Friday, February 5, 2010

What did we miss?

Did we miss your favorite? If you would like to add a review, please leave a comment in this post.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

E-Sword

E-Sword (v9.5.1)is a free, extremely agile and functional Bible software program.  It has many free modules adding a good selection of Bibles, commentaries, devotions, dictionaries, and graphics (maps), greatly expanding its worth as a resource, and not overtaxing the investment of your parishioners.  You can purchase modules to expand its capabilities, which I will assume are the most current and or restricted due to copyright issues.

If you were to use this as a basis of a Bible study, you should consider the following when encouraging parishioners to select this program:
  1. Select in advance the modules you want installed, otherwise the list could be overwhelming to the parishioner or his/her computer and/or skills.
  2. Decide if they need Greek and Hebrew Bibles, for the opportunity to explore the various meanings of the words via Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries.
  3. Seek a range of resources, as you should be the one to validate the download source for currency or applicability. 
E-Sword has the ability to create and save your own notes, to highlight text, to show text in comparison or parallel mode, and to view maps and graphics which help clarify geographical references, even if they are not extensive.  I’ve been running e-Sword concurrent with BW8 over the past couple of weeks, and I’ve found many common features, some with interfaces that mimic common Microsoft programs, making it easier for most parishioners to learn.
(JimG)

Biblos.com

Biblos.com presents a fairly common interface to the internet, which should be of reasonable comfort to members unfamiliar with the program.  The menu bars it uses, and the 12 English Bibles it encompasses, will certainly provide the basics needed for people to move beyond bare bones Bible study.  A nice feature if you have a multilingual congregation is the inclusion of many foreign language Bibles, including multiple choices in a number of these languages.
I especially enjoyed finding the online mobile version (Online Mobile Bible), for which it claims the only requirement is Internet access.  A quick try proved it works with my Samsung Blackjack 2, and the features extend beyond a simple electronic copy of the Bible (in the 12 English variants); it also has 3 commentaries and cross reference features.  It works with PDA’s and computers, so you could use this on a computer’s larger screen if you’re having difficulty reading the phone’s screen.
There is a wealth of ways to interpret and/or approach a Bible text using the Bible study Tools option.  While not extensive, it provides 25 different methods to get into the text and expand your knowledge, from parallel gospels to interwoven text (Hebrew or Greek).  It has a feature for searching on a story, date, person, place, or topic, so it you are one who doesn’t like to memorize the minutiae, you could easily use this feature to take you from the general to the specific.
(JimG)

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Xiphos

This is the Xiphos Bible site. The home page was very appealing as opposed to this one. The homepage made a reference to reporting any misuse of software such as having viruses. I clicked onto downloads to see if they are free or not, but it took me to another website: the open source Sourceforge site.
Previewing the software it looks similar to the Online Bible I also checked. Again it is still not equal to Bibleworks8, but it could easily get the job done. It looks like a good and free way to set parishioners up with online resources. I have noticed in my short time working in the program that it offers several dictionaries and commentaries that could be very beneficial to parishioners. One strength I am finding is that they include the NET translation (for free with limited notes; for a cost to get the full notes version). You can obtain hundreds more modules here (from the Sword Project whose modules work in Xiphos) or here.
After being able to download this, it seems like a great resource. This is a website I will suggest to many people interested in online Bible resources.
As long as it works, this looks like a helpful, reliable, wonderful resource to start with.
(JakeW)

Online Bible

The Online Bible website offered downloads for DOS, Windows  3.1, Palm OS, Macintosh, Pocket PC, and Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7. It was easy to navigate the webpage. They offered different Bible translations, commentaries, dictionaries, educational material such as online Bible study material, updates on news, and an Online Bible Discussion Forum.
After looking through some of the resources available, there doesn’t appear to be anything that might be more advanced than Bibleworks8. However, for parishioners this might be the way to go. You can get quite a bit of functionality with the free version, but you can a full set of modules (including NKJV, Message, ESV) on a DVD for about $40.00.
I also want to note that from the pictures I saw of the online Bible version, it looks similar to a Bible program I bought from Staples before coming to seminary. It was about 7 dollars and offered about 15 different languages including Greek, and about 10 English translations. It also offered a Greek lexicon, and one commentary.
(JakeW)
Note that this is not an online Bible but a Bible software program to download!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

BibleZ for Palm Pre

I started with intentions of downloading OliveTree to my Palm Pre.  After 4 hours, multiple failed attempts and coming very close to throwing my Palm Pre through the living room window, I caved, gave up on Olive Tree and went with BibleZ and have not looked back.  So brief review of Olive Tree - obviously not user-friendly for download to Palm Pre.  BibleZ on the other hand was extremely user-friendly for the download process.  It is located in the Pre application catalog.  BibleZ is a bible software application specifically made for webOS.  BibleZ relies on Zefania XML Bible modules (versions), there are currently 56  modules in different languages available for free download.  There is a bookmark feature which is handy to save the spot where you left off, and also a notes section that is easily accessible verse-by-verse.  There are no search categories which makes it tough to do any kind of exegetical work.  It's also kind of clumsy when trying to move to certain passages.  It would be nice if you could just type something like "John 3:16" and it popped up.  Overall pretty good - free application that has many modules (versions) to choose from and very easy/user-friendly to download, but lacking in search functionality.  I would recommend this application to anyone with a Palm Pre who is especially interested in language versions other then English.
(AaronR)

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Scripture 4 All version 2.1

The Scripture 4 All website  provides the free Bible software, Interlinear Scripture Analyzer (ISA). ISA allows a user to look up Scripture and to study the passages in three windows. The interlinear window displays the verse in Greek (New Testament) or Hebrew (Old Testament) and parallels it with word-by-word transliteration and translation. The translation window presents the verse (AV) in the context of the passage. The concordance window displays frequencies of words and their variations by Strong’s Concordance number. Each window interacts with the others. For example, users can search the concordance by selecting the word in the interlinear window.

The language itself is a little confusing at times. The Greek is displayed in Koine script, that is, all capital letters with some of them looking slightly different from ones many beginning Greek students would instantly recognize. The Hebrew letters are written right to left, as is normal, but the words themselves go left to right, the opposite direction from which Hebrew would be read. This is most likely for interlinear agreement.

ISA is a useful program with some helpful displays. However, coming from someone who is not very technologically-minded, the program does require time to learn and understand. The help menu allows a little more understanding of what the various windows and setups can do, and the website also has a “Help” and “Frequently Asked Questions” page. Trial-and-error exploration may be one of the best ways to come to understand this program.
(SarahT)
[Scripture 4 All also offers downloadable PDF files of the Hebrew Interlinear Bible and the Greek Interlinear Bible.]

Blue Letter Bible

The Blue Letter Bible is an online resource that offers a variety of features. Users may search Scripture in English, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, or Spanish. Once a verse has been found, the Blue Letter Bible displays the verse as well as those after it with links to dictionaries, commentaries, concordances, images, maps, and other versions. The site itself is pretty self-explanatory, and first-time users would most likely be able to navigate it without much difficulty. A “Help/FAQ” link may be accessed on the left navigation bar for assistance if needed.
    Developed over the past fourteen years, the Blue Letter Bible—run mostly by non-denominational, self-described 'conservative' Christians with backgrounds in ministry and/or education—offers tools for a range of people. For the more tech-savvy, the site provides computer code to link to a user’s site. It also expects to be used as a source and provides ready-made citations for its pages throughout most of the site.
    There seemed to be only two things that warrant attention when navigating this site. First, the Greek letter ρ is a little askew, making some words difficult to read at first glance. Second, users must pay attention to which version of the Bible they are searching and remember to check it or change it as the site may revert back to default settings from time to time. Overall, however, the Blue Letter Bible seems to be a useful resource.
(SarahT)

YouVersion

YouVersion is both a program that adds to personal Bible study and an online community that can be place where a person can add their thoughts on a particular bible passage.  It is free to use both the program and to gain access to the online community.

The program itself is designed to be an online Bible reader.  The program gives the reader access to most of the popular versions such as NET, NIV, KJV, and the Message. (41 versions in 22 languages)  The program offers a wide variety of languages, but no Greek or Hebrew.  It is possible to view 2 or more versions at the time.  The reader is easy to navigate and the font is large and easy to read.  The Faith Comes From Hearing program which offers a variety of audio Bibles is integrated into the reader program as well. 

The online community is slanted towards mainstream non-denominational American culture.  Part of how the online community functions is by joining groups and by following your friends’ comments.  So it is possible that a person’s home church could set up a group and comment on the same scripture to form a study.  It does not appear that people are taking advantage of the online community and focusing on the personal devotional aspect. 

Bible Reading plans are offered by Christian organizations such as Bible Gateway and Blue Letter Bible.  It is possible to choose to do these plans and once a reading is finished it automatically crosses it off of the list that corresponds to the plan.

YouVersion offers a mobile program that I downloaded onto my iPod touch.  It is basically a Bible reader that is easy to search and read.  The Bible Reading Plans are found on the program and they automatically synch up your account on the website once you finished a reading.  The online community component is not found on the mobile program.  

I would recommend this program to people who are interested in reading or listening to the Bible online.  I would only recommend the online community to another person if they know others who are using it.  The program does not make it easy to meet new people. 
(DanC)
Note that there is support for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Java, and also a Mobile Web version.

LaParola 7.13

La Parola is Italian for The Word, and The Word is what La Parola wishes to display.  This is a free Bible software program that is comparable to Bible Works program.  In this review I will be making comparisons between the programs because they similar in what they can be used for. 

As far as value is concerned La Parola is a free program, so you will not lose money on this deal.  Time is also valuable.  La Parola did not take much time to download and set up.  However, the updates that contained additional Bible Versions and commentaries did take a good bit of time to download.  As a person that is familiar with the Bible Works program it took little time and effort to get adjusted to how the program works.  The La Parola website, which is linked from the program, offers 3 helpful instructional videos that show what the program is capable of how to perform the actions.  I have to believe for the lay person who is not familiar with Bible Works, La Parola is more accessible.

In terms of content La Parola is more geared to the Lay Person who is not interested in learning Greek.  La Parola offers a few Greek versions, but it does not offer the resourses that Bible Works has in how to learn and interpret the Greek version.   The standard Bible versions that La Parola offers is not that great (no NIV, NET, or RSV).  The only popular version that comes standard is the King James Version.  It is possible to add more versions from other Bible resources such as E-sword and OSIS.  The dictionaries and other resources are few, but functional. 

I would recommend this program to the lay person who interested in reading different versions of scripture at the same time and searching for words or phrases.
(DanC)

Great Treasures in the Scriptures

Great Treasures would be a very useful tool for the non-specialist who is interested in slightly deeper biblical studies and doesn't want to spend a lot of money (it's free actually) to do so. It parses out every word in the Greek New Testament. Currently, the site supports NT word studies only. In the future they say that it will also support OT word studies (both Hebrew and Greek). The site also provides a parallel version panel including KJV, Tisch, NASB, ESV & NIV which is user friendly and easy for version/text comparison. You also have the option of making a personalized account where you can put chapter notes, verse notes, word study notes and translation notes. The site also gives a short definition of words and also has a digital Strong's Concordance. This site may work well for a one-on-one Bible Study where two people could share an account on Great Treasure and utilize another social networking site to supplement the further dialog that may be needed to have a successful study. The down-side is that you must always have an internet connection to utilize great treasures. It would be nice if they could make a down-loadable free version available so one could avoid having to be online to use Great Treasures. 
(AaronR)

OliveTree BibleReader (Palm OS with NET Bible)

OliveTree BibleReader
Noting that the NET version was a free download, I bravely ventured into downloading it without reviewing much of the Olive Tree information.  I was pleased to find the download of both Reader (for my Palm Centro; Palm-Pre also supported) and Bible went smoothly.
The operation of the software, is intuitive and friendly.  The Centro has a small screen, but the bible is easy to navigate and the text is crisp and easy to read.  Verse finder is fast and easy to follow.  The notes function works nicely, though it would be terrific if one could tap a note and have the verse come up.  There is a “verse history” function that I also find helpful both as reminder of where I’ve been and as a speedier way to toggle between passages without having to flip through book, chapter, verse.  (Notes function is for making notes and does not include NetBible notes.)
I’ve performed just one “search” on the word grace.  A period of about 15 seconds resulted in 118 hits (same as BibleWorks) within the OT and NT corpus.  Pretty good for a phone.  The results are listed in the bottom of what has now turned to a split screen.  Scrolling through them is quick enough.  With 118 hits , however, it would be helpful to have a pop-up “Book” window to guide the user through what books they are coming upon.  I recommend this software, and I am happy for the ability to have a readable pocket Bible with me at all times. There is an abundance of other free and for-sale resources that can be added.
(BrianC)

>>> Note BibleReader support for the following platforms:

Into the New Testament

Into the New Testament” is a web-based resource still in development.

What I like about this website right from the start is that it is laid out in a logical fashion.  The home page is simple with icons listed in the order the user will use them to progress (the last two icons are for help and a “contact us” icon).   The Help icon is a nice graphical overview of the site..

The first four icons are “Getting Started,” “The Skills,” “The Literature,” and “Activity Grid.”
  • Getting Started: “What you will need” simply gives a link to download Flash Player, and recommendations for books that will assist in your study.
  • The Skills: Provides a list of nine necessary skills for close study of the text and exercises for developing them.
  • The Literature: A quick overview of the Literature of the NT.
  • Activity Grid: Provides the scenarios that further the study of the texts.
This Bible study tool is based on problem based learning.  By working through scenarios (so this is best utilized in teams of some sort), the student begins their study of the texts in order to arrive at a solution to the problem.

I like this resource because it may be used in a class setting, but also, I think, as a way to involve a lack-luster church Bible study group (perhaps even an online group).  It also allows for as basic or in-depth a study as the group may be ready for.

Into the New Testament has been developed by Mary Hinkle Shore, associate professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, and is hosted by Luther Seminary.
(BrianC)

MacSword 2.1

MacSword is a free program for creating a library of Bible study resources; Bibles, commentaries, etc.
The first thing I will note is the daunting disclaimer which caused me to go forward with great trepidation.  So far, I have not been attacked by terrorists or as far as I know, the CIA.
This is not a user friendly program.  It does not have an attractive interface and the instructions leave a great deal to be desired, but it is free as are most modules.  I was prepared to give MacSword a solid thumbs down in the midst of my initial frustrations.
I have downloaded the NETBible (Free NetNotes are available).  It is easy to navigate book and chapter.  I initially could not search for a selection of more than one verse.  A search on Luke 15: 12-20, must be formatted thus, Luke 15:12-20.  Navigating through MacSword is largely trial and error.
One function I did figure out quite readily is the parallels function.  Within this program, the user may parallel as many Bible versions and commentaries as will fit on the screen.
I will note that the Greek translation I have downloaded (OT-LXX/NT Tischendorf), does not translate or parse.
I believe with more work in this program I’d find many reasons to recommend it for some.  For me, with MacSwords poor interface and lack of features, it is worth saving the money until you can afford Accordance (or simply use online resources). (BrianC)

Cross Word 3.5

Cross Word correctly claims that it is easy to use, but that is partly because it offers very little.  The download was extremely slow.  It is free, although the program can be downloaded at cost in a faster format.  The paid version also has a sound function that can only be previewed in the free version.  Since the program is tied to an individual machine, it can be used regardless of internet access.  CrossWord uses three function buttons, forward and backward chapter buttons, and a search window.  The “Book” button allows you to choose an Old or New Testament book or to select a translation.  Only two translations are available with the free version; the display will allow you to view the King James Version and the World English Bible with the 1917 edition Scofield reference notes and a column for personal notes.  Another button recalls the search history, and the third allows the creation of bookmarks by category.  Both the KJV and WEB texts are linked to the Strongs numbered definitions; however, not all words in the translation are linked which may be confusing to those not already familiar with the languages.  The search window allows a slow English word search that is displayed in an additional column; statistics on the words are not available.  Overall, CrossWord is limited by its translations and references.  It’s strongest feature is the user’s ability to link personal study notes to each verse and the program’s compatibility with Windows, Mac, and, to a limited extent, Linux. (TraciMB)

Biblos.com

Biblos.com is a free site that offers a comprehensive selection of resources that are arranged in an easy-to-access format.  The home page has 25 buttons for tools including a concordance, commentaries, interlinear and interwoven texts, devotions and a mobile feature.  There are 148 versions available in a variety of languages, including 22 English variations, and it includes a verse-by-verse translation comparison.  The site also includes a children’s version, though it is text without pictures and not significantly different from other contemporary translations.  Regrettably, Biblos lacks both the NET and The Message for literal and dynamic translations.  The Greek and Hebrew language tools are easy to use; you can hover your mouse over the word for translation.  It is not as useful as a program like BibleWorks for in depth language study; it doesn’t have the same capacity for statistics work or the ability to keep personal notations.  You can’t search for frequency or usage for Greek or Hebrew words, though you can search resources for English words.  The site also includes the Apocrypha, which may be useful for readers who don’t have it in their hardcopy Bible.  Since it is web-based, it is available wherever one has internet access.  This free site does not ask for monetary support, though there is a function for donating to the contributors who maintain the site.  The site includes advertisements and links to other sites and sources including sites promoting decision theology that encourage users to share contact information if they either accept or still have questions about Christianity.  (TraciMB)

Crosswire: MacSword and Xiphos

Crosswire has a number of free online Bible study packages available. Since I have a Mac, I first decided to look at MacSword. I was able to download it fine, but there were no bibles, commentaries, etc. installed; I had to do this manually and it was not very intuitive. After playing around with this unsuccessfully for several days I decided to go a different route. So, my initial review of the MacSword is they have work to do...

The second program I looked at was also a Crosswire product, called Xiphos. This is a Windows-based program which I downloaded using my Vmware product (Used to run Windows-based products on a Mac). After downloading, a window opened indicating that I needed to select the different modules. There were several modules, including Bibles, Commentaries, Languages, translations, and maps. If you allowed your cursor to hover over the item, there was a description of what it was, unfortunately, I have not found that this carries over into the program. Once all of the modules are loaded, the program runs relatively well. There are four different panels that you can customize. I have them set up into Bible, commentary, a bible dictionary, and a notes area. within the Bible area, you can look at parallel versions for easy comparison. The search capability is very good; you can define the boundaries (books, testaments, etc.) search by Bible or Commentary, search by multiple words, exact phrases, or expressions, you can also match the case and decide whether or not to use the bounds, no scope, or the bounds of the previous search.
You can insert your own bookmarks, create your personal area for notes, change the view, save a session to return later, and see daily devotions. This program will even read aloud in case you have a question as to how something should be pronounced.
For a free program I am impressed by the scope of what this offers. The two issues I need to work out are the Hebrew font, and remembering what each of the abbreviations stands for with the Bibles and Commentaries. I would recommend this program.

NET Bible Online

I have explored various online options for Biblical studies.  One that I like in particular is the NET Bible online.  This is a great resource, because it’s kind of like a free version of BibleWorks.  It allows you to see Greek and Hebrew versions of biblical texts, and various English translations as well.  For a parishioner or otherwise curious student for whom BibleWorks might not seem like a good investment, this is a great tool.   It shows the Greek and Hebrew and allows you to “click on it” just like BibleWorks, and then it gives you a very simple explanation of the word in the original text, and these explanations are helpful for study even if you don’t have a background in biblical languages.  It’s a great tool for translation comparison and is accessible to everyone for free and would be useful during a lecture series as it could be projected on a screen and used to facilitate discussion in a classroom setting, and it could also be used as a basis for an online study and discussion group. (BrianB)

BibleWorks8

The only hard-drive Bible software program that I have used is BibleWorks 8, and I’m still in the process of learning how to use all of its functions. However, even a basic knowledge of BibleWorks is extremely helpful. If you can click in a box and type, you can use BibleWorks to great advantage. Even if you have no knowledge of Greek, you can access and compare different English (and other modern language) translations of the Bible, which is always helpful. And if you do have a background in Greek and/or Hebrew, but you are far from fluent, BibleWorks can enhance what you already know and remind you of things that may have slipped your mind. Also, the ability to export translations and texts from BibleWorks directly to Microsoft Word is great for comparing texts and then adding your own commentaries on them. This also makes it easy to e-mail or print texts so that others who don’t have BibleWorks can see your work. BibleWorks also offers frequent updates and the ability to download helpful study tools like the Talmud and other extra-biblical texts. It also offers statistical information that you don’t need a background in Greek or Hebrew to access and lets the user compare various uses of a word or phrase throughout the Bible, which is particularly useful in translation comparison and is even more useful if you can read exactly what is in the original Greek or Hebrew. (BrianB)

Monday, January 18, 2010

Bible Explorer 4.0

For my Bible software review I looked at and began to get use to using Bible Explorer 4.0. This program in its basic form is a free download, and the free software was impressive in its function and amount of free documents included in the way of Bibles, Commentaries, Cross References, Devotionals, Study Tools and other items included in the library. Additional “books” are available for purchase on-line to be added on to the library and some additional research would be needed on those to give a good review of the possible library one could build, so you do not get everything for free!
The browser window within the program allows for multiple windows to be viewed at the same time. I found four documents to be viewed at a time on the screen about the most manageable, but while fooling around I was able to have 10 windows opened at once. So you could have multiple Bible translations, commentaries and the built in word processing program all on the screen at once. The Bible translations and commentaries are synced automatically (it can be toggled off) so as you scroll one version the other windows continue to scroll as well which I found to be nice when comparing three versions at once. I liked being able to view Greek and English translation simultaneously and I will continue to fool around with this while doing some exegesis work in the coming months to get a real feel of things.
There is also discussion groups connected to Bible Explorer as well. The free version does not included access to the groups, but with purchases of additional downloads you are granted access. According to many reviews on cnet.com these discussion groups might be something to avoid. I was not able to view the discussion group, but since the group is connected to the software publisher this does raise a potential concern. Overall I found the software a nice addition to my seminary tool box.

The Bible Gateway

The Bible Gateway is a website that can be used for reading and researching scripture online for free, no membership or registration required site I was impressed with the wide range of available Bible versions and translations.
The site was easy to navigate and I could see myself recommending this site to members of a congregation as place where a layperson could do some basic Bible study work without being intimidated with the process. The home page opens with a Quick Search box with clear directions to Enter the Bible passage (e.g. John 3:16), keyword (e.g. Jesus, prophet, etc.) or topic (e.g. salvation) you want to find. You can easily choose your version of the bible as well on this page.
The site offers a Verse of the Day that is posted under the Quick Search. Depending on the version of the bible chosen you can click through to an audible reading of the chapter and verse of the day.
There are some limited commentaries linked to the site as well for some basic exegesis work. The two commentaries found on the site are IVP New Testament Commentaries from InterVarsity Press and Matthew’s Henry Concise Commentary on the Bible. These commentaries are not too insightful, but do offer some commentary research that can be easily read by those who are interested in doing some biblical research beyond just reading the scriptures.
Bible Gateway offers other features such as a Verse of the Day widget that could be added to a personal website and a Bible Reading Plans, which offer five different reading plans developed by Central Presbyterian Church in Baltimore.
The Bible Gateway was first started in 1993 by Nick Hengeveld while attending Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI). In 1995 Nick became the first webmaster at Gospel.com. He continues to run the Bible Gateway and adds new translations, languages, and functionality to the site.
There is also a Mobile BibleGateway.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Theophilos

Theophilos is a Bible study program which runs on Windows OSs from 95 through Vista. The authors have taken considerable care to make sure that the package is compatible with readers for the visually impaired. It has a variety of powerful features which allow the user to do sophisticated searches, make notes, jumplists, and topic books, use and create multimedia, and author add-on modules. This is all available for free download. What is lacking in the freeware is resources; only the KJV, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, and Easton’s Bible Dictionary are included. Upgraded versions of the library are available on CD for $20-$70. Other downloadable add-ons may be purchased separately for $10 -$25 each or as a package for $130. These upgrades include additional versions of the Bible in English and other languages; however, the NRSV is not available. There are three Greek NTs on the upgrade CD: Scrivener's Greek NT 1894; Stephanus Textus Receptus; and Westcott-Hort Greek NT. No Hebrew Bible is available, although there are two Hebrew-Aramaic dictionaries and versions of the KJV and NASB which include Strong’s numbers. In spite of the powerful software, I think the resources are lacking, and I would compare Theophilos to other packages to see if I could find one with better resources. Another major drawback for me is that the way the package handles configuration files requires that it be run as an administrator, and I do not think that is acceptable.

Online ESV Study Bible

The online ESV Study Bible is free for buyers of the print edition ($49.99, list; $31.49, Amazon) or may be purchased separately for $19.99. It provides online access to the printed text and notes (sample here for Matthew) and allows users to make personal notes, highlight text, view hyperlinks, search the text, and listen to the displayed chapter. Notes and highlighting are stored with user accounts and are always accessible. The personal notes work well; some formatting and the ability to add hyperlinks are available. The notes column is narrow; however, if the length of the window is exceeded, a scroll bar is added. The illustrations and maps are wonderful, but many look washed-out and are difficult to read without zooming. (Samples here.) The most problematic feature is the search, which is too broad. I searched on God’s love, one of their examples. There were nine hits; of these, only two were actual occurrences in the ESV. Some were in section headings, study notes, or footnotes. Some “hits” were words which were too far apart or parts of other words; for example, one was in 1 John 3:2: Beloved, we are God's children now. (Searching for "God's love" using quotations does work as hoped.) In an error message, I found a link to an advanced search, but it was broken. Since the online help begins by providing the email address for problems or suggestions, this is clearly a work in progress. This is a good tool, but I would not purchase it separately. It would be worth spending a little more and getting both the print and online versions.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Welcome!

Here we go! This is an experimental blog for the Technological Tools for Biblical Studies class by mgvh at LTSG for January 2010.