Cool Practical Gifts

If you are looking for something besides games and multimedia upgrade kits to give for the holidays, check out any of the screen savers. One of these stars the Simpsons and is available from Berkeley Systems (Mac and Windows versions). Some programs combine screen savers and organizers (e.g., Delrina's Dilbert Screen Saver for Windows). In addition to lightening up your day, screen savers typically provide a password to protect your computer from nosy neighbors.

A new twist on this theme is provided by the Seinfeld screen saver and planner CD-ROM ($39.95) from Byron Preiss Multimedia ((800) 482-3766). The program lets you play live-action video clips from the hit TV series and will let you personalize stationery, memos, and fax forms with a photo album of classic Seinfeld scenes. Retailers say that more traditional planners like Berkeley Sys tems' Expresso Calendar and Address Book for Windows or the Mac are also big sellers.

Finally, Computer Expressions sells through mass merchandisers a wide variety of mouse pads with themes from Gone with the Wind, M. C. Escher, The Wizard of Oz, and even the Grateful Dead. Ranging from $5 to $10, the price for these accessories won't send you down the road feeling bad.