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Isn't it funny how, as soon as one year ends, another one begins?It's perhaps not funny when it comes to your software library, as annual product updates make it nigh on impossible to keep up with the Joneses.
Britannica is no exception, and here we look at the 2002 edition encyclopaedia CD-ROM. Actually, credit where it's due: Britannica has included a year's worth of online updates, as well as an introductory subscription to the Britannica Online service.
Three installation options allow you to determine how much space you take up on your hard disk. However, we found the best option was the full installation, simply because it relieves the endless swapping between the two discs to obtain the relevant media. However, if you have a modest PC, stick to the recommended minimum installation.
Search and navigation
Not a great deal has changed, but there's now a slightly more efficient search facility which includes natural language searching and faster and more comprehensive search responses.
Essentially, the main navigation techniques remain the core search option, allowing you to source words and phrases in the encyclopaedia, the dictionary and Britannica's Web Directory; and the A-Z search, letting you search by title and specify which media you require, including articles, maps and videos.
The maps are impressively referenced and can be displayed using numerous representations, from political to physical, people or vegetation distribution.
Related subjects
The Knowledge Navigator is the most notable addition, using a novel search method that can link to all related subjects. This works well for research as it brings up all aspects of the topic in question that may not otherwise be considered. For example, type in 'Moon' and you'll find an array of subjects from Moon exploration to Moon worship.
The newly added Visual Tour feature is nothing particularly unusual or spectacular, though it does make for a more exciting search method by presenting the pre-selected topics in a multimedia sequence.
However, the multimedia content is a bit thin, and it could certainly benefit from a greater range of audio clips and videos, particularly for the music selections.
The written content, however, is well linked and clearly presented (despite one or two spelling mistakes).
Timeline
The Timeline feature is our favourite tool as it allows you to search articles by particular category or time period, as well as multiple comparative timelines. For example, if you want to know what was developing in the world of science when Billie Holiday was singing her blues, just click on the clock icon for Related Information and up springs a whole screenful of categories hewn from the same period. You can then directly access each topic to find out more.
The Research Organiser remains the handy tool it is, and you can keep a record of information and media you want to refer to again, as well as make your own notes.
The US slant means you'd have to be happy with American spellings and accents, as well as the bulk of information favouring US reference. For example, you won't find the Spice Girls listed under the Girl Groups branch in the Rock Music Visual Tour.Conclusion
It's certainly worth investing in a good encyclopaedia, especially if you have children at school. So, should you upgrade? Well, if you've got last year's version, then no. But anything before that would be worth replacing with this latest edition, for the enhanced search and multimedia content.
However, the world being the way it is right now, it may be just as wise to wait until next year's version.
If you want an informative and comprehensive reference title, Britannica 2002 certainly fits the bill. But if you require significant UK-centric content, you'll end up frustrated by the distinct lack of material, and would be better off sticking with Encarta.
Contact
Britannica: 0800 282 433 www.britannica.co.uk
See also:
Still the best reference tool around, this Deluxe 2002 edition is crammed into 2GB. 10 May 2002
Britannica offers a lightweight package which is perfect for heavyweight research. 28 Feb 2002
Microsoft has managed to make learning fun and not just for the younger generation. 27 Feb 2002
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