Virtual Pet Games - What's Online for Kids?
Virtual pet games are one
of the newest online activities today for kids. But are you
aware that there are many kinds of virtual pets at virtual
pet adoption (VPA) sites- and some of them are not as sweet
and innocent as they look!
Generally, there are 3 kinds of virtual pets: downloadable
(download the software and play games on your computer),
straight online virtual pets and "dual pets", which are
actually plush animals, which can also be looked after
online by keying in a unique code that accompanies the toy
at virtual pet adoption sites.
Downloadable virtual pets are a great source of
entertainment, and you need not be online at cyber pet
adoption sites - once the software is downloaded. The
problem with this option is that unless a reputed site
provides the software, you are facing the danger of
downloading a virus along with the game - which can be quite
bad! (If you visit one of the free download sites, there can
even be a warning note at the top or bottom of the webpage
regarding it.)
Virtual pets at VPA sites are played straight online,
without having to download the software for playing.
Generally this means taking a registered membership with the
cyber pet adoption site so as to own the pet. This is a good
option, but if the virtual pet adoption site is not secured
you again run the risk of running into a virus that can
actually spoil your computer.
So for both the above alternatives, ensure you have
installed latest version of a good virus protection for your
computer!
The last kind of online pet ("dual pets") is the best
solution. They're quite cheap (about $10 - $15 for each new
pet) and actually worth the price paid. These pets are real,
meaning they are luxurious stuffed animals with which
children can play like other kinds of toys, but they come
with a code printed on a card provided along with them that
gives access to virtual pet adoption websites letting the
child feed, clothe, provide medication and design homes for
their pets. In this VPA online game, the cyber pet adoption
sites are very secure (thus eliminating the risk of
unknowingly adopting a virus as well as the pet). Besides
there are various other activities that are available on the
virtual pet adoption sites like educational games, chat
rooms (safe) and other entertainment for young ones.
Irrespective of the kind of virtual pet adopted at virtual
pet adoption centers, caring for it is quite a fun and
educative activity.
I wish you all the best on your
virtual pet adoption adventure!
Best wishes,
Thomas T :)
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