The Microsoft Encarta Premium 2009 multimedia encyclopedia combines more than 62,000 detailed articles, immersive research experiences, and thousands of trusted Web links to some of the most relevant—and age-appropriate—sites on the Web, all maintained by a team of dedicated editors.

• Immersive videos, sound clips, interactive maps, and more.
• Virtual historical event tours in 2-D and 3-D.
• The Dynamic Timeline, which illustrates key events from geologic time to now.
• A variety of interactive maps, including geopolitical, climatic, and topographical.
• Frequent updates and article revisions to ensure current information.
• Encarta Kids—a special area created for younger learners, ages 7 to 12, and designed for age-appropriate and imaginative discovery.

• Personal computer with a Pentium 600-megahertz (MHz) or faster processor (1 gigahertz [GHz] or faster processor recommended).
• Windows XP operating system with Service Pack 2 (SP2).
• 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM (512 MB or more recommended).
• 1.6 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space.
• Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (included on disc), requiring between 210 MB and 620 MB of hard disk space.
• DVD-ROM drive.
• High-color–capable or better video card with a minimum 800 × 600 resolution (1,024 × 768 resolution recommended).
• Microsoft Mouse, Microsoft IntelliMouse pointing device, or compatible pointing device.
• 16-bit sound card and headphones or speakers.

• English
• French
• German
• Italian
• Spanish