Finding quality ways to waste time online used to be a frivolous pursuit. For every site you could find that was engaging and entertaining, you would have to trudge through seven that weren’t fit for Kevin Federline. But like fine wine, comic books, or moderately frightening cheeses, the internet just keeps getting better with age. And with each New Year, come new and better video games. And this year is no different. With the holidays safely behind us, and spring quickly approaching, the online gaming community stands poised to unleash a fabulous torrent of new and exciting online games in 2008.

Companies like “Jenkat games" and Big Fish Games are at the vanguard of bringing the arcade experience to your personal computer within the next few months. Actual arcades have become virtually non-existent in the world around us. And this shouldn’t be surprising. Playing games online has created a way for people to satisfy their gaming sweet tooth, without driving to the mall with a pocket full of quarters. The online gaming industry is booming, and you owe it to yourself to take a peek at the best games the web has to offer.

From puzzle games to word games, there is something for everyone out there. And many of these delightful diversions are actually free. No, that’s not a typo, or even accidental misuse of the English language. Many of the games ARE actually free. This also shouldn’t be a surprise. Many gaming companies are becoming quite aggressive when courting gamers. And if the online aficionado knows where to look, they can unearth the very best in online games for little or no money at all.

And though some computer users in your home may feel a little apprehensive about playing games on the family computer, they should not. Many long loved classics have managed to become born again with new graphics, sounds, and revitalized game play. Games like Mahjong, or even solitaire, rest comfortably amongst the newer games. And oftentimes, these “classic games" even manage to attract more users than their younger siblings.

So make a new years resolution for yourself—one that you may actually enjoy for a change. Resolve to go to Jenkat Games or Big Fish Games and have a little fun. Spend some time playing a game or two. You’ll be surprised at how much fun it actually is!