It is absolutely essential to study the manual closely before adopting any Dogz and it is a good idea to print it off for easy and quick reference. It is an excellent manual that is well set out, and it explains everything in simple, straightforward language, making it accessible to children. Now for the fun! Choose from one of 15 breeds of Dogz, from Bulldogs to Sheepdogs, from Muts to Chihuahuas, with all their different personalities, likes and dislikes, but don't adopt too many-they must all be cared for. Love them and remember to feed them. Give them water, medicine when they're sick and don't forget to brush them. Exercise and play regularly with your Dogz; reward them for good behaviour and squirt them with water if they misbehave. Train them to do tricks. There are more than 100 toys to play with-lucky Dogz find some and there are more to be earned when you play the five mini games. Collect wonderful gifts with them during their doggy travels, such as exotic jewels. Treat your Dogz well and earn yourself a happy-pet certificate. Choose items of clothing and accessories to dress them; watch your Dogz fall in love and have puppies, and access their family trees as far back as eight generations. A Web Fun Pack is included, which contains Petz clipart, animations and backgrounds, all Internet-ready to enable you to create your own Web pages. Particularly helpful are the tips on day and night cycles, how Petz grow, what happens when you cheat, how you can acquire new toys, and what to do if your pet runs away. Dogz 5 contains new features, but owners of previous Dogz can bring their adopted pets into this new version. Compatible with Catz 5, put the two programs together to create more breeds, fun and Petz. -Susan Naylor.

Printable typing certificate & test results!Advanced 'Admin Options' give parents control over the learning process.

Accompanying the CD-ROM is an excellent pamphlet dealing with all aspects of the game. The language is simple and straightforward and help can be accessed from the menu screen, where useful directions can be found. Before commencing, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the Menu screen, particularly the Game Setup option which, on clicking, allows you to personalise the game in the way you prefer to play, changing options for voice, music, special effects, and closed captioning, which when switched on, makes written descriptions appear in the text window for sounds and noises. This is especially helpful as for some the written word, accompanied by the spoken word, is more helpful when absorbing instructions. -Susan Naylor.