Two great ways to have fun online with your computer

Do you spend more time on your computer than you spend watching TV or reading books and magazines? According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, the Internet is the primary source of news for more than half of all Americans. Many of them augment the news sites with social media tips from friends on Facebook and Twitter.

But there's a lot more online than news. There are countless opportunities to just have fun!

According to Fortune magazine, Pinterest.com is the fastest growing website of all time. It attracted 17 million users in March alone. Pinterest is a play on the words "Pin" and "Interest." Think of a pin board -- something like a cork bulletin board online. You "pin" things of interest on your pin board. If you're interested in fashion, baking, sports, photography or virtually any other topic, Pinterest gives you a way to share your expertise and enthusiasm with others -- who in turn can "re-pin" your topic for others to see.

How do I use Pinterest? Once I sign up using my Facebook login, I take a look around by browsing through almost three dozen categories. Or, I might start my own pin board by posting, say, a picture of my Shetland Sheepdog. Other lovers of Shelties will "re-pin" or comment on my posting. Before long I've made friends with others and perhaps learned something new.

StumbleUpon.com is another great place to have fun and, if you wish, to learn more about your favorite subjects. Once you sign up you can choose from a huge list of interests, then begin "stumbling" all over the web to find great pictures, articles and videos. It's a lot of fun and something you might find hard to put down.

And here's more good news: If you have a smartphone (Android or iPhone) or an iPod Touch, you can download both Pinterest and StumbleUpon apps free of charge. Then, when you find yourself sitting in a waiting room or otherwise bored, just fire up the app and begin pinning or stumbling to your heart's content.

Content Provided by Spot55.com