names of computer software programsHave you ever used a computer program to learn a foreign language? Which programs have worked well for you?

Brand names that come up frequently are Rosetta Stone and Berlitz, and I know there are others. Regardless of cost, what computer/software program has been effective for you? (I'm not specifying a language - I hope to get as wide a set of replies as possible).

Please limit responses to computer/software programs only. I realize class instruction and living overseas are also very effective.

Thanks!
I've used Talk Now! and found it very limited. This is the same one that you see sold in Circuit City and other places with "102 Languages" on the box. It's 102 languages, all right -- but only 100 words or so in each. Nice if you want to be able to learn a few words, like a grocery list (one section shows you food and words for each), but not practical for conversation. It provides a few quizzes and games, but not much -- and not much if you want to learn the language, not just impress your friends because you can say "onion" in Japanese.

I'm currently using Rosetta Stone to learn Hindi and it has some of the same issues. Rosetta Stone teaches reading, writing (haven't had any luck with that part), listening and speaking (compare your pronunciation against the speakers using a microphone). Hindi only has level 1 course, so I can't tell if the more advanced courses will teach more conversation. The Rosetta method is immersion -- they show you a picture and tell you (written and spoken) what it is. You can run your own preview, or take the guided training, which will show you 4 pictures, then quiz you, then 4 more, names of computer software programsthen quiz you, etc. As you progress, it moves from giving you one word ("girl", "boy", etc.) to building short phrases ("The girl is jumping") for each picture. It adds verbs, colors, teaches plurals, etc. -- all without using English (or any other language other than the one you are learning). I'm finding it somewhat useful -- and more entertaining that just tapes -- but don't think it is as good as the tapes and CDs I have which start you with conversation. You can go out to the Rosetta Stone site (www.rosettastone.com) and download a demo to see how it works.

I have used tapes and CDs for this and other languages and find that Pimsleur is good, but very repetitive. It needs to be -- you are working without a book. I find Pimsleur is better than "Learn in your Car" tapes or some of the other "tape-only" (or "CD-only") products. For Spanish, French and Dutch, I have used (and greatly prefer) Assimil. Unfortunately, they don't have Hindi. I find Assimil is good because it provides both audio (CDs/tapes) and visual (book), so I retain more. Their method takes only 15-20 minutes a day to pick up a fair amount of vocabulary because it is all taught by dialogues with each 7th lesson a review of grammar and syntax. Unfortunately, they have a very limited language base, so I can't use them for everything.
search for them in google yahoo and ask.com
I am sorry, I can not help you in choosing any specific computer program, but I still think that my opinion will give you and idea of how Inames of computer software programs learned English as my forth language.

Having learned three other languages in addition to my mother tongue, I have never used any computer programs to learn foreign languages. Simply, because I think the best way to learn is by interaction with people speaking that language. Hence; I am not trying to discredit the available computer programs or any other mean you choose as a start to learn the very basics of the language of interest. The problem with theoretical learning of a language is that, if you are lucky and smart, are going to be able to understand the basic sentences and commands, but will never be able to speak it the way it is suppose to be spoken. Additionally, there are many slangs, proverbs, and idioms used on a daily basis in each language, which makes it, if not impossible then very hard, for a theoretical learner to comprehend.

Don't be discouraged by what I said, try your best, after you learn the basics, as long as you have the enthusiasm and will, try to associate with people whom your language of interest is their native one.

One advise in learning languages; DO NOT LOOK DOWN AT THE CULTURE THAT COMES ALONG WITH THE LANGUAGE, RATHER APPRECIATE IT.

Best Wishes

Jumbo
I tried to learn Spanish once online and it didn't work. I'm learning Japanese in a classroom and its working for me.
do you know the answer to my question now that I've elaborated on it? thanks