Microsoft Encarta software works as an easy-to-use online or offline learning and reference tool for students, as well as business owners who are searching for relevant industry information and trends. Thousands of articles, multimedia clips, a dictionary, a thesaurus and search features can be accessed with the Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. Whether choosing Microsoft Encarta standard or Microsoft Encarta premium, such software can be useful if your chosen field or business specializes in research or publishing, or if you are looking for resources to help increase business productivity.

Microsoft Encarta education and training requires no degree or certification since it is mostly a reference tool that anyone can learn. However, a background in computer information technology and Microsoft MCSE certification helps if you’re training office employees in using Encarta or other Microsoft software. Overall, Microsoft Encarta education and training is mostly hands-on and self-paced, with interactive tours of program features.

1. Experiment with the Microsoft Encarta free trial software to familiarize yourself with the basic features before buying the product.

2. Seek online MSN tutorials to build upon your research skills and to learn new, advanced features.

3. Attend training sessions at an on-site center such as a company or a school.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Download Microsoft Encarta software online

Work with the free Microsoft Encarta trial to learn some of the basics. Experimenting with the free Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia can help you decide whether to buy the software for your business or research needs.

I recommend: Microsoft features a free Microsoft Encarta download at its website, which allows you to try the product before you buy it. Afterward, feel free to purchase the complete Microsoft Encarta software kit, or download the program instantly. Microsoft Encarta software can also be downloaded at sites such as CNET and Computer Shopper, although these sites usually offer earlier versions that don't provide the latest information.

Find online tutorials that focus on MSN Encarta and other Microsoft software

Read about additional features of MSN Encarta and Microsoft Encarta premium software. Consider tutorials that are interactive to enhance the hands-on training experience.

I recommend: Take a tour of the Microsoft Encarta interface and read information on how to troubleshoot errors and other issues at the Microsoft Help and Support Center. MSN Encarta offers free Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia and additional resources at its website.

Attend a training class on the job or at a separate training facility

If you prefer traditional classroom learning, seek Microsoft software and Encarta courses at a training center such as a local community center or college.

I recommend: Microsoft provides a listing of training options such as e-learning, self-paced or instructor-led classes at Microsoft training centers. Computer learning centers such as New Horizons also offer training in Microsoft programs such as MSN Encarta or Microsoft Office. Some courses lead to Microsoft software certification.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  MCSE certification stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Those who are MCSE-certified have expertise in various Microsoft products and other computer systems. MCSE certification helps professionals become more marketable in their chosen fields.

Microsoft Encarta software is a highly-popular program on the market today, used in schools all over the world. The MSN Encarta software is a research/knowledge-based software package available in many versions, including Microsoft Encarta premium, Microsoft Student with Encarta and Microsoft Student Encarta Premium.

Microsoft Encarta offers great functionality for increased productivity and ease of use in doing research. To use Microsoft Encarta to its full potential, you should:

1. Check your current operating system to see which version of Microsoft Encarta you may already have and verify if any upgrades are available.

2. Use the free Microsoft Encarta tour to get familiar with the program and ensure it will work for your needs.

3. Purchase the full version of Microsoft Encarta (if you don't already have it) or the upgrade, then install and run the tutorial to ensure you’re using the program to its full potential.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check your current operating system for the installed Microsoft Encarta edition

Most new computers come with Microsoft programs pre-installed and ready to use. While this is not standard for Encarta, it is part of the MS Office Student Edition and MSN Internet Service. Before you buy this popular program for your computer, check to see if you already have it and which version of Microsoft Encarta you have to determine if you just need an upgrade, which is a much less expensive option than buying the entire program package.

I recommend: Download Microsoft Encarta upgrade through the Office Student Edition for the newest version of Microsoft Encarta from the Microsoft Office home page. Download.com offers a patch to add the reference library to the 2003 edition of Encarta to make it more user friendly.

Use the free Microsoft Encarta tour to learn more

View the free Microsoft Encarta tour to get to know the program. Reviews or user groups are another great way to find out how other business owners use Microsoft Encarta.

I recommend: View the tour on the Microsoft Encarta home page to learn more about the program and its features to make sure it's right for you and will fit the needs of your home-based business. The tour is fun and shows the most recent version. CNET offers reviews of Microsoft Encarta, offering you information on other user experiences with the program

Purchase the full version of Microsoft Encarta

Purchase and install the full version of Microsoft Encarta to utilize all the features of the program if it isn't already on your computer. Microsoft Encarta can be purchased in physical form to install from most retailers who carry computer software and supplies.

I recommend: Everything Outlet offers the latest version of Microsoft Encarta at a reasonable price that can be shipped directly to your door. NexTag allows you to compare against other software, sellers and prices to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Restart your computer after installing or downloading Microsoft Encarta to allow it to work properly.
• •  Whether you buy the full Microsoft Encarta program or just an upgrade, save your receipt as you can claim the expense on your home-business tax forms.

Microsoft Encarta is a digital multimedia encyclopedia available both on the web and on DVD or CD. Web access requires that you pay a monthly subscription fee. Encarta has been around since 1993, and the most recent version has over 60,000 articles. You can purchase Microsoft Encarta in multiple languages, including French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese and Dutch. These localized versions generally have less articles than the full English version and use available national resources specific to each country. The following terminology will help you get to know Microsoft Encarta.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Encarta Instant Answers

Encarta Instant Answers is a Windows Live Messenger 'bot' that answers questions in your Live Messenger Window. Encarta Instant Answers can solve simple math and advanced algebra problems, as well as providing encyclopedia-related answers.

I recommend: Learn more about Encarta Instant Answers at Live Spaces or Messenger Tools.NET.

Encarta Kids

Encarta Kids is a special version of Encarta meant for children between the ages of 7 and 12. The user interface is designed with large fonts and bright colors, and the article material is age appropriate.

I recommend: Read about the unique features of Encarta Kids on Lycos or the Kyrene School District No. 28 website.

Interactive maps

The premium edition of Microsoft Encarta contains an interactive atlas that has interactive maps of over 1.8 million locations. There are several different types of interactive maps, including geopolitical, climatic and topographical.

I recommend: See an example of an interactive map with the World Atlas on the Microsoft site.

MindMaze

Hidden within older versions of Encarta is a trivia game called the MindMaze. By pressing CTRL-Z, users could access a castle exploration game where advancement depended on correctly answering trivia questions. For younger children, it was one of the most popular parts of Encarta. The MindMaze was altered in newer versions of Encarta, and eventually dropped entirely.

I recommend: You can purchase a MindMaze inspired collection that plugs into the SuperMemo software at the Super Memory Store. Read about the original MindMaze on the Cult Software blog.

3D virtual tours

Microsoft Encarta offers 2D and 3D virtual tours of historical events and locations. You can see two dimensional panoramic views of cities and major landmarks, or take a three dimensional tour of the Acropolis.

I recommend: Read more about virtual tours in a review of Encarta 2007 on gtpcc.org.

Discontinuation

Microsoft has decided that they will stop selling the Student and Encarta Premium software in the US as of June 2009. The web product will be discontinued as of October 2009 in the US. Microsoft will continue to support the Encarta software for three years past this date.

I recommend: Learn more about the discontinuation of Encarta on MSN. For support after the discontinuation period, visit Microsoft.