Safe Games

Computer games are loved by many, except maybe whoever it is that's tasked with keeping the spyware and malware off of your computer.

Free online games are notorious for spyware, adware and other types of privacy invading malware. Not all games are bad though. There are many places to find safe games for the whole family. Safe games can generally be downloaded off of the Internet, purchased online, or in retail stores such as Walmart, Best Buy, and others.  Games purchased in stores are typically safe to install and play on your computer, but as always ensure your anti-virus protection is running at all times.

The big culprit for malware is the "free" online game sites, and many paid or subscription gaming websites. Parents should use caution when allowing children to visit a website to play games, and we strongly recommend having a dedicated computer for your children to play games on. This is because the risk of infection is high, and as a rule of thumb you should only bank online with a computer that is never used by children or teenagers.  I know, who follows that anyways? A second computer just for kids, because I want my kids to have fun online and learn?

Professionally speaking, Yes. Children and teenagers are not aware of threats like adults are, and in the online world even many adults don't realize when they are clicking on advertisements,  or installing malicious plugins (to play a game, or watch a video). To protect your privacy and personal security, the hundred bucks for a second hand computer may just be the best investment you can make.

Ok...let's find some safe online game sites and have some fun!

Safe Online Game Sites:

Pogo.com
Operated by gaming giant Electronic Arts, pogo.com offers many game options such as; board games, card games, word games and puzzles, to many more categories of games. On the site, you can get free online games or fee-based downloads for your computer or cell phone. If you really like the games, you can sign up for a premium paid service that gives you access to many more games, without ads.

Yahoo! Games
Yahoo's games section features a few hundred games to choose from — like chess, Text Twist and Beetle Bomp. Many are free, but some you'll have to pay to play. Some games require a (free) Yahoo! login and password.

Shockwave.com
On this site, you can find an extensive collection of visually stunning single and multiplayer games. Again, you can access many games for free without registering, pay for individual downloads, or pay a monthly fee for unlimited game downloads. There are no time limits on how long you can play and no annoying pop-up ads.

Bonus.com
Aimed at younger kids, bonus.com offers free, easy-to-navigate games and puzzles that are kid-safe and often educational. This site does not require registration — just in case you're worried about your kids' privacy.
 

These sites are safe for the whole family. I will add more here as I come across them. If you know of a safe website where you can play games, please let me know by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Security Warning

At any time if you receive a popup or an odd dialog where you are prompted to download security software because you are being told there is an infection on your computer, do NOT click "OK" or "Cancel". Close your web browser immediately, then clean your cookies and temp files before opening up your web browser (Internet Explorer/Firefox). <recommended application: CCleaner - Link>