Best Google Doodles, Things to Do With PC Idle Time

View this newsletter online | Newsletter Services | More Newsletters » Follow @geektech on Twitter July 2, 2011 PCWorld.com Talk Nerdy to Me

For all the streaming video, multiplayer games, and multimedia mayhem available on the Web, sometimes the most entertaining stuff comes in the form of a simple sketch. For as long as we can remember, Google has been honoring anniversaries, historic moments, and special events with its thematic Google Doodles, and some of them are even playable. Here's a collection of our favorite interactive Google logos throughout the years. Plus, some free downloads that let you donate your PC's idle time to worthy causes. --Senior Editor Tim Moynihan Top Stories The Most Entertaining Google Doodles Check out Les Paul's Guitar, Pacman, and some that you may have missed. Free Downloads to Make Use of PC Idle Time Stepping away from your PC? Don't let it stop working for you--or for a lofty purpose. These eight freebies do everything from backup to scientific research, all while you're not looking. Top Tweets From @PCWPluggedIn Hacker Civil War heats up We can't wait till it's over, so the battlefield re-enactments can begin. Nevada allows robots to drive cars State hasn't ruled yet on letting them carry concealed weapons. US consumers spent $2 billion/year to power idle set-top boxes At least they weren't wasting time watching TV. Follow us every day on Twitter: @PCWPluggedIn Spotlight on Geek Tech 10 Ways to Make Your Home Geeky Cool Want an impressive home the oozes geek cred? Try out some of these DIY projects! Browse this week's Geek Tech. Download of the Week Really Slick Screensavers This bundle of open-source 3D CGI screensavers includes an amazing fireworks display, a trip through hyperspace, and other gorgeous examples of physics-based animation. Fun & Games Kinect Hack Lets You Control Multiple PC Monitors; Brings Sci-Fi Future Closer to Reality A Kinect hack from programmer Kevin Connolly uses body-tracking and radial menus to let you control up to six PC monitors using gestures. Places for Fun Stuff on PCWorld.com Fun and Games Downloads Shop for Video Games and Hardware PC World videos Digital Photo Tips from the Experts This series of how-tos will help you take your photography game to the next level. Start here. How to Build a Home Entertainment Network Learn to use your computer network as a next-generation entertainment hub. Get started. Advertisement No matter what you do, your hard drive is going to fail! Start protecting your digital life for FREE with 5GB of IDrive Online Backup - secure, fast and simple online backup for Windows and Mac. Most Popular Searches Android Windows 8 Google Freeware Linux Product Reviews Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2011 93 Pros Good interface; Strong malware detection Cons Scan speeds lag behind top performers Read Complete Review » Top 10 Paid Antivirus Programs for 2011 » Top 5 Paid Antivirus for 2011 » HP Envy 17 3D 88 Pros Audio quality among the best in laptops; Superb LCD display; excellent 3D Blu-ray visuals Cons 3D gaming is frustrating and often doesn't work; Short battery life Read Complete Review » Top Desktop Replacement Laptops » HP Mini 5103 82 Pros Great battery life; Good performance and ergonomics Cons Smallish display; Pricey Read Complete Review » Top Netbooks » Best Laptops Under 4 Pounds » Get Big Savings When you Shop at PCWorld.com Shop online at PCWorld.com, where you can compare product information, read trusted reviews, and find the best prices on consumer electronics. D5100 Black SLR Digital Camera Body Only (16.2MP, SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot) Price: $699.00 No User Ratings Yet Be the first to review ST700 - DualView 16.1 Megapixel Digital Camera - Black Price: $199.00 No User Ratings Yet Be the first to review Browse more Best Prices on Digital Cameras, Flash Memory, Graphics & Publishing Software, Lenses, Bags & Cases Top News on PCWorld.com Get on Google+ With This Invite Exploit A workaround allows Google+ users to invite anyone even though Google is being stingy with doling out invites Share: Facebook Fatigue Could Help Google+ Are users finally ready to jump ship from Facebook? Share: Top Reviews on PCWorld.com Kids' Computers Through the Ages The evolution of toy computers for children mirrors that of real-world systems for adults. We look at some of the changes the play-along versions have undergone in the past 70 years. Share: The Incredible Shrinking Interchangeable-Lens Camera Since the dawn of the Micro Four-Thirds system in 2008, compact interchangeable-lens cameras have quickly been growing smaller and stronger. Join us on this journey through camera-miniaturization history. Share: Pogoplug Software Streams Files (Poorly) to Mobile Devices The maker of Pogoplug hardware is offering a free download to stream music, movies and more to other PCs and mobile devices. Share: Grab, Flatten, and Smooth 3D Animation With Free Sculptris Simulate the feel of sculpting clay in a 3D environment with Sculptris. Share: Downloads: Editor's Collection PCWorld Reviewers' Favorite Files: June 2011What's appealing in June? According to our reviewers, the same things that catch our attention year-round: system utilities, fun toys, and free stuff. From backup software to a music manager, a powerful PDF reader to a 3D sculpting tool, a CPU temperature monitor to a weather-displaying screensaver, many of June's favorites are freebies. Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit version)   7694 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under Tools This free all-purpose PDF tool packs the power of a paid product. Nitro PDF Reader (32-bit version)   21327 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under Tools Get a free all-purpose PDF tool that packs the power of a paid product. WinPatrol   741422 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under Security Kill off unwanted background programs like worms, adware, and spyware. See (16) more PCWorld Reviewers' Favorite Files: June 2011 » Browse DownloadsAntivirus & Security • Design & Multimedia • Utilities • Games • Chat, Email, & the Web • Sponsored Downloads Movavi Video Suite - PersonalConvert video, DVD and audio between 170+ media formats. Save video for 180+ portable devices. 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