Remember the days when a multi-volume set of encyclopedias cost hundreds of dollars and took up a full shelf in the bookcase? Those days are gone. Multimedia encyclopedias like Encarta can fit on one DVD. They contain more information than a traditional set of encyclopedias and because they contain sound, graphics, virtual tours, and videos they are also more fun to use.
The Encarta Reference Library 2003 comes on one DVD or five CDs. If you have a large hard drive (2.5 GB needed for full installation), both versions can be installed on the hard drive so that no disk swapping is necessary. You can also run the program from the CDs or DVD which uses much less hard drive space. This is a full reference library with an encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, quotation guide, and atlas. It contains over 68,000 articles, 25,000 photos and illustrations, 2,900 sound and music clips and 300 videos and animations. The DVD version contains about 1,000 more photos, as well as more videos and sound clips. So if you have a DVD drive, be sure to purchase that version.
It would literally take years to go through all of the information in this program. Yet the wealth of information is well-organized and not at all overwhelming. Using the programs well-placed hot links, you can easily flow from one subject to the next gathering more information as you go. There is also a useful Search area for easy look-ups. The presentation and format of the information is also impressive. For instance, I reviewed Encarta just before a recent trip to Switzerland. So the first thing I looked up was information about Switzerland. I found everything I ever wanted to know about Switzerland, including statistics, customs, and climatic conditions. I also found detailed maps, read the latest news, saw the Swiss flag and I was able to listen to the Swiss National Anthem. I heard Swiss singing, and saw an impressive 3-D view of a village in the Swiss Alps. While viewing all of this I was able to listen to radio programming direct from Switzerland. It was a fascinating multi-media experience.
The Encarta Reference Library is easy to set up and easy to use. The interface has a comfortable browser-like feeling and includes a useful Back button. It can be easily updated by Microsoft’s online updating process. New articles and information are added several times a week and are completely integrated into the encyclopedia. No more “year books” or outdated information.
This version of Encarta includes an easy-to-use Chart Maker that lets you chart any kind of numerical information from Encarta or elsewhere. It also has improved homework tools that the children and/or grandchildren can use to improve their school reports. The Literature Guides section shows you how to analyze literary works. This feature is geared for students, but I found it very interesting. In fact, although this software is excellent for students, it is a worthwhile program for anyone who loves to learn. Encarta often has manufacturer and other rebates. Also, as the 2004 edition appears, you should be able to find it at a reduced price, making it an enticing learning investment.
