Software Reviews : The Software Toolworks World Atlas for Windows and U.S. Atlas for Windows Publisher: The Software Toolworks,60 Leveroni Court,Novato,CA 94949;415-883-3000. Year of Publication: 1991 Version Reviewed: 3.0 Materials: Instruction manual;floppy disks for regular versions,CD-ROM disk for multimedia versions Price: $89.95 regular versions,$149.95 multimedia versions Machine Specificity: IBM-compatible 80286,80386,or 80486 computer System Requirements: IMB RAM,VGA monitor,mouse (recommended);for regular versions 6MB of hard disk space;for multimedia versions CD-ROM DRIVE,audio board (Creative Labs' Sound Blaster or Media Vision's Pro Audio Spectrum),and headphones or speakers;Microsoft Windows 3.0 or higher and MS-DOS 3.1 or higher;for multimedia versions Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions 2.1 or higher. Effectiveness: Excellent User-Friendliness: Excellent Documentation: Excellent

Abstract

Totally revised and dramatically improved from earlier non-Windows versions by the same company, these products now clearly set the standard for electronic atlases. The World Atlas con- tains 240 detailed political and topographical maps, over 4,400 statistical maps, and 11 information categories with over 300 subtopics ; and the U.S. Atlas contains over 110 political and topographical maps (including county and major city maps), over i,ooo statistical maps, and 11 information categories with over 200 subtopics. Users may create new topics and add to the permanent database, add notes to any map, place map markers on any map to designate points of interest and scroll forwards and backwards through the last 50 maps used. The multimedia versions show flags, play anthems, pronounce and place names, and provide audio help.