The Collins Electronic English Dictionary and Thesaurus CD‐ROM contains Collins English Dictionary (3rd edition updated) and Collins Thesaurus in A‐Z form. The CD is comprised of 180,000 references, 325,000 synonyms and antonyms, 190,000 definitions with 16,000 encyclopedic entries, 14,000 new and updated entries, as well as in‐depth coverage of special interest subjects. The product features boolean searching capabilities; anagram searching; wildcard searching; print, copy, and paste functions; easy ability to move from dictionary to thesaurus; the ability to search for the history and development of a word; and a customizable user interface. A 34 page user’s guide is included, as well as a quick reference card. System requirements are: IBM‐compatible PC, 4 MB RAM (8 MB recommended), 80386SX (or faster) microprocessor, MS‐DOS 3.1 or higher, Windows 3.1 or higher, mouse, CD drive with 4 MB, and a hard drive space of 17.5 MB.
The CD was extremely easy to use. The user’s guide and quick reference card are essential, easy to read, and assist the user in all of the product’s features. After having used print copies of dictionaries and thesauri, this product provides the user with an electronic alternative to print. It is essential for students of all ages. Being able to move from a Microsoft Word document to an electronic dictionary/thesaurus without having to get up and pull a volume from a bookshelf is a welcome addition to any computer user’s hard drive. I strongly recommend this product.
