Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002

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.

The two hours I spent loading this software were completely wasted. I've reloaded '99.


Not Suggested, Too Much of Something Is Not Good For You!   February 28, 2002
 15 out of 19 found this review helpful

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!


A downgrade from Encarta reference suite 2001   February 18, 2002
 28 out of 28 found this review helpful

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.


Great Reference Package!   February 7, 2002
 3 out of 5 found this review helpful

If you've ever needed to know something and just couldn't find the information, then this product will be great for you. It is frustrating sometimes to try and use the internet to find information, because you have to swim through lots of results, and then how do you know that what you found is accurate? Using Encarta Reference Library, your worries are over. You will be able to look up information that is as accurate as an encyclopedia and cost a whole lot less. This is also more interesting than an encyclopedia, because multimedia features like video and sound clips make learning fun. Travel around the world using the included atlas, look up words using the dictionary, and find accurate facts fast using the encyclopedia. Another advantage of this over a traditional encyclopedia, is that Encarta will stay current! Get the latest information added seemlessly into your encyclopedia! This will work until a set date, when a new version will need to be purchased. Use the fact finder to quickly view information without opening Encarta, and use the researcher to organize everything you've found (including internet sources)! This is a great reference product for the money, and one that will continue to pay you back time and time again!