101 Languages of the World Reviewer's Comments

101 Languages of the World by Transparent, is a combination software package. It includes an earlier version of RussianNow! and Vocabulary of the World, a much simpler version of Russian Before You Know It flashcard program.

Ease of Use:  

To go from section to section within 101 Languages of the World is really quite simple. But as you enter into each section, the program's design becomes unintuitive and extremely confusing.

Vocabulary of the World is also terribly ineffective due to its poor and outdated design.

Feature Set:  

101 Languages of the World offers a few different applications in this program, including a typing program and a grammar section. The program also comes with a flashcard program and an outdated version of RussianNow! Deluxe-click here to see RussianNow!'s feature set.

Vocabulary of the World also comes with 101 Languages, which is a rudimentary flashcard program that will help build your vocabulary, if you have the patients to stick with it. We feel the design of this program is terrible and extremely ineffective-which caused us to lose interest in it quickly.

The program also comes with a grammar feature, which is also fairly pathetic, and presents itself as an overwhelming list of grammar areas, which you can choose from depending on your individual needs. The grammar feature does not use tutorials or games, like many programs do. We found this section's setup and teaching style horrible and would not recommend it to anyone unless they had a great deal of patience.

Ease of Installation:  

The installation for both programs contained in 101 Languages of the World was simple. However, having to install two separate programs is less convenient.

Help/Support:  

Transparent provides plenty of support for 101 Languages of the World. Through the company's website you can access a FAQs page, occasional updates and a technical support request form. You can also contact support by email, which typically responds within two business days, or through a toll-free, telephone support line.

Fundamentals:  

101 Languages of the World covers many of the Russian language fundamentals, however, we felt there is not enough material available to give Russian students a thorough grasp the language.

Effectiveness:  

This product fails to cover many aspects necessary for Russian fluency. The grammar section, which we feel is one of this product's main problems, needs to redesigned for ease of use and to provide better instruction.

Summary:  

101 Languages of the World by Transparent is really just an earlier version of, RussianNow! Deluxe, but lacks much of the bonus content available in that product's latest version. If you really want a product that will teach you every aspect of the Russian language, then spend a little more for the latest version of RussianNow! Deluxe.