MS Encarta Review

Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002
by Carl J. Jasinto

"The information you need. All in one place"

This reference software is a LARGE program, consisting of 5 CDs of multimedia information, a comprehensive encyclopedia, interactive atlas, 3D Virtual Tours, Live Media, Microsoft FactFinder, Researcher, and more. I spent many an hour just perusing the software (read that as getting lost in the subjects...ever sit down to find something in an encyclopedia and get off the track???)

First of all you probably want the details. so here they are: (my system details are in bold where applicable)

Lists at $74.95, but I've see it rebated for $49 final cost, plus it may be bundled with newer computers and/or other software packages. Hunt around and you may do better.
Pentium 200 (300 recommended) or higher processor. AMD K-6 3D
MS Windows 98, 2000 Pro, Me, or XP Win 98 SE
32 MB of RAM for WIN 98 or Me (64 recommended); 64 for WIN 2000 Pro or WIN XP; 64 for 3D Virtual Tours 128 MB RAM
Up to 300 MB of available hard-disk space
Quad speed or faster CD-ROM 56x
Super VGA, 16 bit or higher monitor supporting 800 x 600 screen resolution
Local bus video with 1 MB or more video memory 4MB
A mouse
16 bit sound card with speakers or headphones
Some features require an internet connection
MS IE 5.5 software (included on CD) or later; users can maintain other default browsers after installation (requires up to 45 MB of additional HD space; 25 MB additional needed during install)

Installation also will load Windows Media Player 7.1

To update Encarta, Web links, MS FactFinder, and Encarta Online Deluxe you will need:

A modem & internet access
Up to 2 MB of additional HD space for each monthly installment
MS Passport account (required to access Encarta Online Deluxe

Also if you want to use the Encarta Reference Library Copy To Hard Drive feature you will need up to 2.2 GB of additional HD space. (That is if you don't want to be swapping CDs all the time.)

In actuality there are 7 distinct areas within the Encarta Reference Library.

Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe
Encarta Dictionary and Thesaurus .
Encarta Interactive World Atlas: An interactive globe with 22 interactive map styles and 1.8 million places
. Encarta Researcher: Tools to help easily gather notes and pictures from Encarta and the Web to make reports and projects; You must join Club Encarta to access some Web resources. More on Club Encarta later
Encarta Online Deluxe: This is the premium on-line edition of Encarta Encyclopedia; Club Encarta members receive one-year free subscription.
Encarta FactFinder: Instant definitions, translations, business profiles, stock quotes, etc.
Encarta Africana: Explores black history and culture

Loading this program was fairly uneventful. The install froze when attempting to install Windows Media player 7.1. I was unable to restart via the usual Ctrl-Alt-Del method and resorted to the Reset button. After which I was able to continue the install without problem

Navigation is easy. The "Home" screen is laid out much like a browser. With FILE, EDIT, VIEW, FAVORITES, FEATURES, TOOL and HELP pull down menus. There is a FIND box with Search Strategies built in, such as Find Atlas Maps, Find Web Sites, Find Definitions, or you can enter your own term to search for.

It's a pretty amazing piece of software that has kept me busy exploring it (read that as getting too involved in 'research' to get this review to the editor on time)

Would I recommend this software? Definitely! Although. it is geared primarily to the middle to high school student for report writing, it is a must for family or anyone who needs a quality encyclopedia/research tool.