From financial programs to fun games, gifts of software will please computer users.(Originated from Knight-Ridder Newspapers)

It's beginning to look a lot like ... the last few shopping days before Christmas. And Hanukkah has arrived. If you still haven't figured out what to get all the computer users clogging that worn out sliver of notebook paper you call a shopping list, don't panic!

There's still time to make it a jolly, holly software holiday.

And if you're among the millions of new computer owners or plan to give a new machine as a family present, you'll want plenty of software at hand to satisfy the ``let-me-try, let-me-try'' cries that will ring in your ears.

As the following list shows, if you have time to do some more shopping this week, those demands will be easy to meet.

Kids will be able to race through meteor showers in an X-Wing fighter (Rebel Assault II), then turn to Microsoft's Encarta 96 Encyclopedia to learn more about the celestial phenomenons.

And, when they give up the computer, Mom and Dad will be able to use three programs by Intuit to dip into the jungle that is the family's financial future.

Here, then, are some choices:

BOB

Rating: 2{ stars

From Microsoft. Windows.

Suggested Retail: $99

There are two reactions possible to Bob, Microsoft's effort to make your computer and the 3. …

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