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| Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 2002 |
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Not only does Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 2002
offer extensive content on just about everything, but this version has been beefed up with
more multimedia, games, resources, and search options than previous editions. In the end,
Encarta outperforms just about every other resource tool--print or electronic--out there.
Essentially, Microsoft's Encarta 2002 is a worthy addition to the student's set of
reference materials, or to the lifelong learner's collection of resources. |
| We chose to do the smaller install, which
accommodates those who may not want to have an entire encyclopedia on their hard drive.
Using all of Encarta's features was easy and straightforward--the package asked for the CD
needed at the time and never missed a beat. The reference library is the meat of the
package, offering your typical encyclopedic content. But where the library shines is in
both the "Related Articles" section and the option of updating the content.
Because the library navigates much like the Internet Explorer browser, you'll be able to
click on the highlighted links or phrases in text to go to related articles and surf
around wherever your interests may take you. Additionally, Encarta offers the option of
updating the encyclopedia's content, so you can be sure to always have the most up-to-date
information and Web links.Additionally, the search capabilities incorporate both the
encyclopedia's information and Web information in the Web Center. Aside from the
articles, you'll also find a good selection of educational games, including the very
popular (and challenging) Mind Maze, a geography quiz, a sculpture timeline, and a few
more. The library also includes the Parent's Center--an online resource covering learning
milestones, parenting tips, reading recommendations, and activity ideas--and the
Multimedia Center, where you can browse the encyclopedia by images, sound, animation,
charts, or 360-degree views of everything from the Badlands National Park to the Forum in
Rome. Again, links to related articles make it easy and enjoyable to learn.
Outside of the reference library, the Encarta Researcher works as a virtual notebook
where you can search the Web or the encyclopedia, cut and paste text, store images, cite
references, and essentially pull together research information for a number of projects.
Also, the Encarta FactFinder offers a quick source for dictionary definitions, quick fact
lookups, and general information. Even though we found the FactFinder's translation
capabilities to be less than impressive (French and Spanish are offered), we were duly
impressed with the "mini-view," allowing you to keep a small search window open
while you're reading another article, surfing the Web, or doing anything else at your
computer. Essentially, Microsoft's Encarta 2002 is a worthy addition to the student's set
of reference materials, or to the lifelong learner's collection of resources. |
Microsoft
Encarta Deluxe 2002
Software CD-ROM / by Microsoft / Windows 95, 98, NT / by Microsoft /
Less than $40
Click here to
check on availability at Amazon.com Computer Store. |
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