description Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Overview
Microsoft Encarta was a digital multimedia encyclopedia published by Microsoft Corporation. It was originally released in 1993 on CD-ROM and later transitioned to online subscriptions. The encyclopedia incorporated text, images, audio, and video to present articles on general knowledge topics. It remained in publication until it was discontinued in 2009.
help Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia FAQ
What was Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia?
Microsoft Encarta was a digital multimedia encyclopedia published by Microsoft Corporation. Originally released in 1993 on CD-ROM, it was designed to leverage home computer technology to present information. It incorporated text, images, audio, and video to present general knowledge articles.
When did Microsoft Encarta debut?
Encarta was first released in 1993, capitalizing on the explosive growth of personal computers. It started as a CD-ROM product and later transitioned to online subscriptions and DVD formats. It quickly became a major competitor to traditional print encyclopedias like Encyclopedia Britannica.
Why did Microsoft Encarta fail?
Microsoft officially discontinued Encarta in 2009 due to declining sales and changing market conditions. The primary reason for its downfall was the explosive, free growth of Wikipedia. Microsoft realized they could no longer compete with a massive, constantly updated free encyclopedia.
Did Microsoft Encarta include multimedia features?
Yes, Encarta was groundbreaking for its heavy incorporation of multimedia elements alongside its text articles. It featured high-quality images, audio clips, and videos, including interactive timelines and maps. This multimedia approach made it highly popular in schools during the late 1990s.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
