by Bud Berrett
November 19, 1997
When I got the assignment to review Bookshelf 98 I had no idea what a treat I had in store. The people who worked on this product were clearly insightful and delivered a product worthy of setting an example for other programs to follow.
At first glance, Bookshelf looks like a fancy dictionary. In just a few mouse clicks though, you're exploring the history and meaning of the written word. Language defines Cultures and, through Bookshelf 98, one can get to know the social mores and linguistic nuances of the English Language.
One of the most inspirational features in my opinion, is the QuickShelf. This icon in the Windows 95 task bar makes it possible to bring all of Bookshelf's information into any Windows 95 application. As you can see below, it even works in my HTML editor.
With QuickShelf you have three powerful tools at your fingertips.. QuickDefine will give definitions of any highlighted word, QuickQuote will offer famous quotes that use the highlighted word as the subject, and QuickZipCode will provide the Zip code of any highlighted address. It's a writer's best friend for sure.
As with all other recent Microsoft products, Bookshelf comes equipped with Internet integration. From its handy Bookshelf Premier Web Search to the Encarta Online Library, Bookshelf gives marvelous interaction with today's technologies.
Bookshelf also comes with an online game, The Scrambler.
This is a great and interactive way for kids and adults alike to learn fun facts and new words.
Bookshelf 98 has animation and sound. It has visual examples of definitions. It is by far, a much better writing/studying/learning tool than anything I've used to date.
Bookshelf 98 provides 10 reference works that will handle any creative task
you have to throw at them. They are:
American Heritage Dictionary of English
Original Roget's Thesaurus of
English Words
Columbia Dictionary of Quotations
New Encarta 98 Desk
Encyclopedia
Encarta 98 Desk World Atlas
Microsoft Bookshelf Internet
Directory
World Almanac and Book of Facts 1997
People's Chronology
National Five Digit Zip Code Directory
New Microsoft Bookshelf Computer
and Internet Dictionary
The interface is a joy, the information direct and informative, I can't find anything to suggest that this isn't a clear winner and a must have for anyone who has any interest in any form of communication.
Bookshelf 98 needs a CD-ROM with sound capabilities,
Windows 95 or NT or Macintosh, and the usual computer stuff to run it.
Copyright © 1997 by Bud Berrett
"Go Inside" is a David
Boles Trademark