There are two basic types of free online backgammon games: those you can play directly online and those you'll have to download.
No-Download Backgammon Games
Also known as browser games, these online backgammon games are based on Flash or Java technology and require no download; all you have to do is login, and start playing directly on the browser. You can find them in any large online gaming portal such as Yahoo, Pogo or MSN games along with an extensive list of family-friendly games.
The no-download backgammon games will have neither 3D backgammon board nor realistic sounds, and you can forget about playing backgammon for real money. Yet, you can still take part in multi-player backgammon tournaments, increase your player rating and climb up to the top of the ladder.
If you are not a big fan of online backgammon, you have no intensions of playing the game often and your sole purpose is to kill time playing backgammon in between important meetings or something, then you and the flash or Java backgammon games might be a perfect match.
Download Backgammon Software
The second type of free online backgammon games is the one that requires you to download and install the internet backgammon software. After going through the downloading and installing procedure (that takes only a few minutes, depending on your internet connection), you can (usually) enjoy realistic games designed in 3D graphics, choose between playing for fun or for real money, earn cash bonuses, play online backgammon tournaments and interact with your opponents.
How to Download Backgammon Software
Play65 backgammon download, for example, requires you to have at least Windows 2000 as an operating system, 32 MB hard disk space and screen resolution of 600X800. If your PC meets with these requirements, click on this download button and start downloading.
Click on Run or Open when the first window pops up. After 2-5 minutes the downloading will be done and you'll be asked to choose a language before the software will be installed in your PC. Once the software has been installed, you'll be asked to open a new player's account. Fill in the empty fields (username, password and eMail address) and a welcome $5 bonus will be delivered into your account. From now on, every time you'll feel like playing backgammon online, you don't have to browse through Google looking for backgammon site since Play65 icon will appear on your desktop.
