Top 10 trendy websites

Surf these super sites to find out what all buzz is about!
1 freecycle.org What is it? Nicknamed FreeBay (free eBay), Freecycle is a classified ads website where no money changes hands. Why is it causing a buzz? Lauded by the green-minded or anyone who hates to see old sofas, beds and kitchen appliances cluttering up streets and landfills. How can I use it? Join for free and you can swap or give items away to someone who wants them. You can also get some great freebies – nearly new gadgets and furniture, record or magazine collections, clothes. Simply keep an eye on the messageboard for your area, or choose to have all new messages e-mailed to you.
2 moblog.co.uk What is it? Instant photo-journalism by you, me or anyone with a camera phone. When something catches your eye – a passing celebrity, a newsworthy scene, a funny street sign – snap it with your mobile and send it to Moblog, where the world can see and comment on it. Why is it causing a buzz? Moblog hit the headlines after last July's London bombings when survivors submitted snaps of the scenes. Within minutes, the photos were picked up by newspapers and came to define the event. How can I use it? Moblog is fascinating to browse and use. You don't need a camera phone: after joining for free, you set up your own page and e-mail in your digital photos. If other members like your photo, they'll comment or mark it as a “highlight”.
3 imdb.com What is it? All the information you need on every film or TV series, all for free. Founded in Bristol ten years ago by film lover Col Needham, Internet Movie Database (IMDb) now boasts 30 million visitors a month. Why is it causing a buzz? This site just keeps growing and growing. It's a major force in Hollywood, where there's a craze for actors to “IMDb people” before agreeing to a date. They want to check that their potential lover has a decent movie CV! How can I use it? IMDb is useful if you love films or TV. Search for any title, actor or crew member to find reviews, cast lists, trivia, quotes, links and much more.
4 postsecret.com What is it? A gallery of postcards bearing all kinds of anonymous secrets. Why is it causing a buzz? Two years ago US artist Frank Warren advertised for confessional postcards and displayed his favourites here. But the cards kept on coming. How can I use it? Just enjoy it as a touching, funny, thought-provoking piece of modern art.
5 Froogle.google.co.uk What is it? Google's search engine to help you find information about products online and the cheapest prices. Why is it causing a buzz? Froogle searches the largest collection of products online, so you'll never have to hit the high street again. But if you're out shopping, Froogle's SMS service will text the cheapest online option to you. See http://sms.google.co.uk for details. How can I use it? Go to froogle.google.co.uk or google.co.uk and click on the Froogle icon. Type in the item you want and click “Search Froogle” to see the photos of relevant products, links to the stores that sell them or product reviews.
6 earth.google.com What is it? A virtual globe inside your computer. Download the free program, type in any earthly location (your street, favourite hotel, Times Square...) and zoom in to explore in high resolution satellite detail. Why is it causing a buzz? People can't stop talking about Google Earth's addictive powers. Once you start “virtually” jetting from Venice to the Grand Canyon via the Colosseum, you'll never stop. How can I use it? Google Earth is useful for “exploring” somewhere you're going on holiday – it will help you find a restaurant, park or hotel and even give you driving directions.
7 bbc.co.uk/films/oneminutemovies What is it? A huge and inspirational library of short films made by ordinary people. There are also useful tips on shooting, editing and submitting a film. Why is it causing a buzz? The web is full of short film sites, but One Minute Movies actually makes you the filmmaker. Thousands of web users have seized the opportunity. How can I use it? Join in! E-mail this BBC site a 60-second film from your camcorder and anyone can watch and comment on it.
8 craigslist.org What is it? Craigslist is like an online Loot, but it's completely free both to read and post classified ads. Why is it causing a buzz? From its small beginnings as an online classified ads page in San Francisco, Craigslist has transformed itself into one of the Internet's biggest successes, with local sites in 120 cities around the world. How can I use it? You can buy or sell just about anything on this website – let your house, track down a great new part-time job – or even find a date.
9 flickr.com What is it? This public photo gallery is similar to Moblog, but the emphasis is on great photos rather than mobile snaps. Why is it causing a buzz? In short, Flickr groups. Any Flickr member can create a group – say, photos of beaches – and any member can post their beach photos in that group. There are now thousands of Flickr groups, from the fashion group to the British takeaway group. Yes, photographs of takeaway dinners. How can I use it? Flickr is a great way to share holiday snaps with loved ones without cluttering up their e-mail inboxes. Join Flickr for free, post your photos and, if you prefer, specify that only your friends and family can view them.
10 snopes.com What is it? A comprehensive “true or false?” directory of urban myths. Why is it causing a buzz? Snopes has heard every rumour going and knows which ones are true. When a rumour emerges, Snopes' researchers leap into action, verifying sources to give the story a red light (false: “MacDonalds is the world's largest purchaser of cow eyeballs”) or green (true: “A man has been living at a Paris airport since 1988”). How can I use it? Check out your favourite urban myths. An ideal way to kill time at the computer.

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