Best Educational Software

Microsoft’s Encarta Reference Library 2004 DVD is the must-have PC learning resource software package for the family. Thanks to larger hard drives and the DVD format, viewing encyclopedias on your computer is no longer a cumbersome multiple -CD process. This single DVD features real time web updates, tons of multimedia with bonus videos from the Discovery Channel plus an easy to navigate kid-friendly user interface.

Other features include a dynamic 3-D atlas, a tour mode with a flyover feature that simulates a plane flying over all the continents and highlights landmarks, populations and cultures, a dictionary, famous quotations, timelines, a home work helper and much more. Most important, Encarta makes learning fun for today’s media savvy kids. Packed with multi-media, great visuals and enough content to keep them off the GameBoy for at least an hour, they may actually learn something too. $70; www.microsoft.com