If the weather continues to be as miserable as it is while I write this, we'll all be suffering from cabin fever any minute. If you can't get out, at least you can think of something different! Try some of these downloads and other sites which may take your mind off your inability to leave for warmer climates.

Music Programs

Are you curious about your musical talent--not playing music but learning how to create it? Start with one of these four freebies, which give you--or your child--the basics in music. Begin by taking a shot at reading music with Treble and Bass Clef, and then try your hand at Play It By Ear, an easy way to learn music by listening to it. You might want to use Notes In Space to get a handle on note durations--whole notes, half notes, and those pesky quarter notes. And once you're comfortable with note duration, tackle rest signs with Note Cracker. All four programs are available at:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/
collection/0,collid,1219,tk,sbx,00.asp


Virtual Sailor

Have a yen for sailing or power boating? Try Virtual Sailor.. The boat's response to waves apparently feels accurate, as does the race against other boats. There are dozens of free third-party add-ons--from bathyspheres to cigarette racing boats--as well as additional scenes and views. You can sail into the sunset for $25, or play with a limited trial download at:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/
file_description/0,fid,22289,tk,sbx,00.asp

MNS Aquarium

How about starting an aquarium, or maybe a backyard pond? If you think that's a cool idea, try MNS Aquarium Software. It's a neat way to keep track of and organize multiple species of fish, manage the water quality and temperature, figure out your fish's feeding schedule, and keep a breeding scorecard. The program also lets you record pictures of your precious guppies and neon fish. Buy it for $29.95, or try it for 30 days, by downloading it here:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/
file_description/0,fid,22300,tk,sbx,00.asp

Switcheroo Zoo

So here's a strange little site, Switcheroo Zoo, you might find amusing. It took forever to load on my machine, but if you're real bored, it may be worth it. You can change one animal into a new species by switching heads, legs, and tails on the originally chosen body.

http://www.switchzoo.com

Internet Movie Database

Well, if you've decided to fight the weather and go to the moves, or rent a video, InternetMovieDatabase.com is a movie buffs heaven. Huge numbers of movies, each with lots of information such as actors, directors, studio, rating, genre/keywords, reviews, home pages, clips, images, sound and more. You'll find lots of other info here as well -- viewers' ratings, the Oscars, actor bios and filmographies, this day in movie history, best and worst rated movies, and more. If that is not enough, this website carries all of the movie times for all shows showing in the theatres that week. Why go anywhere else for your movie viewing needs?

http://www.imdb.com