Moving in where dot.coms have failed, Shari Olefson, 38, president of Fort Lauderdale-based Virtual Media Networks, has developed DORMtours. The non-practicing attorney calls it a college freshman's biggest friend.

Schools, as well as students, like the idea. More than 100 colleges, mostly in the northeast, have signed up for the program at enrollment costs ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 each.

The idea is relatively simple: give incoming college freshman a head start on becoming familiar with their new schools -- and local merchants.

CD ROMs with 360-degree on-campus photography are sent out by the colleges with acceptance letters to high school seniors. The CDs contain panoramic photos of school dorm rooms,...