Description:
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. 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. --Emilie Herbst
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