Computer buyers guide for the kids' needs
Children, parents and computers | The special computers for kids | Software for kids | Internet for kids | Computing with kids | Don't make mistakes in purchasing process | Shopping | Kids safety systems
Children, parents and computers:
At the present time kids of 21st century should know how to use the
computer as soon as their coordination allows them to use the computer mouse or joystick. Now child's
computer input devices and computer programs are so friendly, that 2-3 years old kids can use a computer easily.
Correct usage of
computers in child environment and teaching can accelerate essentially their mental and physical
development. Wrong usage can bring to the front a restricted
mentality and different kind of the health problems. If a boy or a girl has used the
computer all the time for games, then his or her mindset would have been fixed only on the
games, and it can be hard to change their mind later on. Therefore, the right attitude of parents and
teachers in the solution of this problem, can give positive, sometimes overwhelming results.
Any parents have the following opportunities for
their children:
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give access to their (for adult) computer,
-
give them their old (obsolete) computer (for adult),
-
buy a cheap brand new or second hand computer for adult on discount market ,
-
buy a special (for kids) computer , and equipment according to age of children.
The choice depends on the household income. If it is affordable for the family, for children the best way is to have special computers, special input devices, countered on size of the children's arms , and special software- games, teaching games and other teaching materials. Computers for kids must have a special design with safety of the sockets, power outlets, wires and all those machineries you have attached to the PC. Kids love any toys, which they chose. If you choose the computer together with your child or children, they will have more fun, and any teaching and gaming will be much better.
The special computers for kids: Now on the American market we can find a very few companies devoted their computer production especially for kids at home and schools (see: http://kidcomputers.com, www.boscovs.com, etc.
Customization: Usually customized computers are typically easier to maintain and upgrade than the name brands. More...
Peripheral Equipment: In the process of customization of kid's computer you can choose the following items from computer peripheral equipment: flat panel monitor for child of any age, and input devices, that can be different for different ages. Usually, a printer, a modem or a scanner are not prime necessity's items. The choice depends on situation, ages and interests of children. Any computer for kids should allow to play music and draw color graphics, because music and graphics create fun and maintain the kids’ interest. They may need also: special data storage devices, digital cameras, MIDI instruments, audio systems and so on. More ...
Kidboard
is a standard
sized keyboard, but keys are color coded for learning recognition for first time typers. Great
starter keyboard exists for ages 6-13. A bright, colorful keyboard is designed to aid learning location of
the letters. More ...
Kids mice:
Kids have smaller hands
than adults, therefore computer mice for kids must be made usually in 50-70 % size of regular mice to be able to handle easily without straining
their fingers reaching for the buttons. Plus, you can keep your existing mouse installed and have
the Kid mouse in an additional port, so Mom or Dad can still use theirs.
More....
Computer gaming devices
-
game controllers
are specialized input devices designed for gaming purposes, and used to play games, which cannot work well with keyboard controls, the
mouse, or a combination of the two. The different kinds of game controllers such as flight yokes, joysticks, gamepads, "virtual
pedals" and so on , were invented to enhance the gaming.
More...
Choosing children's software. Choosing children's software is worth the time spent. Wrong software, wrong games can influence negatively on mentality of child. Therefore before to buy or install a new software, you need to use either different kinds of reviews and Internet guides, or pay attention on opinion and experience of your friends. Best way is using web sites for children, where you can find software not only for kids, but for parents and teachers.
The Internet offers kids many opportunities for learning, constructive entertainment, and personal growth. At the same time, because kids are often more computer savvy than their parents , they can easily sign up for a bad games, subscribe to a chat room service, have contact with hate-promoting or porno sites, or reveal personal information to strangers. Therefore, parents must be concerned about the risks when kids are faced with the Internet temptations. The challenge for parents is to educate themselves and their children about how to use the Internet safely. The sites: GetNetWise, Safekids, Child and Teen Safety provide information to help families have safe and constructive access to the Web sites.
Computing with kids: Kids like to have parents' attention, playing and learning together with their Mom and Dad, and this applies when they’re using the computer as well. Parents usually introduce their children to the computer; teach how to use the computer with keyboard, mouse and gaming controllers; explain the rules of different game programs; help to find, install and download software. Kids can play many different games, either playing against their Mom and Dad, a sibling, or alone. There are many web sites advising for computing with kids. First of all, pay attention on Family Education Network . Family Education Network is the network of the Web sites for parents, teachers, and kids of different ages.
Computer Gaming:
Having fun and being entertained are the most important benefits of a computer for kids age 3-17.
Now kids are spending less time watching television than with computer for gaming and
learning. With the help of Jenne's Great Game Links - you can find kid's Gaming Sites
and read gaming news, reviews; find game information as help, hints. You can
also find places to shop or play games online; download demos, patches, and more. Online Games
site - Shockwave.com is home to a tremendous
amount of online interactive games using Shockwave technology. You can download the free computer games
from RealArcade.
Kids safety systems: Many parents know about the risk for their children to face online information in appropriated to their age. The different kinds of the rating system allow to help parents to find movies, TV channels, and software are friendly and safely for kids. Parental control utilities additionally help parents to protect their children from the unknown dangers of the Internet.
Parental control utilities. Parental Control system helps parents protect their children from the unknown dangers of the Internet. It lets parents manage how each child can communicate across the Internet. The TV Parental Guidelines can be used in conjunction with the V-Chip - a device built into most modern television sets - to allow parents to block out programs they don't want their children to see. The V-Chip electronically reads television-programming ratings and allows parents to block programs they believe are unsuitable for their children. The company that makes the V-Chip has its own site : Family Safe Media.
Health care: Keeping your kids safe is first of all demands tailoring the position of the monitor. Place this device about an arm's length away from the eyes with the top of the screen at eye level or below. Make sure to regulate your child's time on the computer and encourage breaks. The frequent rests can be helpful in reducing the likelihood of computer users diseases: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Computer Vision Syndrome, and others.
Don't make mistakes in purchasing process
But be aware about big mistakes, and try to listen to experts. As Niels Bohr said , "An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field"
Don't be afraid to make a small mistake , because if you don't make mistakes, you're not working on serious problems.
Always ask you child, like him chosen by you item or not.