If you are an absolute computer geek, then you sure must not be new to the concept of computer pranks. These are simple software programs which are designed with an 'innocent' intent of scaring an unsuspecting user out of his wits. However, some people may implement computer programs that may induce damage to the recipient's hard drive or pose a threat to his email account. These are not innocent pranks and often have malicious intention of avenging someone. Anyway, let's not go into the details of what computer pranks are, since most of you are likely to be pro in this field. Scary Computer Pranks The simplest way to play a scary computer prank is by setting a scary wallpaper on the computer of your colleague or friend. You do not need any computer program for this. Simply select a scary picture (like the one of Linda Blair from Exorcist) and set it as desktop wallpaper while the victim is away from his PC! Scary Face Make a program wherein a scary face appears on the computer screen after a stipulated time and stays there for at least a few minutes, until your 'victim' has had his share of fright. While you are on the computer, activate the scary prank program and then go back to doing normal stuff on your machine. When you know that the timer is about to go off, call a friend or a co-worker to help you with something on your PC. Let your victim operate your PC, while you watch the fun from behind the desk. When the timer goes off, a really scary face appears on your screen and yells at your friend. While your friend frantically tries pressing every key on the keyboard, your monster stays on the screen and continues to yell at your poor friend. Meanwhile, you may have the heartiest laugh of your lifetime. Spot the Difference This is one of my personal favorite email pranks. Send an email to your friend with the link of the prank program. Add a subject line such as 'spot the difference: it's fun!' The email consists of two pictures which are exactly alike. Ask your friend to spot five differences from the two pictures. Since, the pictures are alike, your friend will find no difference, no matter how hard he tries. In his attempt, he might get close to the screen and stare at the pictures with great attention. Just when he is inches away from his computer screen, a face of a scary monster appears and screams at him. It would be sometime before your poor friend recovers from the shock of his life. Online Tests Online tests are available in various forms, so that you can take your pick. There are a few hearing tests which allow the user to check his auditory senses. The instructions ask the user to keep his speaker volume on high before undergoing the test. The user then goes on selecting the sound levels that are arranged in increasing order. The sound is mostly in the form of sweet musical notes. However, as soon as the user clicks the highest level the speaker emits a horrific screeching noise, enough to scare the user out of his wits! (We do not recommend this prank for elderly people or the ones with hearing problems). The other test is an online fitness test wherein the user is asked to fill in seemingly harmless questions about his fitness. At the end, the test asks the user to count his pulse rate for a minute while the clock ticks on the screen. As soon as the minute ends, a picture of a highly obese woman jumps at the screen with lines saying 'This is You!' Click and Watch These are a series of scary computer practical jokes which are disguised as a normal looking computer applications. When the unsuspecting user clicks on the buttons, he is welcomed by messages such as 'Deleting your hard drive in 15 secs' or 'Fatal error: Hard drive crash!' It is definitely scary to watch your hard drive deleted in front of your eyes. Needless to say, this program is definitely going to take the breath away from your poor victim. The program does no harm to your hard drive. You can just Google to find several links to scary pranks on the Internet. You'll be amused to see pictorial illustrations of hundreds of computer pranks. To send the computer prank programs, just copy paste the link in the email message. If you know a thing or two about computer programming, you can create your own prank programs too!