Parental guilt sells encyclopedias on CD-ROM, too
Article Abstract:
Sales on encyclopedias on CD-ROM are booming, thanks in large part to parental anxiety. The three leading CD-ROM encyclopedias are Microsoft's Encarta, Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia and the New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Each sells for about $300 at discount. Benefits to these encyclopedias include faster searches and the addition of video, audio and animation. Drawbacks include shorter, more poorly written articles and less attractive color photos, tables and maps. Grolier's is slightly better than Compton's; its writing is aimed at older children, and it has a more versatile searching system and a better selection of video clips. Both come in versions for the Apple Macintosh and IBM PC compatibles. Users who plan to put off their purchase for a year or two might find Microsoft's Encarta, currently only available for the PC, to be vastly improved. Encarta's interface, graphics, audio clips and documentation are much better. But Encarta lacks historical video clips and has simplistic text.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
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The right software lets PC owners become fine printers
Article Abstract:
Microsoft's Publisher desktop publishing software combines all the necessary features required to create a newsletter, business form or brochure without the imposing sophistication of the more complex and more expensive programs on the market. The $129 program is easy and fun to use, and runs on Microsoft Corp's popular Windows platform. The best feature is called Page Wizards, which helps users create newsletters, greeting cards, calendars, expense reports and airplanes in a short amount of time. The package also includes clip art and the ability to print text on a slant, curve or upside down. Publisher lacks a style sheets feature, and requires a 386 processor with two-Mbytes of memory. Documents should be printed on laser printers for better quality results.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
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Organizer program takes a leaf from date books
Article Abstract:
One particularly fast-selling type of computer program is the 'personal information manager,' or PIM. As computerized alternatives to datebooks, Rolodexes and address books, PIMs keep track of addresses, appointments, phone numbers and more. The term is applied rather loosely, making it difficult to compare and evaluate competing programs. Also, successfully choosing a PIM largely depends on one's personal habits and work style. Despite the caveats, users looking for a PIM that offers ease of use, a good selection of features and ability to customize should consider Lotus Development Corp's $99 Organizer. This practical program puts an emphasis on ease of use and clarity. Organizer runs on Microsoft Windows, with an Apple Macintosh version under development.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
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