Computer Jigsaw Puzzles
Continuing with my series on computer games that can be downloaded from the internet, we could have a look at jigsaw puzzles. Most allow you to set the level of difficulty and also use your own photographs to create new jigsaws. But finding a free program that works well is impossible. If you want a good jigsaw program on your computer, you will have to pay a small amount at least.
My own favorite is Jigs@w Puzzle Platinum, a shareware program that gives you 60 minutes of playing time to decide whether you like it or not before buying. It costs only $19.99 and, to true jigsaw addicts, it is well worth the price.
As well as doing everything expected of such software, creating new puzzles, allowing you to decide how many pieces are in a puzzle, it has a very smooth interface and a gallery where you can hang your completed pictures. I used it for years before it ever became “platinum” and it never crashed or faltered.
The alternative to owning a program is to play online. There are many sites that provide jigsaws free of charge but they do have their drawbacks. Most use either Java or Shockwave to create the puzzle and, on my machine, that makes them jerky in operation. If you are determined to play for free, however, they are usable, at least.
The sites I looked at are:
Again, you can choose how difficult you want the puzzle to be, although this means picking the picture that contains the right number of pieces. The puzzles tend to be very simple, however; probably not quite what the real jigsaw devotee wants. But, as they say, you get what you pay for!
