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People of any age will be chuffed with Encarta 2002, the latest version of Microsoft's multimedia encyclopaedia. Kids will like the intuitive, easy-to-use nature of the program while parents will enjoy stunning the sprogs with their exhaustive knowledge of all things past and present. Even if you just want to shine at the local pub quiz, Encarta Reference Suite serves a purpose.
The key ingredient of Encarta is the rich, reliable information presented on a diverse range of subjects. The figures quoted on the box give an indication of Encarta's scale. Alongside countless photos are more than 1,600 articles from the archives of The Times, more than 200 videos, 2,500 audio clips and 18,000 links to relevant, screened web links. It's a big piece of software.
Encarta has always been a formidable reference tool but the newest release offers a raft of new features to improve the experience still further.
The Dynamic Timeline allows you to scroll to any time or place you desire, from the prehistoric age to the present day. If something catches your eye as you browse, you can continue your journey after a brief detour.
The tour de force - if you can forgive the pun - are the walk-through tours of historical locations. Our favourite was the recreated temple complex at Abu Simbel built by Rameses II.
In real life, the monument is spectacular and Microsoft has ensured that this guided tour leaves few graphical stones unturned. Even the persistent faux Egyptian music fades in your consciousness as the statues loom into view.
The great hall leads you to close up views of the hieroglyphs on the walls and through the maze of corridors to find the Pharaoh's treasures.
You can click on various mini-links, articles and videos to learn how the temple was constructed, the history of Egypt and how the complex was saved from destruction after the building of the Aswan dam. The level of detail is astounding but if you still want more information, the search facility extends browsing to editorially screened websites.
Encarta isn't just about history either. It encompasses all interests and subjects. The World Atlas boasts more than 50,000 map locations, with interactive maps that are chock full of geographical information. Clicking on a map zooms you into a point where you can focus on a city or region.
Each click links to articles, pictures and websites relevant to a chosen region. You can even customise your map to show different features or find how many miles it is between one place and another. The information is kept up to date by downloads from the Microsoft website.
Encarta also lets you link to live radio, news and weather reports from around the world.
Alongside the new features are old favourites, such as the dictionary, thesaurus and the 2D tours which, while not as engaging as their 3D equivalents, still offer plenty of information.
Whichever section you like best, a 300MHz PC with 128Mb of memory is necessary to enjoy Encarta at is best.
The interface borrows heavily from web browsers, with features such as a Favourites menu that you can use to bookmark pages you want to return to later. The whole package is simple to navigate.
Contact: Microsoft 0845 700 2000 www.microsoft.com
Also consider: Microsoft Encarta 2002.
Less exhaustive versions of this package are available on CD-ROM starting from £30 and they are all excellent.
See also:
A wealth of knowledge within reach of your wallet as well as your fingertips. 04 Nov 2002
Britannica tries to woo new users with updated search facilities. But what does it offer the serious student? 12 Mar 2002
Britannica offers a lightweight package which is perfect for heavyweight research. 28 Feb 2002
All Education
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