Entertaining software: a black thing: three programs designed for and by African-Americans

African-American entrepreneurs have started to carve out a niche in the computer marketplace by developing some exceptional software packages. Here are three worth considering:

The Mathematical Heritage Series, developed by Bingwa Software Co. (800-404-MATH), teaches math skills using real-life story lines and multicultural figures. Modules are currently available for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade; all are based on guidelines published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

The fifth/sixth grade module, for instance, covers fractions, decimals, geometry and problem-solving skills, using scientist George Washington Carver as one of the animated role models. There is a report card function that gives the scores for each student. There's also a bookmark function.

Bingwa is targeting urban school districts, but the software can also be purchased for use at home. Each module costs $69, and quantity discounts are available.

Art in the Dark, developed by Galerie 500, is an innovative computer screen saver. The Washington, D.C., art gallery compiled a collection of 42 rare paintings by contemporary black artists and reproduced them as computer images.

Paul Goodnight and james Wells are among the artists represented in this unique collection. The screen saver also periodically displays a picture of the artist with a short biography. The reproductions are excellent, and new image libraries will be released about every six months. The Windows version costs $44.95. DOS and MAC versions are also available. For more information, write to: Galerie 500, Software Service Division, 500 9th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003; or call 800-666-4476.

Are you a Bid Whist fanatic? Or have you always wanted to be a part of the fun, but didn't know how to play? Well, Conquest Systems has taken care of that with the development of Bid Whist Pro. Beware, this game can be addictive. "Uptown," "downtown," "ditty," "no-trump," Bid Whist Pro has it all. There's an instruction book for novices, but a seasoned pro will enjoy the game, too. Bid Whist Pro costs $29.95. To order, write to: Conquest Systems, P.O. Box 44139, Washington, DC 20026. Or call 301-657-0503.

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