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)
Showing posts with label Bible software. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible software. Show all posts
Saturday, January 30, 2010
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!
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)
(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.]
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.]
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)
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)
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:
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:
- BibleReader for iPhone
- BibleReader for Android
- BibleReader for BlackBerry
- BibleReader for Palm OS
- BibleReader for Pocket PC
- BibleReader for Smartphone
- BibleReader for Symbian 60 v1.0
- BibleReader for Symbian 60 v2.0
- BibleReader for Symbian 60 v3.0
- BibleReader for Symbian 60 v5.0
- BibleReader for Symbian 80
- BibleReader for Symbian UIQ 2.x
- BibleReader for Symbian UIQ 3.x
- BibleReader for iPod
- BibleReader for Java Cell Phones
- BibleReader for WAP Cell Phones
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)
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)
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.
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.
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 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.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Theophilos
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