Encarta Encyclopedia Free Software Direct

: Microsoft released localized versions in several languages (e.g., German, Spanish, Japanese) and specialized products like Encarta Africana and Encarta Kids . The "Free" Versions

Encarta was born from Microsoft's internal project in the late 1980s. After being rejected by Encyclopædia Britannica , Microsoft licensed text from Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia for its initial 1993 release. Encarta Encyclopedia Free Software

: Included thousands of photos, illustrations, music clips, videos, and interactive animations. : Microsoft released localized versions in several languages

: Featured a virtual globe atlas (powered by MapPoint technology), dynamic timelines, and 360-degree virtual tours. Microsoft experimented with free access models:

Although mainly sold on CD-ROM and DVD, Microsoft experimented with free access models: