Features

• CD-ROM
• Comprehensive research software with extensive reference library
• 3 complete encyclopedias in 1: elementary, student, and adult
• 100,000+ articles; 166,000+ magazine and online links
• Merriam-Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus
• Atlas, photos, and videos; homework helpdesk; daily content

Reviews (14)

Accurate, detailed, and comprehensive.
You will never find a nicer encyclopedia for $45.I own an 80s version of their printed encyclopedia as well, which I have since abandoned using.The convenience of its search capability (while not the most intuitive around) is excellent compared to old fashioned research.Wikipedia may be free, but as a literate and technical professional, I have personally noted several inaccuracies in its content.Such inaccuracies are far less likely in the contents of Britannica.Additionally, the reference materials and citations refer to legitimate sources, vice other often-flaky websites. They lose 'one star' for lack of a basic zoom function, clutter on the screen that cannot be removed, and static text that -should- behave more like a cascading style-sheet than a jpeg. Fix the GUI, and it's nearly perfect for the money.
A very poor product
I think it's obvious that the people who designed this interface had no intention of ever using it. For example, the text area only takes up a third of the overall allotted space, and is flanked by clutter on both sides. This provides for a most unpleasant reading experience, as each sentence is broken into several lines consisting of only several words per line. Sadly, this setup cannot be changed. I used to have the online version of Britannica, which didn't have these annoyances. I also recall the articles having overall greater depth.

A world of complete knowledge
My father bought me the Encyclopaedia Briannica 2006, ultimate reference suite. When I install it on my computer, I became extremely happy because it contains everything I needed. It help me to do a lot of projects and home works. It is good for students like me. Really it is a world of knowledge. It's new videos, images, content etc. are very usefull. So I say that everyone should buy this for you and your child. It will help you to know everything in the world. Before buying this I have the Encyclopaedia Britannica 2003, deluxe edition. When comparing these two, The level of 2006, ultimate reference suite is very high. It islittle slow, but it is not a problem when compared to the content inside it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A fascinating introduction to maps, atlases, and our world, Read more

Features

• CD-ROM

Reviews (2)

world explorer 2.0
i think this game is very fun and good for educational purposes Globetrotting made easy
My son was 4 when he tackled this program. He'd was glued and wouldn't want to budge until he had completely filled his passport!You are given a huge map of the world, complete with landscape and landmarks , continents,countries and major cities.You can even use the magnifying glass and zoomin on an area for more information.For the "passport game" youare to search the map for any boats or planes that will take you from onecountry to another.Click on the plane, for example, and you will be toldwhere you are travelling to and the flight time.For each journey youtake, a visa will be stamped in your passport.Fill your passport with all19(!) journeys and you will earn the title WORLD EXPLORER and get acertificate! In another game, you must search the map for flora, fauna,landmarks, etc. to fill a sticker book.There's also treasure hunt gameand a snap game.I think my son was a little young to appreciate all theinformation that was available, but he felt challenged to finish thepassport or sticker book by the narrator's positive feedback andencouragement.Older children willenjoy the chance to explore what looksinteresting to them (graphics were DK quality and the clickables were greatfun!) at their own pace. ... Read more

Features

• CD-ROM

Reviews (6)

For kids
Very disappointing product from Microsoft .very light in content, short articles, very few animations and videos. I'll call it initiation encyclopedia .may be its good for children from 3 to 12 years old but absolutely not for the whole family as stated.I'm university studentand I find Encarta Deluxe Encyclopedia 2004 useless .

Great resource for kids
My two boys love this!It's perfect for researching school assignments.I appreciate having a reliable resource that enables them to do research by themselves, without always having to go on the internet, which can be a safety concern for parents.The graphics are wonderful, and the audio files add to the learning experience.
Good, but better Encarta Reference Library
It is better to buy Encarta Reference Library, because it has more text and features (Atlas and so on). I have reviewed it if you want extra information. The system requirements are about the same. ... Read more

Features

• DVD-Video
• Multi-sensory home learning system for grades 2 through 12
• Tutorials, lessons, tests, quizzes, video, audio books, and more
• Subjects include math, geography, history, science, reading, and English
• 200+ software titles; 20+ hours of DVD videos; 200+ hours of audio books
• 3 Merriam-Webster's dictionaries; Encyclopedia Britannica 2006

Editorial Review

Imagine a museum with the bells and whistles of a futuristic society, built back in the Cretaceous period. That's what DK Interactive's Read more

Features

• CD-ROM

Reviews (2)

Very Good - even for kids
Dinosaur Hunter is a quality piece of work. Our 5 year old started playing with it when he was 4-1/2 (box lists age 10). He needed a good deal of handholding the first 3 months of constant playing (he really loves dinosaurs,and this was a perfect match), but after that point he was able to navigateand investigate on his own. He still loves the program. Even though thecontent is reasonably deep and fascinating for an adult, there is a lot ofinteractive work that a pre-reading younger kidcan enjoy. When clickingon dinosaurs, they will move and make the kinds of sounds that scientistswould expect from a studyof bone structures. There are a large number ofmovies, and there are many places where the program will read or pronouncenames. One day our son was walking in circles. Each time he came back intoview he was a different dinosaur with a different walk anda differentroar. A different day he walked into the room and asked my wife for helpfinding the caudal vertebra for theheterodontasaurus. Not for all kids,but our youngster loves it.

Dinosaur fans rejoice !
Enter the prehistoric world of dinosaurs... Simply wanderaround the VR museum and click on the exhibits...easy user interface!Amazing animations and special 3D animations makes learning about dinosaur easy. Moving around is easy ! In fact, this CD- rom is like playing an educational title of MYST. Many 3D models to thrill and excite dinosaur fans. There's even a dig site to find dinosaur bones to bring them back to life! The perfect CD-rom for anyone who likes or is interested in dinosaurs. ... Read more

Features

• CD-ROM

Reviews (14)

Light Content, but still Useful
As the previous reviewer notes, this reference library is light on content.
Encarta 2004 versus Britannica 2004
I have bought both Encarta and Britannica for years (EB in printed edition too: 32 volumes, 32.000 sheets). This is my opinion in brief: Encarta is excellent in all aspects, but Britannica's authoritative text (sometimes outdated) makes interesting to buy both. Light on Content and Yet Still Biased
If you are looking for great presentation, lite content, and biased history, by all means by this product.I reviewed both Encarta and Britannica and found Britannica to more in depth and less biased in its history.Many of Brittanica's articles are by people Encarta only writes snippets about (i.e., you get their point of view not some political hack.) If you are looking for content and a fairer presentation of history buy Britannica. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

No help from tech, Old encyclopedia, Dissappointed!
This seems like a pretty good math game for my son. So far I've only used the Math, Multiplication and Division. There seems to be no possible way to see how he's been doing on the game though. I e-mailed the tech (and after a run around of web sites I was told to go to) and he e-mailed me back a note that just said, "I don't believe that!". That's the extent of the help I got, thanks very much, he never e-mailed me back when I asked him what it was, exactly, that he couldn't believe and asked how to get into the parent part of the game (again).
Read more

Features

• CD-ROM

Reviews (3)

Wonderful vocab and spelling booster
My First Incredible Amazing Dictionary is exactly what I was looking for to teach my 5 year old reading and vocabulary.It is a straight forward but well designed list of about 1000 first words.The words are presented in a list with pictures, and when he clicks on the picture the word comes out.The dictionary pronounces the word, pronounces the entire explanation, then shows an animated picture that demonstrates the meaning of the word.It is wonderful for homeschooling or just to give the child an edge in school.My boy spent about 10 hours clicking around it when I first showed him the game.Now, I am currently making him go through 16 words a day, in alphabetical order, to write each word down as he listens to its pronunciation and meaning. I give him a small candy as a reward afterwards, and he doesn't mind doing it because the animated pictures are very interesting, and all different.I think this is an excellent idea from DK and definitely wonderful teaching tool.Besides the dictionary, it also has word games, but my son isn't ready for it now.He will be! Outstanding Vocabulary Development Software for pre-k to 3rd
Dorling-Kindersley's My First Amazing Incredible Dictionary is an absolute delight! Pre-readers up through 3rd graders (or so) will find this software easy to use and intriguing. The graphics, animation, and sounds are mesmerizing. Any child who can point and click can easily entertain himself for at least 30 minutes at at time. After clicking on a letter of the alphabet, the child is taken to a page with pictures of words for that letter, arranged in dictionary format. A click on any picture sends the child to the page for that word. The child then has the option to click on the word itself or the word's definition, which will result in voicing of the text. The child can click on the large colorful photgraph or cartoon drawing depicting the word. The fun is in discovering what will happen with this click. Will it be animation of the picture, a sound or both? Whatever the case, children are usually delighted.The vocabulary items include the obligatory concrete nouns, but also abstract verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and prepostions. There are easy links provided for words with the same spelling but different meanings. I have used this software with hearing impaired, speech impaired, and learning disabled children at work as a speech/language pathologist. All of them loved it.Besides the dictionary, there are games that children will find fun to try alone or with a friend. Enjoy!

Good for early learners
This program introduces children to more than 1,000 words andtheir meanings through pictures, sound effects and spoken words. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Instant Immersion Language Lab includes eight full language-learning CD-ROMs in one package. The Talk Now! series is designed for beginners who want to start learning a new language as soon as possible. By hearing and practicing authentic everydayspeech, your natural language ability will develop. The World Talk programs take you to the next stage, offering added dictation, new activities, and a recording section. Topics covered include "the calendar," building sentences, asking directions, and using numbers. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Amazingly easy to learn French course
I never thought that Fench would be as easy as it is. Really amazing French course for novel people into that language. First step in learning. Great multimedia development, in order to improve pronuntiation. If this is your choice for your first French classes, you are right, this is the best choice.

Good up until the 3rd CD
I've been working with the IM German now for some time (it's part of the 4 CD set). I had fun and learned at a faster pace with the first CD. The 2nd CD was quite a jump. I think you have to do a little studying on the outside before 'mastering' this CD. However! I tried out the Dictionary CD, and it is HORRIBLE!!! I've been studying German long enough now that the speaker isn't even pronouncing the words right. It sounds like someone reading the words for the first time. Be careful this CD can throw you off. If someone has a explanation for this let me know!

Couldn't even get past installation
Installation of the German TalkNow module would hang with no explanation on Windows 98SE. I "Opened" the CD next and tried to launch instal32.exe and instal16.exe manually instead of from autorun. Both hanged. When I attempted to autorun the CD again it produced an error message "Astra32 - System Error -5, 12, 0". The only printed documentation consists of a poorly xeroxed page inside the box with installation instructions for Windows 3.1, 95/98, and a Mac.Read more

Features

• DVD-ROM
• Combines award-winning encyclopedia resources with research and learning tools
• Comprehensive homework project and research tracking tools
• Collection of videos from Discovery Channel and a new Visual Browser
• Update Encarta tool keeps reference materials both timely and accurate
• A wealth of relevant information on virtually any subject

Reviews (1)

Encarta 2004 versus Britannica 2004
I have bought both Encarta and Britannica for years (EB in printed edition too: 32 volumes, 32.000 sheets). This is my opinion in brief: Encarta is excellent in all aspects, but Britannica's authoritative text (sometimes outdated) makes interesting to buy both.Read more

Editorial Review

Explore the cultural treasures of ancient Egypt with this package of four interactive, multimedia CD-ROMs. You can take a detailed journey throughEgypt, from the Sphinx and the Rosetta Stone to Tutankhamen's tomb and thebanks of the Nile. The package also offers 3-D virtual tours of tombs andpyramids, extensive photographs, animations, audio commentaries, and slideshows.Read more

Features

• CD-ROM

Reviews (4)

Note
I bought Discovering Egypt because the box looked interesting.Unfortunately, I found out after installing it on my system that it is NOT compatible with Windows XP.Their web site even says this (which I read after-the-fact).No update is planned by them.Please be aware of that.

Not intended for anyone over age 12!
The cd set will be quite acceptable to those who know nothing of Ancient Egypt, it's culture, history or religion.However, anyone who has even a limited knowledge of Ancient Egypt will find this set dissapointing.The serious minded seeker will not find any in-depth description or commentary about that which they seek. Grest Learning Experience
I think that Discovering Egypt was a great set of discs for learning about Egypt.I learned a lot from it and it helped me out in school and in projects.I would reccomend this for the ages 10 and up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlas (Atlases)    2. Computer software (programs)    3. Education (Educational)    4. Geography (Geographical)    5. Kids (Children)    6. Reference   

Features

• CD-ROM
• PC: Windows 95 or later, Pentium or better, 16 MB RAM (32MB recommended), 40MB free HD space
• 16-bit sound card, 16-bit high color, 2X CD-ROM drive, Mouse, Internet Explorer 4 or higher (to use Surf the Ages), Printer (optional)
• Topics

Reviews (2)

Rip-off
On the surface this looks like a good offer. The only review at the time gave it a 5-star rating, so no doubts that this was a good deal. BUT!!! The Online update service has been discontinued by World Book, so the data will quickly become out-of-date. I am looking for a better option - no more World Book for me!

Excellent Encyclopedia
I can't believe this Encyclopedia is so inexpensive.It is truly excellent.I bought this for my 4th grader and it has a ton of stuff to help students.There are tools to help with report writing, a "How to study" cd, "sticky notes" you can use to put notes into articles, an integrated dictionary...Well, you can read the list of features in the product description.Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• Put this indispensable learning tool to work for you and enliven your education
• Don't just read articles, experience them with multimedia content on almost every subject
• Rich and reliable content from the World Atlas, Encarta Africana, literature guide, translation tools & othe resources
• Comprehensive homework tools and research aides for better and easier learning
• Collection of videos from the Discovery Channel for interactive & dynamic education on a variety of subjects

Reviews (11)

Encarta Reference Library 2004: An Encyclopedia Masterpiece
This is the one edition that my father will give me, Amazon.com staff. This powerful encyclopedia has it all: Encyclopedia and atlas on one product. Previously, if you wanted to see all countries, you had to buy the atlas separately. But, from 2000 on, Atlas and Encyclopedia have bundled up since the 2000 edition. This new bundle is what we actually know as Encarta Reference Library, and this new edition incorporates 20 Discovery Channel videos, a feature that wasn't found in prevous editions.
Good, but better Encarta Reference Library
It is better to buy Encarta Reference Library, because it has more text and features (Atlas and so on). I have reviewed it if you want extra information. The system requirements are about the same.

Encarta 2004 versus Britannica 2004
I have bought both Encarta and Britannica for years (EB in printed edition too: 32 volumes, 32.000 sheets). This is my opinion in brief: Encarta is excellent in all aspects, but Britannica's authoritative text (sometimes outdated) makes interesting to buy both.Read more

Editorial Review

Nothing has been lost in this electronic translation of the popularpaper version of the Read more

Features

• CD-ROM

Reviews (1)

It is too slow
this dictionary is too slow.every time you need to enter a word, you have to click on a button. It is not possible to just erase the last word by pressing Esc and type in a new one.The CD needs to be kept in the cd-rom while using the dictionary.The window only takes up a third of the screen and it is not possible to view the dictionary in full window either.Enteries are alright with simple definitions and pictures. ... Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• All the information you need about the U.S. presidents
• Hundreds of articles, photographs, Internet links, and more
• Information on the political parties, from the obscure to the popular
• Detailed election results dating back to 1789
• Audio and video clips to transport you back in time

Features

• CD-ROM
• Easy-to-follow lessons introduce reading guitar tablatures
• Learn all the chords and scales, and some cool licks for acoustic or electric guitars
• Several different types of guitar playing are introduced, from country picking to Spanish flamenco
• Multiple exercises reinforce skills, as you play along with the on-screen lessons
• Customizable ear-training tool helps you play a song after listening to it

Features

• CD-ROM

Features

• CD-ROM

Reviews (11)

Encarta Reference Library 2004: An Encyclopedia Masterpiece
This is the one edition that my father will give me, Amazon.com staff. This powerful encyclopedia has it all: Encyclopedia and atlas on one product. Previously, if you wanted to see all countries, you had to buy the atlas separately. But, from 2000 on, Atlas and Encyclopedia have bundled up since the 2000 edition. This new bundle is what we actually know as Encarta Reference Library, and this new edition incorporates 20 Discovery Channel videos, a feature that wasn't found in prevous editions.
Good, but better Encarta Reference Library
It is better to buy Encarta Reference Library, because it has more text and features (Atlas and so on). I have reviewed it if you want extra information. The system requirements are about the same.

Encarta 2004 versus Britannica 2004
I have bought both Encarta and Britannica for years (EB in printed edition too: 32 volumes, 32.000 sheets). This is my opinion in brief: Encarta is excellent in all aspects, but Britannica's authoritative text (sometimes outdated) makes interesting to buy both.Read more