Guide Rating and Review: Auto-Insight 1.20

   I recently had a chance to try out a new piece of software entitled Auto-Insight. Auto-Insight is an educational product to learn about cars, trucks or whatever you drive. It is an interactive CD that allows you to move around and get information on any system or part.

   The graphics used are very clear and of high quality and some of them are animated for a better understanding of how a system works. Descriptive text windows pop up when parts of a system are clicked on.

   Clicking on a part name will produce an arrow pointing out the part. Double clicking a part name with a blue icon will take you to a more detailed graphic of the named part. A row of icons along the top takes you quickly to a general system and from there to more detailed information about that system. Clicking on a point in the main graphic will also bring a pointer from the part name and pop open the descriptive text box.

   On the lower tool bar are icons for printing, navigation, search related topics, all topics and even a quiz to see how much you have learned.

   The systems covered include:

• Braking System
• Cooling System
• Electrical System
• Engine
• A/C and Heating System
• Body and Exterior
• Exhaust System
• Fuel System
• Steering and Suspension
• Drive Train

   The program is very well done and navigation becomes intuitive in a very short time. The information it gives on systems and parts is clear and accurate, although at times a bit skimpy. I would have liked to see a little more detail in the descriptions. The graphics are very good and makes up a great deal for some of the skimpy text. It is true that one picture is worth a thousand words.

   What this program will not do is teach you how to be a mechanic. What it will do is teach you about cars and how their systems work in general terms.

   Over all I think it's a very nice piece of software and for only $59.95 it would be, in my opinion, worth buying.

What you'll need to run Auto-Insight 1.20:

VGA or better monitor
CD-Rom drive
Hard Disk
Windows Version 3.1, 95 or 98 (Windows NT and 2000 are not supported)
4MB Ram suggested
386 machine or better, (256 color mode recommended)

Auto-Insight
Kevin Schappell
265 South 4th St.
Hamburg, PA 19526
610-462-5476
E-mail: Kevin Schappell kevin@schappell.com

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