Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002 [OLD VERSION]

by Microsoft

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00005MF7T
• Item model number: 844-00269
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 9, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,107 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Students of all ages will revel in the learning opportunities provided by Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002. Stepping up and expanding the successful Encarta encyclopedia tool, this five-disc set offers a complete reference desk at your fingertips.

After a quick install, we were off and running. We were immediately impressed by how current the package is right out of the box. Because of the online connection, the package automatically updates itself (as they say in the packaging, "History didn't stop when this disc was made"). While we were researching Tampa, Florida, for instance, we were not only able to check out detailed maps from the interactive world atlas and general points of interest, but we also noted the local temperature and current headlines, courtesy of MSNBC.com.

The packaging presents the software as if it were seven unique tools, but the truth is these tools are interwoven and enmeshed in such a way that it doesn't even feel like there's a border between one and the next. For example, reading an article gave us not only the meaty content with links to other articles, but also a multimedia gallery, related articles, and editor's picks for related Web sites. We also found a number of really cool games, timelines, and 3-D virtual walk-throughs of historic sites, as well as headlines from the Encarta Today feature that held our interest.

You might think that with all of this information within easy reach it would be easy to get lost jumping from topic to topic. It seems that the Encarta developers had this in mind and structured the navigation to mirror your favorite Web browser: simply navigate back, forward, or home to get your bearings. You can also jump to the pop-up dictionary, thesaurus, or the world atlas with just a click of your mouse.

Two handy features are the researcher function and the FactFinder. The researcher allows you to create a project, for which you can collect related articles, definitions, illustrations, and multimedia features in one place. You can then opt to easily print out your research (the output is a complete, easy- to-read document with reference citations), or you can produce a more customized document with notes on your findings and adjustments to the layout. The default format for the report is an HTML file, a convenient feature that allows for maximum multimedia interactivity within the document.

The FactFinder is a tool that acts independent of Encarta. Simply hover over any word on your screen--whether in a document, on the Web, or otherwise--and the FactFinder will define it and provide links to other available information. --Emilie Herbst

Amazon.com Product Description

Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002 is a comprehensive research and reference source. Encarta engages learners with more up-to-date information and multimedia than ever before. A comprehensive encyclopedia, one of the most detailed interactive atlases available, 3-D virtual tours, live media, Microsoft Fact Finder, Research Organizer, and more make Encarta an ideal reference tool.

From a single search, Encarta gives you access to a world of information. It brings relevant articles, rich multimedia, and Web links together in one place so you can get your work done faster. Thousands of Encarta experts deliver a wealth of current, reliable facts and analysis, so you get the most from your research time. Encarta combines authoritative articles with engaging multimedia, additional primary sources, global statistics, and the best of the Internet for a rich learning experience. Spin the Encarta World Atlas globe, and then zoom in for more detail. Explore distant places and cultures, or immerse yourself in a 3-D virtual tour.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A downgrade from Encarta reference suite 2001, February 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002 [OLD VERSION] (CD-ROM)

If you own Encarta reference suite 2001, don't bother purchasing the 2002 version. Many features are missing and I was very disappointed after I loaded up the latest version of Microsoft's Encarta.

The 2001 version had catagorized CDs. Two for the encyclopedia, one for the world atlas, one for the dictionary, and one for Africana. This allowed you to load each or any module separately on the hard drive. I always loaded the dictionary module. No longer. Now you can't tell which CD contains what information!

You can no longer load one module (the dictionary or world atlas for instance) on your hard drive without having to load all 5 CDs (over 2 gigabytes!) The 2001 version gave you a full sized window and was feature-rich. The 2002 version gives you a small pop-up window (which is not expandable) with minimal features and very brief definitions. Is this innovation the Microsoft way???

If you can still get the 2001 version do it (this was a 5 star item), stay away from Encarta 2002, it is a waste of your hard earned money.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Use it to replace your browser, November 8, 2001

By 

Phichai Leangtong (Los Angeles, CA. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002 [OLD VERSION] (CD-ROM)

The FactFinder program requires you to go online to look up the definition of word in dictionary (...). Why do you want to buy it? Even though the definition is already in the Encarta reference library program, you still need to be online. If you want to work offline, you have to run Encarta program to just looking for the word definition. The program waste the area of your screen and your memory. AND, worse, there is no short key feature in encarta. You have to use copy and paste across programs. Bother doing that, I recommend you buy a paper-based dictionary, which is much better.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Suggested, Too Much of Something Is Not Good For You!, February 28, 2002

By 

Andre Da Costa "A.Da Costa" (Jamaica W.I.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002 [OLD VERSION] (CD-ROM)

I'm a big fanatic when it comes to ease of use, but when it comes to this edition of Encarta I don't see ease of use anywhere, I see problems all the way. How can someone actually think that five cd's is gonna make things run smooth? That's just too much! It's a waste of hard drive space to support this program, I recommend the Deluxe edition, it is enough to give you all the detailed information you will ever need. The program is not bad, but most of the information, will never be looked up or referenced. Too much of something is not good for you and Encarta Reference Library defines that very well!