Games



		ShowShifter is Home Media Networks' award-winning home media centre software. It allows users to watch, record and time-shift (pause) live TV, all through their PC. ShowShifter also integrates DVD, CD and MP3 playback through its unique Farview interface, specially designed for remote control and distant use. This month, PC User readers get the full version of ShowShifter for free (usually valued at $US49.99). Click here.


		Game demos Step out of the real world for a while and enjoy being the protagonist in an immersive gaming experience. This month, we've included demos of Halo: Combat Evolved, The Hobbit, Savage: The Battle for Newerth, and The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring. Click here. Free full games Are today’s games too complicated to play or too large to be installed on your computer? Here are some free games that will give you hours of enjoyment. Click here. Game Guide - Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy This is Julian Schoffel’s guide to the last four levels of Jedi Academy's single-player campaign. Click here. Game patches Game patches are used to alter the look, behaviour, gameplay, and add balance to the game, so that you can enjoy a bug-free gaming experience. Here are some of the latest game patches for the hottest games available. Click here.


		Desktop themes A theme is used to enhance the look of your desktop. It will normally include at least a background wallpaper image, a colour scheme, and a set of sounds, cursors or desktop icons. Some themes also include like screensavers, fonts, startup/shutdown logo screens, and skins for certain applications. Click here. Screensavers Don't waste your unattended monitor time with the boring standard screensavers that come with Windows. Make good use of it in the of name research, or show something that is more entertaining. Click here. Wallpapers A wallpaper is an image that is displayed in the background of your desktop. We've included some wallpapers and a few utilities to manage the way you display wallpapers. Click here.


		This month, we take a look at how you can build your own home entertainment PC using one of the growing number of mini PCs available. Although mini PCs are not as powerful as conventional desktop PCs, they are ideal for watching and making your own DVD movies. They are designed to replace the hi-fi, DVD player and game console, and fit in with the rest of your home entertainment units. Click here.


		Your hobbies might not be computer-based, but your computer may still be able to lend a hand. There are programs that help you to learn how to play guitar, solve crossword puzzles, teach yourself to breakdance and more. Click here.


		Keep your kids stimulated over the holiday period with some neat programs, and they may just learn something while they're at it. Your home PC can be used as a fun educational tool for the kids. Click here.