Learn French Now Reviewer's Comments

*We chose not to include Learn French Now in our updated review of Learn French software because it is already included in the Complete French Learning Suite, the #5 product. The program is still available through Transparent Language and you can read the previous review below.*

FrenchNow! Deluxe works by immersing you in the French culture. You can listen to live conversations, watch videos from France and read interesting articles. This program is more challenging to use than higher-ranked software, and requires some prior knowledge of French because it is an immersion language program.

Features:  

FrenchNow! Deluxe is difficult to use because the controls are unintuitive and are not labeled clearly. Many controls assume that you know how to operate the software without guidance. Some French language learners will find this frustrating. However, spending time in the help files alleviated the problem to a degree.

Fundamentals:  

FrenchNow! Deluxe comes with useful French language features. The program includes a useful tool to help you pronounce French words like a native; you can record your voice and compare it to that of a native speaker. While this feature is not as advanced as the voice software in Tell Me More, FrenchNow! Deluxe still gives you a fair assessment.

FrenchNow! Deluxe also offers grammar and writing tools, including a global writer that shows you how to write and spell-check in French—handy if you are corresponding with someone who speaks French.

Although FrenchNow! Deluxe has several convenient features, the program doesn't allow you to set goals or track personal progress. Without measurements, it's difficult to keep motivated and on track.

Ease of Use:  

FrenchNow! Deluxe installation was simple. However, if you install the Global Writer program and you happen to use Office 2000, the combination may interfere with MS Word; you may be prevented from altering styles in MS Word.

Teaching Tools:  

The help and documentation files for FrenchNow! Deluxe were excellent. We also had no complaints about customer service-the email response time was two business days. Technical Support is open Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM EST and the manufacturer offers FAQs and updates on their homepage. If you still have unanswered questions, you can fill out a Technical Support request form or call the support line.

Word Tools:  

FrenchNow! Deluxe does a good job covering French language fundamentals. The program helps you develop listening comprehension—a vital conversation skill. This software also allow you to record your voice and compare your pronunciation to that of a native speaker. And French grammar is covered thoroughly in the GrammarPro section, a series of grammar tutorials and in quizzes.

Tech Support/Help:  

FrenchNow! Deluxe is an effective French teacher. The program is designed to improve your French language by immersing you in the French culture. FrenchNow! Deluxe includes grammar instruction, helps build your French vocabulary, and provides you with the opportunity to practice French conversation. But operating the program may be frustrating for beginners.

Summary:  

FrenchNow! Deluxe offers several excellent features but the speech recognition software and progress tracking tools don't work well. Due to this, We recommend Tell Me More French Intelligent Solution because it includes these and more.