Microsoft Encarta is an encyclopedia-like software that is installed on a Windows-based machine. The software is jam-packed with information that is normally seen in a full volume of encyclopedia. Reference links are also included in every topic for further research over the internet. The software is multimedia in nature, with lots of graphics, audio, and video files to explore. Microsoft Encarta also includes games to make learning more exciting and fun for its users. Software giant Microsoft made the Encarta very educational tool for students to use. It’s a virtual encyclopedia that can be referred to and called upon anytime and anywhere, whether online or offline. The software is regularly updated just like a real encyclopedia is. First released in 1993, the software boasts of more than 62,000 articles complete with illustrations, photos, videos, and music clips. Microsoft Encarta is available online and in discs.