Re: Birding Software
David (dstrother@pop.dn.net)
Fri, 20 Nov 1998 17:37:43 -0500
Thomas harten wrote:
>
> Does anyone have a favorite product
a) The Peterson NAB CD-ROM is the easiest to use, and pretty much like
having a copy of the book in front of you, with the addition of
recordings. The life list feature is worse than useless, but most of us
wouldn't want to risk losing something like that in the inevitable
computer crash and probably wouldn't use it anyway. This one
automatically opens when you insert the CD-ROM.
b) National Audubon's NAB CD-ROM is a bit harder to use, and less
user-friendly, because of an older interface approach to navigation
through what it's got. However, in the long run it's going to be more
satisfying for the advancing/ed or hard-core birder, particularly
because you can search for the bird you want to identify in a number of
different ways. There are a lot of good pictures, and excellent
recordings. This one does not automatically open; you have to go to
Start, then the program group Birds, then the NAB. Once you start it,
you can bypass the advertisement with which it opens, and the subsequent
movie closeup of a somethingorother by clicking in the middle of each
image as soon as it appears.
c) Haven't tried Thayer.
> (or something to definitely steer away from)
Dorling-Kindersley products are usually superb, so it was a real
surprise and disappointment that their "Eyewitness Virtual Reality:
Bird" turned out to be a real Dodo. In spite of the nice review at
http://www.cdaccess.com/html/pc/virtbird.htm, it is an amusing approach
to wandering around a virtual museum, but of little relevance to anyone
except those who know nothing at all about birds and want somewhere to
start. If you accept it on those terms, then it's ok, but no more.
> is there anything in particular I should consider when purchasing
> these items?
Always be sure to have your speakers on. You _did_ get an SB Awe sound
card, didn't you? If you have yet to buy speakers, the Yamaha YST-M10
are, IMNSHO, the best.
Enjoy!
David Strother
Bethesda
dstrother@pop.dn.net