A recent visit by a salesman to my home reminded me of my school days. He was selling Encyclopedia. Some lightyears ago, it was so cool to have an Encarta CD. You could use it as a reference for project or homework or just for learning fun facts. Internet and Wikipedia have completely changed the game.  Almost any information that you will ever require is freely available online. Microsoft has realised that (a bit late though) and have discontinued Encarta. If nothing the entire episode just made me nostalgic about my glorious school days.