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A.D.A.M. Comprehensive by: A.D.A.M. Software Inc.
Published: NY Times, Las Vegas Sun/Review Journal, L.A. Times, Windows Magazine
Reviewed by: Valerie L. Rojas
Category: Software-Windows/Mac




As a certified biology teacher, I have been looking for the perfect anatomy program for use in my classroom. Prior to finding A.D.A.M., my resources were limited to copies taken from textbooks, or from teacher resource books. None of which showed macro to micro detail nor how they layered one upon another to make a complete anatomy picture.


Other CD- ROMs available showed details but were primarily designed for classrooms which had computers available for the students. They were interactive pictures but you weren't able to print the pictures. Now with A.D.A.M., I can, using the computer go layer by layer into the body , print the picture, reproduce student copies and make a transparency from the picture for classroom use.


A.D.A.M. has a wide range of user capabilities. From the student who is just getting introduced to anatomy to the experienced medical practitioner. For the beginning anatomy student A.D.A.M. will locate any part of the anatomy, identify any organ or tissue and pronounce the names of any body part. For the experienced practitioner A.D.A.M. has a Operating Room Panel from which they can simulate the entire surgical procedure from cleansing the area to suturing. For parents who feel uncomfortable with genitals and breasts, A.D.A.M. has Locking the Fig Leaf Controls . This option allows the user to either permanently or temporarily cover the body parts and can be changed at any time during or after installation. ,


As a science teacher, I am primarily concerned with how A.D.A.M. can be used in the classroom to guide my students through the sometimes difficult study of Anatomy.


You begin your exploration of anatomy with the A.D.A.M. screen which contains three windows; Primary, Library and Structure List.


The Primary Window contains a Primary Panel which will allow you to access the Operating Room, a Status Bar which will identify what you are viewing on the Content [ image] area or related documents, a Content [image] area, Expand Button and Scroll Bar. From the Primary Panel you can identify structures , access related information, zoom in and out on a anatomy image, magnify a highlighted area and enter the Operating Room. Using the Find Tool, students and teachers can search for structures with either the Fast Find or Detailed Find.


The Library Window allows you access to digitalized x-rays, cross sections and associated MRIs. Your Library collection can be expanded by books you create in optional A.D.A.M. Studio or from optional books that you can purchase.


The Structure List is your way of navigating through the body. It contains Full Anatomy, System Anatomy, links , text overviews and book related information. Using the Depth Bar to quickly dissect through the many anatomical layers. The structure which appears on the Content Image area as you dissect deeper into the structure will be highlighted on the Structure List Window.


Using optional A.D.A.M. Studio, you can create an entire curriculum; syllabus lecture notes, pictures, tests, and graphics page by page.


A.D.A.M. Comprehensive is truly accurately named! You won't find a more useful and detailed program! Teacher and students alike will love A.D.A.M.!


System Requirements: Windows 386SX\25 MHz processor or higher Microsoft Windows 2.1 or higher 8MB of RAM 9MB of free hard disk space 2x CD-ROM Mouse or other pointing device SVGA Color Monitor 256 colors


System Requirements for Macintosh 68030 processor\25 MHz or higher System 7, 8 MB RAM 11 MB hard disk space 13" or larger Monitor 256 Colors 22X CD- ROM


RATINGS


Product: A.D.A.M. Comprehensive
Company: A.D.A.M. Software Inc.
Reviewer: Valerie L. Rojas
Ease of Installation: A+
Documentation: A+
Graphical user interface A+
Help Screens A+
Ease of learning to use A+
Overall rating A+


Would you recommend this to a close friend for purchase? YES

PACKAGE CONTENTS:
CD-ROM Jewel box with CD
Warranty card
2 A.D.A.M. ‘s. Users guides
A.D.A.M. Information and support included in instruction booklet:
or on the web at www.adam.com
Customer Support 1-404-953-2326


THE REVIEWER


Valerie L. Rojas has lived in Las Vegas NV, for the past 36 years. She is a disabled, widowed, mother of two. She has worked in various public relation areas, including Sears and The Review Journal Newspaper, in Las Vegas. Her hobbies include : reading Stephan King novels, collecting Star Trek memorabilia, cooking, and computers. Currently working for the Clark Co. School District.

Copyright © 1994-1999 Valerie L. Rojas
She can be reached on America Online at Vrojas2411@AOL.COM