Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia

Publisher: Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia P. O. Box 660 Buffalo, N. Y. 14207-9840
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Content

 This CD-ROM sets up three programs into a Microsoft Reference section:

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Format

 The Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia is a CD-ROM only product.

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Accompanying Materials

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Audience

 The audience for the Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia is not specifically stated anywhere in the accompanying materials. In my opinion, this CD-ROM is designed for the serious knowledge-seeker, no matter what age or grade level.

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Purpose

 According to the manual, the Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia is, ³...the interactive, multimedia encyclopedia that turns your personal computer into a rich resource of information, education, and entertainment. Whether you¹re writing a research paper, looking up trivia, or just browsing, the encyclopedia¹s integrated features help you easily explore almost any topic.² In my opinion, the purpose does fulfill its stated objective. The Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia contains an overwhelming, almost mind-boggling amount of information. The Encyclopedia provides facts on so many different subjects that it would be difficult to find someone who could not find something of interest on this CD-ROM.

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Fun Factors

 This CD-ROM does not have any gimmicks of fun factors. Depending on what subject you are interested in, the information you find may be entertaining, but the encyclopedia has no gimmicks or fun factors built in. The CD-ROM does feature a game, but it is mystery-oriented, which renders it more challenging than amusing. The Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia is designed to serve as a tool for searching and locating information on a given topic.

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Interface and Navigation

 This CD-ROM features good interface and navigation. A close or a home box is located at the top of every screen. Icons light up or make noise when clicked on, and some icons feature pull down menus that do not even need to be clicked on. A few icons, however, were unclear as to their purpose.

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System Requirements and Installation

 According to the manual, the system requirements for the Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia are:

According to the manual, the installation requirements for the Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia are:

The installation process was not difficult but it was a bit time-consuming. I had to type in my name, confirm my name, choose a directory, and choose an installation speed. A slower speed requires less space on the hard disk so I chose the slower speed.

According to the manual, if technical support is needed users should call (206) 635-7172 from 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Monday-Friday.

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Recommendation

 In general, I feel that this CD-ROM is an excellent reference tool. It contains vast amounts of information and extremely varied topics to peak the interest of even the most reluctant learner. Every section features interactive multimedia, which usually enhances the desire to seek and discover information. The only negative point I have with this CD-ROM is the fact that I found the game to be confusing and frustrating. In my opinion, the CD-ROM does not provide adequate instructions for playing the ga me.

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Reviewed by Dina Abramson, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin Graduate School of Library and Information Science. June 13, 1996 [Top of Page] [Index Page]