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Encarta Reference Suite 98 |
Apollo Score:
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Users' Rating: 1 (10
votes) |
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
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