Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Encyclopedia Software.

Ratings

Ease of Use

The encyclopedia software is user-friendly, organized and the software includes help documentation that's easy to understand and follow.

Feature Set

Encyclopedia software offers more than just articles and pictures; the product should also provide an atlas, timelines, dictionary, thesaurus, article database, videos and other features relevant to encyclopedias.

Search Capabilities

The software performs searches by title, category, name, by keywords within the text and more so finding the information you want is quick and easy.

Ease of Installation

The software is straightforward to install and setup, without errors or other problems, so a novice can successfully install and run the program.

Help/Support

The encyclopedia software includes support and help in the form of documentation and various ways to contact the manufacturer, including phone and email support. Tutorials and knowledge bases also teach consumers about the software.

Encyclopedia Content

Articles

The number of articles the encyclopedia program offers on thousands of topics.

Photos & Illustrations

The number of photos the software contains, allowing you to see examples of topics.

Maps

The number of maps contained within the program - maps may includes states, countries, geographical areas and more.

Videos & Animations

The number of videos and animations the program includes to help you better understand topics.

Sound & Music Clips

The number of sound and music clips contained within the encyclopedia software. The software will tell you about a topic and provide sound samples.

Features

World Atlas

The software provides an Atlas, a series of maps including geography, country, state and province borders. Other maps show unconventional geography, including geopolitical, social, religious or economic status.

Dynamic Timelines

Some encyclopedia products provide timelines of a certain era and topic - for example, sculpture, history, people and religious eras and so on.

Games & Puzzles

Usually found in encyclopedia software geared toward young children to captivate and teach young minds.

Additional Features

Search Bar

High-end encyclopedia software includes a standard search and an advanced search so you can narrow your search by category, title, article and so on.

Dictionary or Thesaurus

The software includes a dictionary feature so you can look up words and retrieve definitions.

Research Organizer

Creates a history of articles and information that you research so you can organize information and easily prepare a report or speech.

Distance Calculator

Calculates the exact distance between two points on a map.

Reports Wizards

Helps prepare reports, charts, time lines, quizzes and web pages.

Article Updates

The software automatically downloads articles updates so information is current.

Pre-Selected Website Links

Many of the articles and maps have links to other websites where you can find more information on a subject.

Magazine Articles

You can access current magazine articles through the software.

Miscellaneous Features

Hard Disk Install

The software package comes with enough disks that you can install the enormous database of information directly onto your desktop.

Indexed Timeline Entries

Architecture

The program creates a timeline of architectural styles in different eras.

Art/Sculptures

The program creates a timeline featuring artistic styles and artists in different periods.

Childhood

The program produces a timeline of children that played an important role in history.

Daily Life

The software creates a timeline of the average day of a person living in a particular era.

Ecology

The program makes a timeline of the relationships of organisms to the environment.

Exploration

The program includes a timeline that displays when explorers discovered different regions.

Literature

The software has a timeline of authors and the literature they wrote.

Medicine

The program has a timeline of medical breakthroughs.

Music

The software provides a timeline of different types of music in different eras.

Religion/Humanity

The program creates a religious timeline of significant religious events.

Physical/Life Science

The software provides a timeline of breakthroughs and significant people in physical and life sciences.

Sports/Recreation

The program provides a timeline of the evolution of sports and important dates in the history of sports.

Technology

The software includes a timeline of breakthrough technological inventions in a particular era.

Women

The encyclopedia software has a timeline of women throughout history that have made an impact on society.

Help/Support

Phone Support

The manufacturer provides a local or toll-free telephone number so you can contact customer support with questions or problems you have with the software.

Help Manual

The software package comes with some form of help documentation or product manual.

FAQ

The manufacturer has a frequently asked questions page so you can find answers to your questions without having to contact support.

Knowledge Base

A collection of facts about the encyclopedia software - this may also have answers to support problems.

Tutorials

Step-by-step instructions on how to use the encyclopedia software.

Download Updates

Software updates are available on the manufacturer's website or directly from the product.

Link to Manufacturer Homepage

The encyclopedia software provides you with a link directly to the manufacturer's homepage.

eMail/Online Form

The product manufacturer provides an email address or online form so you can contact customer support.

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