Using Encyclopedia Programs


One of the most popular types of educational software is the electronic encyclopedia. These encyclopedia programs are typically offshoots of respected print encyclopedias, supplemented with all manner of multimedia effects including relevant audio and video clips. Some of these encyclopedia programs also link to online databases, either as part of the purchase price or for an additional subscription fee.

The Best Encyclopedia Software

The top-selling encyclopedia programs on the market today include

  • Encyclopedia Britannica (www.britannica.com)

  • Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia (www.broderbund.com)

  • Microsoft Encarta (encarta.msn.com)

  • World Book Encyclopedia (www.worldbook.com)

Encarta is particularly popular, as it's included as part of Microsoft Works Suite which means that if you just purchased a new PC, you probably have Encarta pre-installed.

Using Microsoft Encarta

Since Encarta is so widely available, we'll use it as an example for our tour of encyclopedia programs. To be precise, we'll look at Encarta 2004, which is included with Microsoft Works Suite 2004.

You can launch Encarta from either the Windows Start menu or the Works Task Launcher. When you launch Encarta, you'll probably be asked to insert the Encarta Encyclopedia disc. This is because Encarta is so large, so comprehensive, it can only be stored on CD-ROM. So insert the CD and get started!

When Encarta launches, it displays the Encarta Home screen, shown in Figure 19.2. To navigate within Encarta, you use the buttons on the Encarta toolbar, located at the top of the screen. This toolbar is similar to Internet Explorer's toolbar, with navigation buttons to take you back and forward through individual pages. You can also use the pull-down menus to access specific features and tools and return to Encarta Home at any time by clicking the Home button.

Figure 19.2. Encarta's home page you can find virtually anything from here!

graphics/19fig02.jpg


The Home screen is your gateway to all the content within the Encarta encyclopedia. From this screen you can

  • Use the Find box to search for specific information.

  • Choose from a master list of articles in the left-hand pane.

  • Click the Articles button to view both Encarta articles and a list of countries described in the encyclopedia.

  • Click the Maps button to view historical maps and Encarta's World Atlas.

  • Click the Photos & More button to view lists of audio, video, and interactive content.

  • Click the Statistics button to view interesting charts, tables, facts, and statistics.

  • Click the Online button to get more information on the Web.

  • Click the Games button to play a variety of interactive educational games.

Encarta includes traditional text-based articles (like the one shown in Figure 19.3), as well as animations, sounds, images, videos, maps, and various interactive activities. Some Encarta entries are linked to the Encarta Web site, so you can go online to get additional or updated information. All in all, using Encarta is a rich and rewarding experience and a fun way to find all sorts of information.

Figure 19.3. A typical Encarta article all about molecules.

graphics/19fig03.jpg


The Absolute Minimum

Here are the key points to remember from this chapter:

  • There are all sorts of educational programs available for your children including software targeted at specific skills and age groups.

  • One of the most popular educational programs is the Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia, which is included as part of Microsoft Works Suite.

  • Encarta includes traditional text-based articles, multimedia-enhanced articles, and links to additional information on the Web.




Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics
Absolute Beginners Guide to Computer Basics (2nd Edition)
ISBN: 0789731754
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 253

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