- Being a relatively novice computer user, I was eager to install and use this program, ascertaining the ease of which I was able to accomplish same. I additionally have an above average interest in looking up places and things that I run across and want supplemental information on.
- The software was nicely packaged. It was attractive and colorful, peaking my interest almost immediately. Unpacking the program: it was secure and undamaged. Again, the CD case was colorful, well made, and matched the box: a nice touch.
- The CD was easy to remove from the case, especially the push down feature of the center spindle, which sort of let the CD pop up. I liked this, as some CD’s I have purchased were in flimsy cases and were difficult to remove from the case.
- Installation was effortless: the program loaded up automatically and went directly into the Wizard. The automatic opening feature was to my liking, as some CD installation programs require you to actually enter a path to start the program installation.
- Instructions in the Wizard were pleasantly color coordinated and easy to follow and understand. The Wizard led me step by step seamlessly until the program was fully installed.
- Starting the program was a breeze, opening very smoothly to a home page that was easy to understand and navigate. I clicked on the icon to join Club Encarta, but the first attempt failed and a page was displayed that indicated “the page was not available.” However, when I clicked the refresh icon, the correct page opened and allowed me to effortlessly join Club Encarta. The instructions for this were very simple and easy to complete, additionally indicating that a follow up e-mail would be sent to provide me with more information. I found this was very helpful when it arrived a few minutes later.
- In moving around the program, I found the information I requested pulled up smoothly and provided the information I needed and wanted.
- The graphics were crisp and clean; the colors were vivid and lifelike; the maps were up to date and easy to follow. I especially liked the feature where you could use the pointer to click on an area and get a choice of what part of the area you needed more detail.
- The virtual flights and full-screen video are awesome: the video is so crisp. The no swapping feature of a DVD, as opposed to CD’s is a real pleasure.
- The dictionary is user friendly, even for a novice, such as myself. I especially liked the feature that provided a multitude of similar words that I could check out and possibly use in a report or letter.
- The Graph and Chart Maker was to my liking. The menus were easy to use and I found it easy and fun to put together a chart.
- The Update function worked seamlessly and without any problems. I was able to download 1888 files in a little over an hour. This gave me an encyclopedia and reference library that was current right up to the day prior to the download.
- Using the Graph and Chart Maker was a delight to use, however I did not like the colors that were available: the colors were too similar to one another, especially the pie chart. When the chart was completed, the areas on it seemed to run together.
- I would additionally like to have a larger choice of graphs and chart types.
· The overall ease of obtaining valuable information quickly and staying current with new articles and seamless updates was not only very easy to use and interesting, but fun! I have no difficulty recommending this program.
· Evaluation completed on May 8th, 2003.
Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2003
Microsoft Corporation
$74.95 DVD-ROM