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Check Wikipedia without even connecting to the net

Check Wikipedia without even connecting to the net

Vote: (7 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Wikitaxi

Version: 1.3.0

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(7 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Wikitaxi

1.3.0

Works under:

Windows

Access Wikipedia offline with WikiTaxi, the innovative way of browsing the world's largest encyclopedia without the Internet.

Introducing WikiTaxi

WikiTaxi is a specialized software designed for users who need to access Wikipedia content without relying on an internet connection. Given the unpredictable nature of network availability, WikiTaxi presents an effective solution for researchers, students, and knowledge enthusiasts who prefer having information at their fingertips, regardless of their online status.

Comprehensive Data Compression

One of the standout features of WikiTaxi is its ability to compress the vast amount of data that Wikipedia contains. While the size of the entire Wikipedia database is colossal, WikiTaxi employs advanced compression techniques to ensure that the entire encyclopedia can fit on a portable 8 GB memory stick or larger. This makes it not only resourceful but also quite portable, allowing users to carry a wealth of knowledge in their pockets.

Simplicity and Portability

Another significant advantage of using WikiTaxi is its ease of setup. The program requires no formal installation. Users can extract the content to any location, such as a fixed hard drive or a removable storage device. This flexibility further enhances its portability, ensuring that users can access Wikipedia content from various computers or devices without installing software each time.

Minimal System Alteration

Upon use, WikiTaxi creates a small options file (*.ini) that is stored next to the main executable. This file allows users to customize their experience and settings. The alterations it makes to a system are minimal, preserving the integrity of the user's computer without the cumbersome modifications that come with typical software installations.

User Experience

Navigating through WikiTaxi is relatively straightforward. The interface resembles a simplified web browser that focuses on content delivery. However, due to the lack of images and other multimedia elements that are usually present on the online version of Wikipedia, some users might find the appearance to be somewhat bare-bones when compared to the full-fledged website experience.

Update Considerations

Since Wikipedia is constantly being updated, users must consider that an offline database will not reflect the most recent changes or additions until they download an updated version of the Wikipedia database and import it into WikiTaxi. This process can be cumbersome for users who prefer updated information regularly.

System Requirements

The substantial storage requirement is perhaps the most significant consideration when it comes to WikiTaxi. Users need to ensure they have ample free disk space to accommodate the large, compressed file. While the application is impressive in shrinking the database, the space needed can still be considerable, especially on devices with limited storage capacity.

Pros

  • Offline access to Wikipedia content
  • Highly effective data compression
  • No installation required; portable software
  • Minimal impact on computer's system

Cons

  • Requires substantial disk space
  • Lacks visual elements of the online Wikipedia
  • Updates require manual database downloads

In conclusion, WikiTaxi is an invaluable tool for those who need to access Wikipedia offline. Its portability, compression, and ease of use make it a practical choice despite the considerable space requirement and the aesthetic differences from the live site.