Describes Photo CD Portfolio, an Eastman Kodak product that provides interactive multimedia CD-ROM production capability. The article focuses on the capabilities of the tool's simplest authoring system, Create It, which allows users to work with Photo CD, PICT, or TIFF images, add graphics, text and audio, and create menus with branching. (KRN)

Reviews six computer software programs that emphasize drawing, science, and math skills: (1) "Brushstrokes" (Claris); (2) "Tempra Vision" (Mathematica); (3) "Draw to Learn" (Draw to Learn Associates); (4) "Coaster" (Disney Software); (5) "Rediscover Science" (Edunetics); and (6) "Rediscover Math" (Edunetics). (MDM)

Reviews current developments in multimedia computing for both the business and consumer markets, including interactive multimedia players; compact disc-interactive (CD-I), including levels of audio quality, various video specifications and visual effects, and software; digital video interactive (DVI); and multimedia personal computers. (LRW)

Describes some of the characteristics of Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) technology. Reviews two CD-ROM products: (1) "Sammy's Science House," which introduces fundamental processes in science; and (2) "Dangerous Creatures," which allows exploration of a world of more than 250 endangered species. (TM)

Provides an overview of five major systems utilizing optical media, including basic descriptions, applications, configurations, and advantages and disadvantages. Systems covered are interactive videodisc, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), integrated systems, digital video interactive, and QuickTime and Video for Windows. (five references)…

Reviews five CD-ROM catalogs: (1) Auto-Graphics Impact; (2) Brodart LePac; (3) GRC LaserGuide; (4) Library Corporation Intelligent Catalog; and (5) MARCIVE Pac. General guidelines for selecting a CD-ROM catalog are discussed, and vendor addresses and telephone numbers are listed. (MES)

Describes Microsoft's Windows with Multimedia Extensions Software for the IBM PC. Topics addressed include hardware and software requirements, enhancements to the standard Windows environment, computing standards utilized, how Multimedia Extensions interacts with applications and devices, extensibility and ease of use, and CD-ROM performance…

Compares and evaluates three CD-ROM products for the ERIC database: (1) DIALOG OnDISC; (2) OCLC's Search CD450; and (3) SilverPlatter. The focus is on search capabilities and features. (1 reference) (MES)

Reviews children's software packages: (1) "Fun 'N Games"--nonviolent games and activities; (2) "Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo"--matching, logic games, and animal facts; (3) "Big Job"--12 logic games with video from job sites; (4) "JumpStart First Grade"--15 activities introducing typical school lessons; and (5) "Read, Write, & Type!"--progressively…

Describes Ulrich's PLUS (a CD-ROM version of Ulrich's serials directories) and EBSCO's CD-ROM version of "The Serials Directory," and compares the two in terms of their use as reference tools. Areas discussed include database content, user aids, system features, search features, and a comparison of search results. Equipment requirements…

CD-Rewritable (CD-RW) is the latest advance in compact disc technology, permitting the erasure and reuse of space up to 1,000 times at a slightly higher cost than CD-Recordable (CD-R). This article reviews and rates twelve CD-RW drives and highlights packet-writing software that allows files to be recorded a few at a time by dropping them onto the…

Compares features of user interfaces for CD-ROM public access catalogs by six vendors: (1) Auto-Graphics; (2) Brodart; (3) General Research Corp.; (4) Library Corporation; (5) Library Systems and Services, Inc.; and (5) Marcive. Brief evaluations of the products are included, and detailed descriptions of each are appended. (MES)

Consumer demand and advances in technology are generating increases in the availability of brand name compact disc (CD) recorders priced for average consumers. A comparative analysis of CD-recorders is presented based on functions, capabilities, cost, and marketability. Related issues are also discussed, including computer software; technical…

Reviews three geography and history CD-ROMs: "GeoSafari Platinum Edition," a multimedia game on history, geography, and science; "Destination: Time Trip USA," which allows students to create an interactive electronic book while exploring a fictional town; and "SkyTrip America," with which students fly across America, reviewing maps, time lines,…

Summarizes the storage capacity, advantages, disadvantages, hardware configurations, and costs of CD-ROMs. Several available titles are described, including "Books in Print," literature study guides, the works of Shakespeare, a historical almanac of "Time Magazine" articles, a scientific dictionary and encyclopedia, and a…