Microsoft Bookshelf is a useful tool for almost anyone’s home or office computer. I’ve installed the latest (2000) version, and have used an older version previously. Anyone who does word processing or research using their computer will find Bookshelf a handy addition. The installation on my Pentium III – 700 was effortless and smooth. It’s the little surprises after installation that you have to look out for! When the installation was complete, an icon had placed itself in the system tray. It does have a “right click” option to close, buy I prefer programs that do not run unannounced in the background! “Quickshelf”, as this easy access is called, is in the startup folder, so is easy for even a novice to get rid of. Also, when the installation was complete, and I first accessed the software, a shockwave message popped up. Apparently, I did not have the current version of shockwave, necessary to run the opening video sequence. Seriously, I think we can all do without the flashy opening video sequence for reference software! That was resolved, and the software now works flawlessly.

What are some of the features you’ll find in Bookshelf 2000? You’ll have access to a dictionary, thesaurus, quotations, concise encyclopedia, maps, timelines, a writer’s style guide, web links and multimedia information. There is an easy to use interface allowing you to enter keywords, and pinpoint the type of information you’re looking for (definition, article, quote, etc.) A search for synonyms of the word “opinion” resulted in the following

opinion (noun)


opinion, one's opinions, one's views, one's conviction, one's persuasion
sentiment, mind, view
point of view, viewpoint, stand, position, attitude, angle, view
impression, feeling
conception, concept, thought, idea
thinking, way of thinking, way of thought, body of opinions, outlook on life, Weltanschauung, philosophy
assumption, presumption, principle, premise
theory, hypothesis, supposition
surmise, guess, conjecture
conclusion, judgment

Other Forms
philosophy: school of philosophy, opinion
idea: what one thinks, view, point of view, slant, way of thinking, attitude, opinion
positiveness: unshakable opinion, doctrinaire opinion, opinion
estimate: estimate, estimation, view, opinion
bias: angle, point of view, private opinion, opinion
supposition: thesis, position, stand, attitude, orientation, point of view, standpoint, opinion
vote: vote, voice, opinion
conduct: mental attitude, outlook, opinion
repute: opinion, good opinion, good odor, favor, high favor, popular favor, good books

More than I needed, but easy and thorough!

Another interesting feature is the integration of Bookshelf into my MS Word program. It’s somewhat troubling when I think about it….but after the installation, there was bookshelf on my Word toolbar! Hmmm…I don’t recall selecting that option. Oh well, I do think it will come in handy. I would just prefer the option of having it there, rather than Microsoft making that choice!

If you’re looking for a well rounded reference tool for your PC, Bookshelf 2000 will probably be a good bet for you. It will not, however, in my opinion, replace a more thorough Encyclopedia program, such as Encarta.




Recommended: Yes