The field of Internet technology has witnessed continuous advances, all of which have changed the face of computer gaming. A few years ago, Mac users and particularly the gamers used to feel a little left out, as there were very few computer games designed for the Macintosh system. However, the growing popularity of Apple computers coupled with new-age technological innovations have increased the number of free online games for Macintosh users. The latest Mac computers offer a major advantage in the fact that they are also compatible with other operating systems such as the Linux, Windows XP, Windows Vista, etc. Therefore, it is now possible for a Mac user to run all those Windows or Linux-based games and software applications which, until now, were limited only to their targeted operating systems. From a Mac user's perspective, this comes across as a significant development since it helps increase the all-round usage value of the computer and in the process, bridges the gap between the Mac systems and other personal desktop computers. Users will be particularly delighted at the wide choice presented by free online mac games that have hit the market in recent years. Many of these games have attained wide amount of publicity and have therefore, developed a strong fan base among the masses. There is a large pool of online games that are available for Mac users; names of some of these games are presented below:

• puzzle and strategy games
• card games
• casino games
• racing games
• arcade games
• sports-related games
• action games
• traditional board games
• mystery 'n' adventure games.

The best thing about these downloadable online games is that they cater to a global audience that cuts across different groups and diverse backgrounds. Names of some of the best free online games for Mac users can be found, listed (placed in different categories) in the paragraphs below. Best Free Online Games for Macintosh Users These games are classified and placed in different categories such as casino games, adventure game, traditional board games, the all-time classics, etc. Let us begin with information on adventure games. Adventure Games: Packed with drama, mystery and suspense, the adventure games have a huge fan following the world over. Crime scenes, murder trails, treasure hunts, eye-patched pirates... adventure games have it all! Listed below are some of the popular adventure games for Mac users:

• Jewel Quest Mysteries
• Island of Hope
• Mysteryville
• Hidden Relics
• Mystery in London
• Hidden Secrets: The Nightmare
• The Nightshift Code
• Supercow
• Neptune's Secret
• The Count of Monte Cristo

Puzzle and Strategy Games: These games are widely popular among all age groups simply because they are very innovative, totally engrossing and quite witty. Some of the most popular Mac puzzle games are:

• Azada
• Zuma
• Luxor
• Bejeweled
• 4 Elements
• Cradle of Rome
• Phantasia
• Pirate Poppers

Casino Games: Another hit with the older generation, online casino games come in many different types, thereby providing the casino enthusiasts with plenty of options to choose from. Names of popular casino games are given below:

• Online Poker
• Blackjack
• Online Bingo
• Video Poker
• Slots
• Roulette

Traditional Board Games: All of us have grown up playing those legendary games like Ludo and Snakes & Ladders. Online board games provide us with an opportunity to relive those moments in a digital way. Here's a list of some of the most-played board games online by Mac users:

• Scrabble
• The Game of Life
• Monopoly
• Battleship
• Backgammon

All-time Classics: Solitaire, Pac-Man, Tetris, Pinball... the grand-daddies of computer games, these all-time classics are loved by one and all, even today. Moving with the times, these games have undergone slight modifications and today are available in variants such as:

• Ancient Spider Solitaire
• Solitaire XL
• Pac the Man X
• Speed Chess
• Tetris Planet
• Mac Pinball

The Big Guns: Saving the best for last, here are some of the big guns of the online gaming industry which can get you addicted in no time at all:

• Age of Empires
• Quake
• Unreal Tournament
• Warcraft
• Need for Speed
• Harry Potter
• Star Wars
• Call of Duty
• Tiger Woods PGA Tournament

Cartoon-loving children also have many options to choose from; they can enjoy the animated online kids games in the form of Bob the Builder, Airport Mania, etc. Gaming enthusiasts can rub their hands in glee, for the number of free online games for Mac computers is increasing multifold with every passing day. Hope you enjoy playing the online Mac games that are listed in this article.