Encyclopedia Software Programs Worth Purchasing

Gone are the days of bulky collections of encyclopedias. Today, you can own a simple software program that brings a complex world of knowledge to your fingertips. There are many programs available, so choosing the perfect encyclopedia software can be taxing.

There are things you should look for before you purchase the program:

Ÿ Operating System Requirements--Make sure the software will work with your computer. Many programs are not compatible with Macintosh.

Ÿ Features are important--Some programs come with report wizards that can help students organize their thoughts and research. Any encyclopedia software should offer articles, pictures, videos, and sound files to help provide clear information. Some programs go above and beyond by offering educational games to help you be certain you understand the material.

Ÿ Updates--The programs should offer you updates because information changes frequently.

Ÿ Search Bar--A search bar is essential if you plan to quickly locate information.

Ÿ Support--Software is generally easy to install and simple to use, but in some cases you may find yourself running into problems. If the help desk is slow or lacks proper information, you may find the software just isn't worth your time. All programs listed in this article received at least four and a half stars for service.

BRITANNICA ULTIMATE REFERENCE SUITE

For $49.95, you can own the Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite. The software is compatible with Windows XP, 2000, ME, and 98. It is not compatible with Macintosh. Users give Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite high marks for features, searches, installation, support, and overall use. Of all the encyclopedia software options, this software is the most highly rated. The software includes articles, photographs, maps, videos, and sound clips. Features include:

Ÿ Additional Web Links

Ÿ Atlas

Ÿ Dictionary

Ÿ Educational Games

Ÿ Encyclopedia

Ÿ Magazine Articles

Ÿ Reports Wizard

Ÿ Research Organizer

Ÿ Search Bar

Ÿ Thesaurus

Ÿ Timelines

Ÿ Updates

BRITANNICA DELUXE

This more moderate software package costs $20 less than its counterpart does. At $29.95, the software seems affordable, but it does lose a few functions. Installation, ease of use, and support are still excellent. The content provided is considerably less, however. Be aware that Britannica does not offer a program that is Macintosh compatible. Among the features of Britannica Deluxe:

Ÿ Additional Web Links

Ÿ Atlas

Ÿ Dictionary

Ÿ Encyclopedia

Ÿ Magazine Articles

Ÿ Research Organizer

Ÿ Search Bar

Ÿ Thesaurus

Ÿ Timelines

Ÿ Updates

EBRITTANICA STANDARD

For under $20, you can purchase Ebrittanica, online software that offers the functions of any Britannica software for half the price. The software is incredibly easy to install and use. It is not compatible with Macintosh. Features include:

Ÿ Additional Web Links

Ÿ Atlas

Ÿ Dictionary

Ÿ Encyclopedia

Ÿ Magazine Articles

Ÿ Research Organizer

Ÿ Search Bar

Ÿ Thesaurus

Ÿ Timelines

Ÿ Updates

ENCARTA:

Microsoft Encarta used to be the best program available. Its popularity is slipping these days, but it is still one of the highest ranked programs. The software is easy to use and simple to install. It is only available for Windows XP and Windows 2000 users. Features are typical.

Ÿ Additional Web Links

Ÿ Atlas

Ÿ Dictionary

Ÿ Educational Games

Ÿ Encyclopedia

Ÿ Magazine Articles

Ÿ Research Organizer

Ÿ Search Bar

Ÿ Thesaurus

Ÿ Timelines

Ÿ Updates

WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA

One of the handfuls of encyclopedia programs that will run on Macintosh, World Book Encyclopedia is affordably priced at $29.95. The program is easy to use, easy to install, and offers good support. Search capabilities are excellent.

Ÿ Atlas

Ÿ Dictionary

Ÿ Distance Calculator

Ÿ Encyclopedia

Ÿ Reports Wizard

Ÿ Search Bar

Ÿ Thesaurus

Ÿ Timelines

Ÿ Updates