Webscape

By Kate Russell Click Webscape-r

Kate Russell gives us her latest selection of the best sites on the World Wide Web.

NOOSTAR (www.noostar.com)

Noostar

British comedian Graham Norton has set up a talent portal to help people get noticed.

I highly recommend the Shows tab, but also take a look at the compilation of the best recent posts.

These will give you a real flavour of the diversity of talent found on this site. There are plenty of truly very good but little-known and unsigned music acts hoping to be discovered.

If you have a skill you want to show off, just register and upload - and pretty soon your peers will be able to vote on you.

The top three performers are awarded prizes each week. But those just browsing can also take part in a separate competition.

NOSCRIPT (http://noscript.net)

NoScript

If you are worried about malicious code embedded in certain web browser plug-ins, then this nice little Mozilla-based plug-in can help.

Each time you visit a new web page, if it tries to load any scripts the applet will block these and alert you.

It is also useful if you are running on a slow connection, and do not want lots of movies and animations trying to launch into the page you are browsing.

WHIZZ (www.whizz.com)

Whizz

Whizz.com provides an online tutor to help children at all stages and levels of confidence to improve their maths skills.

Based on the UK and US curriculum, the first five lessons are free so users get a taste of what is to come.

A tailor-made tutor service is also available along with an on-going lesson plan which are part of a paid-for premium package.

WEBOOK (www.webook.com)

WEbook

Webook.com allows authors to collaborate and possibly even be offered a publishing contract if voted for by their peers.

It is a social network of a creative kind, as well as running projects to which aspiring writers can contribute.

Aspiring writers will find groups and networks to connect with and hone their craft in any style or genre.

For those lucky enough to get a publishing offer, the site states a 50/50 share of net profit. Check the terms and conditions for more information.