mike47

I find video games very dull - whether it is a shoot-em-up or car racing or whatever. I consider them a waste of time.

Are there any really good educational games? I'm aware of plenty of "brain training" games that are supposed to improve general problem solving skills, but I'm looking for something more targeted. I've a PhD in particle physics and I write code for a living (C++ and Python mainly), so I'm interested in something that would go way beyond mental arithmetic and word games.

Any ideas? Anyone else interested in games like this?

A report on the BBC website about a new attack on internet banking (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16812064) made me wonder if it is time for an enhanced security browser that could be used just for online banking? So for example, it would not run any Javascript, have a very strict same-origin policy, and could perhaps include some kind of built-in anti-virus. Any thoughts?

I'm looking to move back into contracting after a career break. Last time I did this I ran my own limited company, but this was a lot of hassle. Can anyone recommend a good (UK) umbrella company? Or should I set up my own company again?