Long before Wikipedia became the default starting point for research, a generation of students and knowledge seekers relied on a spinning shiny disc. Released at the peak of the multimedia CD-ROM boom, was the gold standard of digital encyclopedias. It transformed homework from a chore of flipping through heavy, dusty book volumes into an interactive, multimedia experience.
Launched in 2001, Wikipedia grew exponentially. It was free, updated by millions of users in real time, and accessible from any web browser. microsoft encarta 2005 download
| Software | Platform | Offline? | Cost | Best for | |----------|----------|----------|------|----------| | | Web / Offline app | Yes (download snapshot) | Free | Most comprehensive, constantly updated | | ** Britannica Encarta?** (No) | Web | No | Subscription | Trusted academic sources | | World Book Encyclopedia | Web / USB | Partial (USB edition) | Paid | Schools, libraries | | Kiddle | Web | No | Free | Kids (visual, safe) | | Encarta 2009 (abandonware) | Windows | Yes | Free (abandonware) | Same nostalgic feel, slightly newer | Long before Wikipedia became the default starting point