Software for Girls

It turns out that there are lots of good reasons, ranging from the fact that girls make up half the population, to studies that show girls' computer usage dropping off at the age where many software programs' main characters change from androgenous animals to mortal combat seeking, intergalactic space blasters.

As part of our ongoing series looking at programs designed primarily for girls, SuperKids' reviewers checked out the latest in this category. Continuing a trend we've seen over the last two years, software developers are increasingly focusing on traditional, favorite girls characters.

• Barbie as Sleeping Beauty [for ages 4 and up] from Mattel Media, makes little attempt at being educational. Nonetheless, the attractive power, and hence value of the program for little girls should not be underestimated

• Barbie Generation Girl Gotta Groove [for ages 5 and up] from Mattel Media, offers Barbie fans the opportunity to design and perform their own dance routines, using their favorite Generation Girl friends, using an object-oriented programing approach. Best for younger girls.

• Cosmopolitan Virtual Makeover: The Collection [for ages 12 and up] from Segasoft, brings the ‘makeovers’ popularized by beauty magazines to the home computer. Best for teen girls who like to experiment with makeup and clothes.

• Barbie Sticker Designer [for ages 5 and up] from Mattel Media, is creative, it's fun, and it may even teach some transferable (and desirable) computer skills. With or without a digital camera, this program won't disappoint.

• Ellie's Enchanted Garden [for ages 4 and up] from Zowie Intertainment, combines a novel plastic playset and small plastic figurines with an interactive computer program. Although not highly educational, the program may spark the user's imagination by presenting a story that can be continued away from the computer.

Can't find one that meet your needs? Check out other Girls programs SuperKids has reviewed.

SuperKids Ratings
Title Publisher	Education Value	Kid Appeal	Ease of Use	Buyers Guide (Price Survey)
Barbie as Sleeping Beauty     Mattel Media	3.2	4.0	5.0	PC / Mac
Barbie Generation Girl Gotta Groove     Mattel Media	3.0	4.0	4.0	PC / Mac
Cosmopolitan Virtual Makeover: The Collection     Segasoft	3.0	4.0	4.0	PC / Mac
Barbie Sticker Designer     Mattel Media	4.0	4.5	4.0	PC / Mac
Ellie's Enchanted Garden     Zowie Intertainment	3.5	4.8	4.0	PC / Mac
Reviews of Other Software Programs for Girls

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