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Encarta Reference Suite 98

Apollo Score: Apollo Score: 87 Users' Rating: 1 (10 votes)

Encarta Reference Suite 98 Microsoft's Encarta Reference Suite 98 is a convenient all-in-one package with five CD-ROMS. Liberally packed with multimedia, graphics, and well written articles, this suite also allows free updates from the Microsoft web-site until the end of 1998. The package includes Encarta 98 Encyclopedia Deluxe, Virtual Globe 1998 Edition, Bookshelf 98, plus a bonus 'Research Organizer'.

As an educator whose primary reference tool is the computer and Internet, I found this collection both impressive and powerful. Whether you're a parent looking for educational software or a student seeking a general reference tool, finding the right reference CD-ROM can be a challenging task amongst a mass of educational titles. This package allows a cost-effective method of providing what is arguably the best educational software on the market today.

Both the Encarta 98 Encyclopedia and Virtual Globe have been separately reviewed and have received excellent recommendations for their ease of use and large number and variety of multimedia. Bookshelf 98 is one member of the reference family that will become indispensable.

While many word processors come with a spelling dictionary and thesaurus, I find I often keep the printed versions within easy reach. With over 350,000 definitions (68,000 spoken pronunciations), an almanac and fact book, plus a thesaurus with 250,000 synonyms, Bookshelf 98 becomes the essential tool for essay writing. The Encarta Research Organizer is perfect for high school students. This tool keeps track of sources, notes, and allows an easy method to export the research into your word processor.

The entire suite is well written, and splendidly organised. The only faults are those inherent in any Microsoft product: the huge consumption disk space, as well as forcing Netscape users to install Internet Explorer.

Whining about Microsoft aside, this product is sure to appeal to parents and students as a serious, cost-effective, reference tool.

Ron Neufeld

Released in 1997
Published by Microsoft
Web site: www.microsoft.com/products
Computer platform: Win 95, Win NT