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Entered CNET Catalog: 07/13/2004
SKU: 844-00783
Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Manufacturer description
The most comprehensive learning resource and the #1 best-selling encyclopedia brand that changes with the times, Microsoft Encarta Reference Library Premium 2005 is the smart place to start information searches; for homework, research projects, or just for the fun of learning. Built by incorporating the popular Encyclopedia Deluxe, Microsoft just kept adding resources to create this versatile, safe, and complete learning tool. It's trusted information the Internet just can't deliver. With new encyclopedia content tailored to kids 7 to 12 years old, new Encarta Kids uses loads of pictures, large icons, and a simple, colorful interface to encourage exploration and discovery. The new Encarta Search bar helps you find the information you need now. Embedded on the task bar, the new Encarta Search Bar can instantly find the encyclopedia information, dictionary look-up or the word you need in the Thesaurus. Topics vividly expressed through 3D virtual tours, animation, and sound and music clips help increase your child's interest and aid learning retention. Rich, dynamic multimedia content just makes learning more fun! Instead of homework avoidance and excuses, the Homework Center guides students from the first step through to successful completion of their assignments. Homework starters, literature guides and learning tools help give your child a leg-up. Containing over 63, 000 articles from trusted sources, Microsoft Encarta Reference Library Premium 2005 keeps the information fresh and accurate by prompting you online article updates. With just a click, the information automatically downloads to the proper article for ultimate convenience. Natural world is brought to life with exciting videos from the Discovery Channel sure to captivate young viewers and propel them deeper into subjects. From tracking the evolution of birds, to theories of life on Mars, Discovery Videos provide unique insights that are sure to leave lasting impressions.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 08/19/2004
The single DVD (a CD version is also available at the same price for those who don't have PCs with DVD drives) contains the encyclopedia, atlas, dictionary, thesaurus, chart maker, searchable index of quotations, and the new Encarta Kids. Installation and setup are a snap, and the latest version will look familiar to current users since Microsoft stayed with its Visual Browser interface, which offers previews of related text, video, and audio sources on thousands of topics.
The Visual Browser does a good job of presenting a lot of information onscreen, but it can be overwhelming for elementary-school-age children. To remedy this, the company has bundled a separate application, the aforementioned Encarta Kids, which offers a simpler, friendlier interface. For example, searching for the word pilgrim in Encarta Kids delivers just a few entries, as opposed to the hundreds found in Encarta Premium. Encarta Kids also includes a games section that allows kids to play educational games, such as naming dinosaur photos and placing state-shaped pieces into a United States-shaped jigsaw puzzle, plus 500 new articles.
Kid-friendly: the new Encarta Kids sports a simpler and more user-friendly interface for younger students.
For older kids, Encarta also added more Homework Help features. Last year, Microsoft included Cliff Notes-like literature guides, and this year it's helping students with math. Log on to the online Math Center through MSN Encarta Premium, and the service walks students through algebra or geometry problems that are similar, although not identical, to the ones they have been assigned for homework. Just beware, the company includes a free subscription to MSN Encarta Premium only till October 31, 2005; afterwards, you'll have to pay $5 per month or $30 per year.
In this release, the software can also put an Encarta Search bar in your Windows Taskbar. This tool lets you access Encarta encyclopedia information, dictionary definitions, and thesaurus tools from within Windows, eliminating the need to log on to the Web or open a new application to perform searches. If your Taskbar is already too crowded, you can also turn this tool off.
Microsoft offers three years of free, unlimited support for Encarta Premium 2005; however, phone support is via a toll number. Other options include e-mail queries (with a promised 24-hour turnaround time), an online knowledge base, and Microsoft-supported newsgroups where you post and search through user questions. Phone and e-mail support hours are Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PT, with phone help extending to Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1
User Rating: 
7/10
it's very interesting
Pros: rating in paralel
Cons: guidlines inside
Review:
