Now a Virtual Globe, Not Just a World Atlas

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 20, 1997 — Microsoft® Encarta® World Atlas 97 is now called Microsoft Encarta Virtual Globe 1998 Edition. Much more than a geographic reference, this product is the perfect tool for effortless exploration of the globe. It enriches and broadens the understanding of countries, cultures and the world. No longer do users have to rely on a one-dimensional, paper-based world atlas; with Encarta Virtual Globe, they can experience the world in 3-D, up close.

Virtual Globe Makes Maps Come Alive

Encarta Virtual Globe has brilliantly detailed maps and state-of-the-art mapping technology that will excite and engage parents, children, students and teachers.

Virtual Globe contains more than 1.2 million place names, providing four times the detail of any printed world atlas. Users can view more than 65 city maps; they can stroll the avenues of Paris or venture to small islands and into remote villages. The beautiful, improved maps integrate with multimedia and textual content to offer a unique learning experience.

Transform Geographic Exploration Into a Thrilling Journey

With Encarta Virtual Globe, geography becomes a fun learning adventure. The 3-D World Flights put users at the controls of a fully navigable 3-D map. The World Flights feature lets users fly through places like the Grand Canyon and the Andes, right on their computer. Virtual Globe also includes an interactive “Name That Place” game that challenges your geographic IQ.

“I found the Virtual Globe to be attractive and easy to use,” said Don Ziegler, president of the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE). “I was especially impressed with the number of smaller places included. I’ll have to admit the Geography Quiz kept me occupied the longest.”

Explore the World and Discover New Places

Users can learn about the world while browsing the seamless 3-D model of the Earth. More than 6,000 articles deliver details on everything from daily life in Indonesia to pressing global issues. More than 5,000 images, world music, videos and sound clips provide a rich multimedia experience. To extend the learning experience, Encarta Virtual Globe 98 links to more than 10,000 World Wide Web resources.

Back to School With Geography

Every year, the world changes. Encarta Virtual Globe stays up-to-date with the latest statistics and global events. Census data, name changes, and geopolitical and border changes are updated regularly. With the special statistics feature, students can view country-level data for social and economic indicators in either map or table format.

Virtual Globe has background information on every country of the world. Cultural insights, pronunciations of words, world music and photographs are just a click away.

Microsoft Corp. provides a free Encarta Lesson Collection, with many lessons designed especially for Encarta Virtual Globe 98. The collection features K-12 lesson plans, written and tested by teachers and supported by Web links and content from the Encarta family of products. The free collection is available on the World Wide Web at (http://encarta.MSN.com/schoolhouse/) (connect-time charges may apply).

Customize Your World

Using Encarta Virtual Globe, educators and students can customize the notes attached to Pushpins to be short or long, or even to contain a World Wide Web URL. Geography hobbyists and armchair travelers can pinpoint and group places of interest around the world. The Favorites feature allows users to bookmark and organize content such as images, articles, map styles and Pushpin sets.

Member of the Encarta Family of Products

Microsoft Encarta Virtual Globe 1998 Edition is a member of the popular Microsoft Encarta multimedia encyclopedia family of products: Microsoft Encarta Reference Suite 98, the product that includes all three Microsoft reference titles; Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia, the world’s leading multimedia encyclopedia; and Microsoft Bookshelf® 98 CD-ROM reference library.

Product Availability and System Requirements

Microsoft Encarta Virtual Globe for the Windows® 95 and Windows NT® Workstation operating systems is available for an estimated retail price of $54.95. Licensed users of previous versions, Microsoft Encarta World Atlas, may receive a rebate ($10 U.S. or $15 CDN) from Microsoft. (Offer valid in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada and expires on Sept. 30, 1998.) Schools and other educational institutions may acquire Encarta Virtual Globe at a discount through the Microsoft Open License program, a flexible plan for acquiring Microsoft products.

To run Virtual Globe, users need the following components:

  • A multimedia PC with a 486DX/50 MHz or higher processor; Pentium 75 required for fly-throughs

  • Microsoft Windows 95 operating system or Windows NT Workstation operating system version 4.0 or later

  • 8 MB of memory (RAM) for Windows 95 (16 MB recommended); 16 MB for Windows NT Workstation (24 MB recommended)

  • At least 29 MB of available hard disk space

  • A double-speed or faster CD-ROM drive

  • Super VGA 256-color monitor supporting 640×480 or higher resolution

  • Microsoft Mouse, Microsoft IntelliMouse® or compatible pointing device

  • Audio board and speakers or headphones

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02 (included on CD) or later (users can maintain other default browsers after installation; modem and Internet access are required for Internet links.

For more information about Virtual Globe and to take a tour, visit the World Wide Web site at (http://encarta.MSN.com/evg98/evghome.asp) .

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