10 Brilliant things to do with broadband

Watch amazing world records
Quite why Englishman John Evans balanced a 159.6kg Mini on his head for 33 seconds in 1999 is not something we will try to answer. Lets just be content in knowing that he did and has the world record for "heaviest car balanced on head" to prove it. He should probably now go for the shortest neck record. This excellent broadband website claims to have around 3000 video clips of world record breakers in action. You can even get the site to monitor your own record attempt - just leave the car alone. Roy Castle would have loved this.

Watch a live concert
There's a good chance that at least one of the live artists featured here will be your cup of tea. But while it won't quite replace being at a concert from a sweat, money and noise point of view, it will give you a rough idea of what the band do. A selection of live performances from artists including Sting, Tori Amos, Coldplay and Linkin Park is available to stream. The audio quality is excellent and the video quality holds up even in full-screen mode. Well worth a visit and let's hope they add some more artists soon.


Turn your text into speech
If your only experience of talking computers is the Daleks or your old Speak n Spell game, then you're in for a surprise. First, type a sentence or two into the text box, remembering to use as much punctuation as possible. Then select a voice (Brit-speaking Audrey is about the best) and click Submit. A .wav file will download and should automatically play in one of your computer's media players. The result is usually quite impressive, although the German voice (Klara) struggles a bit with English. Suggested uses include: loud office announcements, leaving strange messages on friends' voicemail and of course ventriloquism.


Become a 70s DJ
Put on a large curly wig, some star shaped shades and a pair of your widest flares - yes it's 1973 all over again and you're the DJ. This is a straightforward but addictive twist on the usual "be a bleep-bleep DJ" program (see www.bacardidj.com for something more traditional). With plenty of funky beats and wicked guitar licks, you'll instantly be thrown back to a time when Ford Capris ruled the roads and bands with big hair ruled the airwaves. The program uses Macromedia Flash and should fly down your broadband line.


Create your own superhero
Did you know that He-Man Masters of the Universe is still being produced? How has this muscleman, who bears more likeness to Hunter from Gladiators than a real superhero, survived for 20 years? The only way to really tackle that Skeletor character is to build your own superhero. At HeroMachine, if you click on the "Run Hero Machine live at UGO.com" link you'll get all the tools you need to create a being - human or otherwise - that will save the planet (or will at least occupy 10 minutes of your spare time).


Beat the world at bar billiards
Falling somewhere between bar billiards and quoits, Couronne is the game everyone's talking about. Pick a password, disable chat (unless you want lots of pesky strangers trying to be your friend) and select an opponent. Then knock all your hoops into the holes before your opponent and sit back feeling smug.

Create your own band
Yikes, what an instantly forgettable, one-hit wonder outfit they are. Plucked from nowhere and thrust together on stage. But that's enough about Hear'say, instead it's your turn to create a five minute pop sensation. All singing, all dancing and with flashing lights as well - could you ask for more?

Make your own film
When we say films, we're not thinking Steven Spielberg, but considering this site is free and will take you just a few minutes, it's not bad. Pick some scenery, assemble some characters, write a script and within minutes you'll have your first movie - ready to email to your friends, but probably not to Barry Norman.

Send a virtual greeting
Why settle for a plain text email when you could send a virtual hologram to read out a greeting - in your voice. You can change everything from the shape of its head to its eye colour. Next, select a greeting, or record your own, then email it and give your friends a surprise.

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