No need for Internet connection. Just fine for most encyclopedia searches. If a topic is restricted, one of the links provided is likely to provide the information sought. No update planned for 2001.
Web links are substandard.
A nice extra if it comes bundled with a new computer, but no match for the Britannica offered free online. Don't do it. Not if you already have an Internet connection. Encarta, founded in 1993, is owned by Microsoft. Britannica officials did not respond to requests for comment on the similarities between their CD-ROM and free online services.