The site is starting to use facial recognition technology - meaning it can recognise your face in photos - and in a controversial move, it's not letting people know about it . 

This means that when people upload photos, Facebook automatically "reads" them, and can detect whether or not you're in that photo.  Your Facebook contacts can then "tag" you, meaning the photo appears on your profile page and is linked to your account.  Facebook have posted an informative official blog entry saying that this makes things more convenient for its users but many have criticised the company, saying it raises concerns around privacy.

If you're worried about this and wish to turn the feature off, here's how to do it:

1. On the top right hand side of your Facebook homepage (when logged in) click the small down-pointing arrow and then "Privacy Settings".
2. Next to where it says "How tags work", click on the small blue text link named "Edit settings".
3. A window will pop up, click the word "Friends" next to the words "Tag suggestions - when friends upload photos that look like you"
4. Another box will pop up on your screen, with photos of your friends. Under this,you'll see "Who sees tag suggestions when pictures that look like me are uploaded", and the grey button next to it which says "Friends"
5. Click on this button, select "No one" and close the box by clicking "OK".

You can find out more on the following (non-BBC) websites:

• The Register - Facebook quietly switches on facial recognition tech
• Wired.co.uk - Facebook silently rolls out face recognition technology to the world
• Reuters - Facebook facial recognition technology sparks renewed concerns
• The Telegraph - Facebook facial recognition system criticised
• The Facebook Blog - Making photo tagging easier
• Mashable - Facebook runs ads to help users turn off facial recognition

BBC News Technology have just covered this story too - you can find their article here.

In case you're not familar with Facebook, we have an article explaining what it is - and a blog entry, which you can find here.

To understand about IPv6, it's first worth understanding the whole concept of IP addresses.  You can read all about it in our WebWise articles "What is the internet?" and "How the web works" if you want to, but here's a summary.

In short, every device (computer, mobile phone, server, you name it) and website that's part of the internet has a unique string of numbers, known as an Internet Protocol (IP) address.  When you type a web address into your browser, it looks up this address (the same way you might look up a telephone number, for example) so that it can connect to the right server and show you the website.

The thing is, the current system used means that there are only so many combinations available - and the massive growth of the internet and new internet-enabled technology like smart phones means that we're running out.  That's why IPv6 is being very slowly introduced - instead of a possible combination of up to 12 numbers the new IP addresses will be much longer and will use not just numbers but letters as well. 

This means that the internet can grow to be much bigger, but it also means that the technology you use to connect will eventually become obsolete - so at some point in the next few years, you're going to need a new internet router.  Don't worry - your internet service provider (ISP) should send you one, and IPv5 should work for around ten more years anyway!

Read the full story on the BBC News Technology website for more information.

Well, yesterday The French President Nicolas Sarkozy opened a similar forum in Paris called the e-G8, which brings together major names from the technology industry - leaders from websites like Google, Facebook and Wikipedia.  News Corp's Rupert Murdoch and the BBC's Director General Mark Thompson are also due to speak.

The most controversial issue up for debate is about who 'owns' the internet - whether governments should control what people can say online and also what they can access.  This is particularly topical because of the recent news stories about superinjunctions being broken via social networking website Twitter.

Read the full story about the e-G8 forum on the BBC News Technology website.

I know I'm not alone.  The WebWise inbox sees an almost constant stream of frustrated ex-pats who, having moved abroad, have suddenly found themselves not only without BBC TV channels but also without the ability to catch up on EastEnders online.

I can understand their frustration and - while I can't press a magic button which will make iPlayer work abroad - I thought it would be worthwhile explaining the main reason we can't do this.  The iPlayer FAQ section has some information about it, and the main BBC FAQ pages have general information for people visiting the BBC website from outside the UK, but here's a quick summary.

Basically, it's all down to right issues: who owns what footage, and who gets paid when it's used.  While we own all of the video footage and sound recordings we make ourselves, almost every programme which goes on air contains footage from somewhere else.  This saves the BBC - and therefore licence fee payers - a lot of money, and also makes for better programmes.

In case you're wondering where all this archive footage actually is, think about what you're listening to when you watch the programme.  If you listen carefully, you might hear great background music by artists like Elbow, Daft Punk or Mr Scruff.  Why spend money making music when someone else is already making it, and possibly doing a better job?

And then there's video footage you might not even think about - footage of historic events, images of animals in foreign countries, aerial shorts of mountains - all that kind of thing.  Well, it all costs money - and it costs a lot more money to make it available for everyone in the world as opposed to just viewers from the UK.

So how does the BBC know I'm based outside the UK?

You might be wondering how on earth the BBC knows the difference between someone based in the UK and someone based abroad.  Well, this is to do with something called your "IP (Internet Protocol) address".  Wikipedia has detailed information about this, but it can be simplified quite easily. 

Basically, every internet connection is given a unique number identifying it which is also tied to your location.  That means that websites can look at your IP address and change what you see depending on where you are.  It's not foolproof technology - on rare occasions people in the UK might have problems getting iPlayer, usually due to problems with their internet provider - but it does the job most of the time.

So there you are.  If you have a question you'd like answered, get in touch through our contact form.  See you next week!

As well as working on the WebWise production team, Helen has an interest in short-form video, social media and online marketing.

UPDATE: As of July 2010, the BBC iPlayer is available outside the UK as an "app" for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. While a limited amount of content available is free, to access it all a subscription must be paid. As of March 2012 the app is available in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Australia and Canada, with the United States expected soon.

However, there is a much faster way of communicating with people than email which can be quite surprising at first.  You might have seen it before - you're on Facebook, or using a friend's computer, when all of a sudden a little message pops up at the bottom of your screen that looks like it's from a real person - perhaps one of your friends.  So is it spam, or a pop-up, or what?  Well, it's probably someone sending you an instant message.

It all seems horribly complicated, but what instant messaging really involves is typing messages into a box.  The very moment you hit send (usually by using the Enter key on your computer) your friend can see that message - sometimes they can even see what you're saying as you type.  It's just like using a telephone, except you're typing instead of speaking.  In fact, it's a lot like using text messages - except unlike text messages, it's free!

You can either use instant messaging supplied by websites (like Facebook, eBuddy and Meebo), webmail providers (Yahoo, Gmail and Ymail all do this, as do many others) or download special software (like Windows Live Messenger, AIM, Skype or ICQ) - so there are a lot of options! 

Some software will even let you make voice and video calls, often through your webcam - check our our article on setting up your webcam for more details.  For more information on instant messaging, have a look at the WebWise guide.

If you have a question you'd like to ask us, send us an email through our contact form (or leave a comment!)

Guide: Download Flash plug-ins

On top of that, we also have a very informative article about what plug-ins you need and how to install them, which you can find here:

Article: What plug-ins do I need?

You might be wondering, then, why we're answering this question.  Well, it's because people often wonder why, when they buy a new computer, they're asked to install /update Flash.  It's a fair enough question, since you'd think that computers would come with everything you need.

Well, the first reason is that the Flash software - unlike Windows Media Player on a PC or iTunes on a Mac, is owned by a different company not related to your computer or operating system - so, Windows is made and owned by Microsoft, iOS is made and owned by Apple, but Flash is made and owned by Adobe.  As software supplied by a third party Flash rarely comes as standard, however; it often comes with your internet browser - since many websites rely on you having this software to function.

If it has been installed, this is why you might be asked to update it.  If you're wondering why your brand new computer might come with old, out of date software, it's because like most popular software Flash is almost constantly being worked on by developers, as the internet and computers evolve and have new requirements.  This means that in the time between your computer being put together and you switching it on for the first time, Adobe and other companies might have released a new version of their software which you need to update.

Although it's frustrating to have to spend time waiting for new software to download before you start playing with your shiny new computer, it's worth it - without plug-ins like Flash and others you'll find some web pages don't work properly.  Also, updates might have been released to improve security settings, so it's always important to make sure you have the most recent version of all your software.

Anyway, as a reward for all your hard work downloading those plug-ins we've rounded up some of WebWise's favourite BBC Flash games for you to have a go on. 

First up, other sites from BBC Learning have some amazing games - they're supposed to help children and teens with their revision, but we love playing them too.  The slightly odd puzzle game Questionaut from Bitesize is my personal favourite, because I like the cause-and-effect fun of clicking on random items, but we also love the game Greek Hero - it looks great and at one point you get to talk to Socrates.

Then CBBC have loads of fun games - again, for children, but don't let that put you off - children know their games. My favourites are the Shaun the Sheep Championsheeps - particularly Click 'N' Spoon.

Drama Merlin has a great set of games, as does (of course) Doctor Who - it seems like some TV programmes are just tailor made for great games.  Finally, don't forget the legendary Only Connect  - you really have to have your wits about you for this one.  Definitely a game for intellectual types, but very addictive when you get your head around it.

If you want to share your favourite BBC Flash game, please do link to it in the comments - and as always, if you want us to answer a question for you get in touch through our contact form.

As well as working on the WebWise production team, Helen has an interest in short-form video, social media and online marketing.

If you're anything like me, you'll be starting to feel like getting your camera out and capturing those great summer moments.  Perhaps you've been to a Royal Wedding street party and have loads of pictures to share with your friends and neighbours - or maybe you've been on holiday holiday and want  your family to see just how cool you looked wearing a sombrero / riding a camel / braving parascending.

However, there's one simple thing that stops a lot of people - how do you actually attach those pesky images to your emails?  Don't worry - it's a simple trick, and when you've done it once you'll be doing it all the time.  After I taught my mum over the phone I got a sudden flurry of pictures of the family dog in various artistic poses, and neither of them ever looked back.

So how do you do it?  Well, once you've started writing your email look along the top row of options, where you can change the text colour and size, and other things.  Right along that bar there'll be either a picture of a paperclip or a button saying "Attach..." (or a combination of the two).  Click on it and a window will appear asking you to look for the file on your computer.  Find the file, select it by clicking on it once, press "Okay" and the image will be magically attached to your email. 

Once you're happy with your message, click send and your picture will be on its way to the lucky recipient(s).

The process is pretty much the same for every type of email, whether you're using webmail (like Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo Mail) or software like Outlook.  What's more, you can use this method to attach any type of file - not just images. 

If you want to have a practise there are some pictures that you might only want to share with close friends), we've created a rather handy course all about sending emails.

And remember, you can send any questions you want us to answer through our contact form.

As well as working on the WebWise production team, Helen has an interest in short-form video, social media and online marketing.

1. The sound's too loud/too quiet

If you can definitely hear sound coming out of your computer, but it's either too loud or too quiet (and you've adjusted the sound controls on your video/audio player as much as you can) then there's one more place you can turn to. 

On a Windows PC, you'll see a clock in the bottom right hand of your screen, in the task bar.  Next to that is a row of icons, one of which shows a speaker (if you can't see it, try clicking the arrow button to the left of the icons).  Click on this once, and you'll see the main audio controls for the computer as a whole - changing the sound here will probably solve your problem, although be aware that it'll change the sound levels on everything you listen to on your computer.

2. There isn't any sound at all

If you haven't got any sound on your computer at all - and you've tried listening to CDs, online videos and music files, so you know it's a problem affecting all types of sound on your computer and not just your CD drive or music software - things can be more difficult to fix.  Here are some common issues:

• Often, the sound will be muted - follow the instructions for changing the sound above, but instead of adjusting the sound level de-select the "mute" tick-box to un-mute the sound. 
• You might want to check that your speakers or headphones are plugged into the right place, or try different sets - your headphones might be broken (this happened to me recently!).
• Try checking the settings - in Windows, use the Start Menu to navigate your control panel (make sure you're in classic view, if you have Windows XP or higher) and double-click on "Sounds and Audio Devices" - you can see a more detailed view of the volume settings here, but don't change anything if you don't know what it means!

If none of these options fix your issue, then it's worth finding a techy friend or failing that, finding a reputable local computer shop who can help you out.  Good luck!

As well as working on the WebWise production team, Helen has an interest in short-form video, social media and online marketing.

If you've clicked on it, you'll know that it takes you to a page asking for your sign-in details - or, if you haven't got any, you can click another button which says "Register now".  From there on, the sign-up process is pretty simple - much easier than signing up for online shopping or online banking, for example, although it can look a little bit intimidating at first. 

And here's where people become slightly reticent - is it really worth it?  Good question.  I think so.  I'll go through what information the BBC wants from you in a moment, but in case you want it selling to you, here are three of the things you can do on the BBC website with a BBC iD account.

• Message boards: view and take part in discussions about news, programmes and more on some very active message boards.
• Comments: have your say on BBC News stories and blog entries across the BBC website (like this one)
• iPlayer: save a list of your favourite TV or radio shows to watch later, and get recommendations on what to watch next

So, if you're convinced (and I hope you are), here's a quick breakdown of the information the BBC iD service requires and what it's needed for:

Username

This will be your name across the BBC website.  Think of it as being like a nickname - except it has to be entirely unique.  The form will go red if someone else using BBC iD has the username you want, so experiment.  Just make sure your username is something fairly short, which you can remember easily. Our Internet Basics course has more information on this.

Password

This is very important - it's so nobody else can use your username or access your details.  To be safe, use a mixture of letters and numbers - and don't write it down anywhere, or you might find a cheeky friend/relative has been writing rude comments on the BBC website without your knowledge! (I speak from experience...) Again, we have a tool you can use to check your password.

Date of Birth

Some people worry about this, but the reason the BBC needs this information is actually to protect children.  Sites like CBBC and BBC Schools have special message boards just for kids, and getting your date of birth means that adults and children are kept socially apart - so adults can't use children's message boards and children can't use message boards meant for adults.

Display name

This is there in case you don't want your username to appear - so you can put your real name here.  For example, when I leave a comment on this blog my name is displayed as "Helen Purves" - but my username is something else.  Having this feature meant that when I started commenting on this blog, I could change how my name appeared to something more work-friendly!

Email address

You need to put in your email address so that the BBC can confirm that you're a real person, and not a spammer.  This is the very last step - after this, you're done.  Now, at the top of the page (next to the BBC blocks) you'll be able to see your username - click on this and you can either edit your settings, or sign out (very important if you share your computer or log in on someone else's).

So that's it!  Just five easy pieces of information (which the BBC promises to keep safe and secure) and you're free to talk to other people on the BBC website - and, of course, comment on our blog posts.  If you want more information, there's an FAQ page on the BBC iD mini-site.

If you have a question about computers or the internet that you think we can answer, get in touch through our contact form (letting us know if it's okay for us to use your first name and location) or, of course, use the comments section of this blog!

As well as working on the WebWise production team, Helen has an interest in short-form video, social media and online marketing.

Internet Explorer

In the bar at the top of your browser, click on "Tools", then select "Internet Options" from the drop-down which appears (usually at the bottom of the drop-down).  A box will appear - make sure the "General" tab is selected, then either type in the web address of the site you want to make your homepage or click on the "Select current page" button if you're visiting that page at the moment.  Click "Okay" at the bottom - and you're done.

Mozilla Firefox

The process on Firefox is very similar.  Click on the "Firefox" tab in the top left of the screen, expand the "Options" drop-down and then choose "Options" in the new menu. A box will appear, make sure the "General" tab is selected - sometimes it isn't, with Firefox - and then type in the URL of the site you want as your homepage or choose from one of the other options.

Google Chrome

Click on the picture of a spanner which is next to your navigation bar (on the top right hand side) and select "Options" from the drop-down.  You can type in your homepage URL and choose other options when the "Basics" tab is selected.

Apple Safari

Click on the picture of a cog, which is at the top of your browser on the right hand side (next to your search bar).  Select "Preferences" from the drop-down which appears and then select the "General" when the box pops up.  You can set your homepage from here - and then click on the red cross at the top right hand side of the pop-up to exit this box.

I hope that helps - and don't forget, if you have a question you'd like us to answer you can get in touch through our contact form.

As well as working on the WebWise production team, Helen has an interest in short-form video, social media and online marketing.

Well, "URL" stands for Uniform Resource Locator. Quite a mouthful, really, for what it is: a web address. This helps your web browser to find a website on the internet. It's the virtual equivalent of a street address, with each part playing its part. Let's use the URL of this blog to break it down:

https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/webwise/

Let's start with the http:// part. This stands for "HyperText Transfer Protocol". It's a bit complicated, but basically this is the foundation of the web: this tells your browser that you're looking for something kept online as opposed to on your personal computer.

Next comes the www bit. You might already know that this stands for "World Wide Web". Many websites don't use this any more, and people often don't mention it as if it's needed your browser will automatically put it in for you. Although it probably takes up most of your time online, what we call the "web" was originally only part of a great variety of different services across the internet, which is where this came from.

The part after that - bbc.co.uk - tells your browser where on the web to find the website. Your browser interprets this text as a series of numbers which leads it to the server where the website is stored.

The last two parts (/blogs/webwise/) indicate where on that server the page you're looking at is being kept. This is exactly like the folders on your computer where you keep your own files: this blog is in a folder called "webwise" which itself is in a bigger folder called "blogs". Each folder name ends with a forward slash, like this: /

So that's it - I hope that's cleared things up for you. If not, you might want to take a look at our article about how the web works. We also have a lot more information about URLs in the main WebWise article on the subject.

If you want to send us a question, visit our feedback page. Please let us know if it's okay for us to use your first name and location.

As well as working on the WebWise production team, Helen has an interest in short-form video, social media and online marketing.

However, many of the explanations of what happened are hard to understand.  Controller of Digital Distribution Richard Cooper pointed to "multiple failures", citing failure in "aggregation of network traffic from the BBC's hosting centres to the internet" amongst other things. The editor of the BBC News website, Steve Herrmann, simplified it further, saying that "routers" failed, as did the backup system - but what does this mean in layman's terms?

Simply put, websites consist of large amount of data - text, images, videos etc - which live on servers.  These are storage devices much like those found inside your computer, but many times larger.

When you type a web address into your browser, you are essentially giving it directions on how to find the server the website lives on. In turn, the website sends out directions on where your browser should look.  In fact, the BBC website is so big that it is divided between quite a few servers - but in this case that's not where things went wrong.

What happened is that the technology that helps with the directions to the servers failed, as did all the technology that's in place as a back up measure.  So for just under an hour, the BBC website appeared to have vanished - your browser couldn't find it, and in turn it couldn't send directions to your browser on how to find it.  It wasn't that the website had gone or been deleted - just that the connection wasn't working.

It's a bit like when you unplug your personal broadband router: not only can you not connect to the internet, but the internet can't connect to you.  That doesn't mean your computer doesn't work on its own, or that all your data is lost, or that you’ll never be able to view your favourite websites again.

Of course, all technology breaks every now and then.  Fortunately the BBC website is so large that it has dedicated teams working to keep it running 24/7 who managed to get most of bbc.co.uk back on its feet in under an hour.

For more simple information on how the web works, you might like to read our article about it.

Also, for more information about this story there's a useful article from BBC News Technology.

In fact, during my time at the BBC I've been to Broadcasting House to watch The Now Show being recorded, to Pinewood Studios to watch David Mitchell's team triumphing in a great episode of Would I Lie To You, and to the legendary studios at BBC Television Centre more times than I can remember to watch great shows like You Have Been Watching, Grownups, The Omid Djalili Show and The Hairy Bikers' Cook Off, and all I had to pay for was my bus fare.

However, don't think for one second that this is a perk of my job. Not at all. In fact, anyone can go and watch a TV or radio show being recorded - as long as, like me, you're prepared to sign up on the website and queue with everyone else. That's right: you too can indulge in your secret passion for David Mitchell, Alexander Armstrong, Sandi Toksvig or even Bruce Forsyth by seeing them live in the flesh for absolutely nothing.

And this isn't just something for Londoners - most of the TV and radio shows might be recorded in big studios near the capital, but there are a plethora of one-off recordings and events held across the whole country. For example, the touring Bang Goes The Theory road show is very popular, and summer wouldn't be the same without the Proms, quite correctly billed as "The world's greatest classical music festival".

What's more, you can even come and have a nosy round our studios. If you want to see what your local BBC stations are up to and how they work, you can come and look round a whole range of BBC offices through the Tours website. I've been on the tour of Television Centre with friends and got to see areas of the BBC even I, as a staff member, don't usually get to see.

So, with all this in mind, I highly recommend giving the BBC's Shows, Tours & Events site the once-over. Every time I look I find something worth going to, but if your favourite show isn't on there, don't despair: many shows are produced by independent production companies, who use other websites to advertise for audience members. External agencies include SRO Audiences (for shows like The Graham Norton Show, Dancing on Ice, Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week) and Applause Store (for Britain's Got Talent, Top Gear, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and QI).

You might have noticed that some of those programmes aren't aired by the BBC: that's because it's not just the BBC looking for audience members. Broadcasters like Channel 4, ITV, Sky and more are always looking for people to come and enjoy their shows. You can register your details and apply for tickets for the shows you're interested in. You might not get accepted every time, but you could get to see your favourite programme recorded - without spending a single penny. And it's worth mentioning that the more times you attend the more likely it is that you'll be successful in getting tickets the next time you apply, as all of these ticket-suppliers keep a record of who can be relied upon to turn up.

In the mean time, while you wait for your tickets to come through, that great Radio 4 comedy I went to see being recorded, So Wrong It's Right, starts from tonight (Thursdays at half six) - and I highly recommend it.

As well as working on the WebWise production team, Helen has an interest in short-form video, social media and online marketing.

Fast forward 20 years, and The Archers has been running an astoundingly long 60 years (nearly 10 years longer than Coronation Street, and close to 35 years longer than EastEnders) and, like these other soaps, it has most definitely managed to keep up with the times. With a dedicated base of listeners, the programme has a strong presence on the web.

Fans on sites like Archers Addicts discuss every aspect of the show and its characters on well-populated message boards, even writing lengthy and detailed obituaries for well-loved characters. These sites, like their TV soap contemporaries, feature amongst other things photos and descriptions of the cast and locations. The official Archers website has a very detailed interactive map of Ambridge, with drawings and descriptions of key buildings and areas.

Of course, there are many who don't want to step over this line - my parents have been given a great many books about The Archers, which they won't even open in fear of seeing the face of a cast member and "ruining it". They studiously avoid maps of the made-up village of Ambridge and mock-ups of locations because they already have visions of these places in their heads.

However, this doesn't mean they don't like to talk about The Archers with their friends. This is where social media steps in, as well as blog commentary. As with all soap operas as true to life as The Archers, many fans feel a personal affinity to characters and what happens to them, and plotlines are hotly debated.

A promise by ex-controllor of Radio 4 Mark Damazer in 2010 that an upcoming plot twist would happen that would "shake Ambridge to the core" started a debate which engulfed every social media website I visit: all my friends were posting links to speculative blog posts on Facebook, and my Twitter feed was filled with commentary both before, during and after each programme. When Ambridge finally witnessed the "shocking" event - the extremely controversial death of long-running fan-favourite Nigel Pargetter - there was so loud an outcry that I had mental images of Archers fans across the country spontaneously combusting at their computers.

And this is where the internet comes into its own. When The Archers first drifted onto the airwaves as a regular programme in 1951, listening to the programme was no doubt a very passive and personal experience. My grandparents, listening to the death of Grace Archer in 1960, couldn't have done much more than discuss the shocking event with friends over cups of tea. Nowadays, tens of thousands of distressed Archers fans are able to take to the internet to air their views. What's more, the production teams that make programmes are reaching out to them, and listening. Those upset at the death of Nigel were able to read an explanation about the decision to kill him off by BBC Director of Audio & Music Tim Davie, and to send in their thoughts.

This new and still-developing connection between audiences of programmes and those who make them is interesting to consider. At the very least, it allows audiences an opportunity to voice their concerns: in some cases, it even gives them access to the thought processes behind programme-making, and in return allows programme-makers to listen to audience feedback. It will certainly be interesting to see how discussion about Britain's best-loved radio soap continues to develop across ever-changing social media platforms.

As an aside, I'm pleased to be able to tell you that the WebWise animations even feature the voice of Archers super-villain Jonathan Keeble, aka Evil Owen. Here's a link to the video about social networking - rather good, isn't it? I look forward to reading your response to it on Twitter...

Well, that's a good question, and one which I've been asking my colleagues at the BBC. Thankfully, it turns out that the BBC website is absolutely jam-packed with games, quizzes, videos and activities you can do on your own and with your family this Christmas.

In fact, there are so many that as an early Christmas present I would like to present The WebWise Guide To The Best of the BBC. In this list you will find a hand-picked selection of some of the BBC's most interesting stocking fillers - from games to play on your own or with your children, to short videos, recipes for those leftovers, garden designing tools and more. What else could you possibly want?

Videos

As you'd expect from an organisation which primarily deals in making things for TV, the BBC website is absolutely choc-full of videos. However, we're not just talking about iPlayer, where you can catch up on programmes you missed on TV. Oh no. For starters, the BBC Comedy website has lots of delightful exclusives, including our favourite: Misery Bear’s Christmas special.

Alternatively, you could watch these great animations made by Hands On History, and this funny showreel of bloopers from comsumer rights programme Watchdog is guaranteed to raise a smile. For fans of either Prof Brian Cox or - well, the universe, there's a whole site dedicated to archive material from the BBC - and something similar about the Battle of Britain.

Games

Perhaps surprisingly for a broadcaster, the BBC website has some really great games - so much so that it was difficult to pick which ones to tell you about. The absolute pick of the crop is The Doctor Who Adventure Games, which you can download and play. So far there are three episodes, and they're really amazing.

Apart from that, fans of magic and adventure will love the quizzes and games on the Merlin website, and Wallace and Gromit have also got some fantastic games centred around invention. Also, it would be extremely lax of me not to mention the Only Connect Quiz, a fiendishly difficult and addictive game already considered a real cult classic.

For children

Want to keep the kids occupied? The BBC website is the perfect place for them to have a look around, as everything on it is safe for children (although you should always make sure very young children aren't left unattended at a computer - find out more in our section on internet safety for children). The most obvious places for children to go are the CBBC and CBeebies websites, as well as BBC Schools. I particularly enjoyed Shaun the Sheep's Championsheeps, which frankly is far too good for children.

If you want to give your children some learning-by-stealth, unlike their school BBC Bitesize is open for business throughout the school holidays - so they can have a go at innovative games like Questionaut - a beautifully surreal as well as cunningly educational quest to retrieve a strange creature’s top hat. There’s also the beautifully addictive Greek Hero game on the Primary History website (part of BBC Schools), where you can complete tasks and even meet up with Socrates.

Extras

Making New Year's resolutions? We can help you with that, too. BBC Food's Recipe Finder will help you with your post-Christmas health kick. Finally, for the Grinch in every family, Victorian Christmas will help you get into the spirit of things.

So, hopefully that should be more than enough to keep you busy. Happy Christmas from everyone at BBC WebWise - and have a great new year, too.