced by a wacky voice from the computer! Microsoft Plus! for Kids has provided us with the PC security peace of mind that we desired and a lot of entertainment for us all.

If you have any problems when using Kids Domain then please contact Cindy, who will be happy to help where possible.

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