Being Informed with Encarta
J. Kevin Tumlinson

One of the most popular computerized encyclopedias ever, Microsoft's Encarta, has managed to live up to its reputation with grace and dignity. This collection of articles, photos, sound bytes, and streamed video is one of the cleanest running and most informative pieces of educational software in existence.

As you would expect from any reference tool, Encarta includes a nearly comprehensive look at history and civilization. And, incredibly, it's current to the month! Once you load the software on your computer, you have the option of going online and downloading the latest articles and links.

If the included articles and photos aren't enough, Microsoft has incorporated a system that works with your web browser and allows you access to an incredible number of links on the web, all approved and verified by Microsoft.

In addition to this powerful reference tool, you might want to check out the Encarta Africana addition. This is a terrific tool for anyone with an interest in African culture and history. With video presentations from such African American icons as Maya Angelou and Quincy Jones, Encarta Africana is a must as an addition to your reference collection.

To learn more about these great reference software titles, surf to www.microsoft.com.