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The computer games industry rivals the movies as a giant 3D cash machine for big business, and just as the price of entry to your local multiplex is now as colossal as the 'small' popcorn tub, the sticker on the average blockbuster shoot-'em-up can be scarier than the enemies. Console titles are especially pricey, and PC games often demand system upgrades that cost even more, so however good your gaming skills you can't win at the checkout.

Fortunately, there's a multitude of games available that neither cost money nor require cutting-edge hardware. These take two basic forms: Flash- or Java-based games that you can

play online, and downloadable games that you can install and play from your hard disk. In the case of online games, all that's generally needed is the correct browser plug-in - often already present on your PC, and otherwise easy to add.

Older PCs may struggle a bit with today's fully animated Flash and Shockwave games, making gameplay annoyingly sluggish, but trial and error will find you titles you can run comfortably. A quick Google search for 'shockwave games', 'flash games' or 'online games' is sure to turn up more than you need. Our younger staff members recommend www.addictinggames.com, although you should be aware that one reason why it appeals is that some of the material can be a bit edgy.

When it comes to downloadable games, if you have a computer capable of running Windows XP or Vista comfortably it'll probably have no trouble running most free games - a welcome change from the system requirements of current titles, which often seem to specify computerhardware that hasn't even been invented yet.

1 Eternal Lands A traditional role-playing game, Eternal Lands (www.eternal-lands.com) finds you fighting monsters, casting magic spells and collecting items to make weapons and potions. Online gameplay means there are always other gamers to play with, or against, and because it's a constantly evolving game, there's always something new to find. The low system requirements will suit most PCs. There are several free online multiplayer games around, but watch out for 'free' games that turn out to require a monthly subscription unless you want your character to remain dressed in a dunce's cap with a skill level of minus 7 while other players throw dung at him.

2 Frets on Fire Not to be confused with 'Frats on Fire', a game allegedly popular in American college dorms during the first week after the new kids arrive, Frets on Fire is similar to the popular Guitar Hero program. Get set up at http://fretsonfire.sourceforge.net and you can use your PC keyboard as a guitar thanks to a distinctive method of holding it. A totally addictive game, best played with a wireless keyboard, we reckon.

	3 Scorched 3D Set in a variety of great-looking 3D landscapes, Scorched 3D (www.scorched3d.co.uk) is essentially a game of cat and mouse in which players try to blow up opponents' tanks before the same is done to them. Easy to pick up and fun to play.

	4 Trackmania Nations There are few free driving games; stuff that happens fast is hard to program. Trackmania Nations (www.trackmanianations.com) is one of the few, and although the graphics may not be cutting-edge, the gameplay is decent, with excellent controls, a great selection of tracks, and the option of racing against other players from around the world.

5 Bang Howdy Strategy gaming at its finest, Bang Howdy is set in the Wild West and can be played in a variety of ways. From gold grabbing and cattle branding to claiming land and fighting off enemies, there's something here for everyone and the cartoon-style graphics are a delight. The game itself is free to download and play, but extras area available for a fee, so watch out for the nag factor if you get your kids onto it. Bang Howdy can either be installed on your PC or played onlinein your web browser.