Document text
Microsoft Encarta Reference Suite 2000 By Pam Gleichman Tribune Media Services Microsoft Encarta Reference Suite 2000 consists of Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 2000, Encarta Interactive World Atlas, Encarta World English Dictionary and Free Encarta Online Deluxe. The Encyclopedia Deluxe enables you to access more than 42,000 articles, 19,000 Web links, 1.7 million geographic place names and 20,000 images, video and audio clips. There are also animations, 360s and virtual tours. The new Curriculum Guide lets you choose a grade level and subject and see a list of relevant information in Encarta. The Point/Counterpoint collection presents different views on such controversial topics as gun control, the Hiroshima bombing and the death penalty. There is also a Dynamic Timeline that allows you to compare and contrast history across time, place and subject matter, and the Collier�s Archives includes more than 10,000 articles from 1960 to 1998. The World Atlas integrates maps, text and multimedia content. The World English Dictionary is the first new English dictionary in 30 years and presents the differences in the English language, as it is spoken around the world. Also included with the dictionary is: Encarta Book of Quotations, The Original Roget�s Thesaurus of English Word and Phrases, The Encarta 2000 Almanac, Microsoft Press Computer and Internet Dictionary and Encarta Manual of Style and Usage. Finally, through Dec. 31, 2000, this reference suite comes free (with Internet access) access to Encarta Online Deluxe, the premium version of the encyclopedia. Microsoft Encarta Reference Suite 2000 is an incredible collection of information. Not only did our testers enjoy researching various topics; they loved the "virtual tours" of a space shuttle, tropical rain forest and Mount Everest. Children had no trouble getting around the program and they loved being able to copy and paste text, maps and images into their word processor to add pizzazz to school reports. The free access to Encarta Online is a great addition, offering Encarta Schoolhouse, which has over 500 engaging lesson plans in 13 subject areas, Web links, classroom integration tools and homework help. Every school and family should try to make this suite available to its students. Publisher : Microsoft, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Wash. 98052-6399, www.microsoft.com/encarta/ , (425) 882-8080. Category : Reference. Age : 9 to adult. Installation : We did not experience any problems with the installation. It did, however, take about 15 minutes to install and requires a lot of hard disk space. Use : Easy to use. Graphics : Outstanding. Written Materials : There is a 25-page booklet to help get you started. System Requirements : Multimedia PC, Pentium 90 MHz or higher, Windows 95/98 or Windows NT Workstation operating system version 4.0 or later with Service Pace 3 or later. 24 MB RAM for Windows 95/98, 32 MB RAM for Windows NT, 150 MB hard disk space, Quad speed CD-ROM drive, Super VGA monitor, local bus video with 1 MB or more of video memory, Microsoft mouse or compatible, 16-bit sound device. You will also need a modem and access to the Internet for the Encarta Yearbook, Web Links, and monthly installment. Additional hard disk space is needed for the World Dictionary, Encarta Speech Recognition, Encarta Text-to-Speech and Microsoft Natural Language enhanced search capabilities. Tested Version : Windows 95/98/NT Workstation 4.0. Cost : $99.95, before a $35 rebate. Volume discounts are available for grade schools, colleges and libraries. Rating : Five stars. The Microsoft Encarta Reference Suite 2000 is awesome. It is a must-have, valuable tool for families with school children, classrooms and school libraries. WEB SITE OF THE WEEK THANKSGIVING ON THE NET � A CELEBRATION OF AMERICA�S FIRST THANKSGIVING http://www.holidays.net/thanksgiving/ This site has stories of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, turkeys to take home, a holiday puzzle to play, Thanksgiving greeting e-mail cards and holiday pictures to print and color. RATING KEY : ***** � Outstanding; **** � Very Good; *** � Good; ** � Fair; * � Not Worth Purchasing. Pam Gleichman welcomes questions/comments from readers. Write to Pam at Tribune Media Services, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, Ill. 60611. Send e-mail to [email protected] . © 1999 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Techno file index Mail Tribune Copyright © The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA