online games or are very addictive! They are one of the major contributing factors behind the success story of the internet among today's generation.Online games actually indicate games played over a computer network. Nowadays, the phrase 'computer network' undoubtedly means the internet. However, before internet had been discovered, modems were used for playing these online games. Before modems, hard wired terminals were commonly used for gaming purposes. From those modems and wired terminals to complex graphics and streaming videos, online gaming has come a very long way.Gaming has always fascinated men. These games cover simple, textual games to games having complex graphics. They constitute a virtual world, whereby the player loses his own personal identity and completely associates himself with the character on screen. All of us, at some point of time, want to be something that we are not. We like to think of ourselves as someone different. For instance, many kids want to be Spiderman, warding off the evil people and saving the world. James Bond has fascinated so many of us. These online games allow us to explore that character on the net for sometime. You forget who you are and completely co-relate with the person on screen.It is a completely different world by itself. And the best part is that these free online games can be easily downloaded from the internet, absolutely free of cost. The range of games available is exhausting. Moreover, games for all ages are available. There are action games, arcade games, games based on various types of sports, board games, flash games and many more. These games are so realistic, that you will find more excitements in these games than the normal ones we play physically. There is a whole new dimension added by this virtual world. You can assume any identity, be anyone you want. You can either be the hero or the devil. You can speed your car through the racing tracks. You can vent out your anger by fighting it out. In all, the experience is absolutely exhilarating. The other aspect about these online games, are that many players can play the game at the same time. Your team members or even your opponent may be at some another corner of the world. However, you

can both play together at the same time. Online communities are also available. These online gaming communities form a social group by themselves. In this age, when technology is the buzzword, online gaming has brought computers to the level of student interest. Playing these online games sharpens themind as well as familiarizes the child with all the nooks of operating computers like a pro. Computers become a fiend and a gateway to fantasyland. Hence, parents should encourage the children to play more of these free online games, absolutely free of any money.