Depending on your preference for compiling information, PC4 offers two study modes: Explore and Focus. The Explore mode opens a resource in a new, tabbed window, whereas Focus mode splits the window into two panels and related resources are compiled in the right panel.

If you find library searching to be cumbersome, often providing results that seem unrelated to your search, or you just find it difficult to articulate your search and its parameters, then PC4's system will be an accommodating substitute.

One of the major benefits of PC4 is the ability to create, integrate, and share reference materials by utilizing the Biblesoft authoring system which works in coordination with Microsoft Word. The same cross-referencing features used with the given resources are available for your works. These user-created materials may be shared with a community of users via an internet exchange site (www.biblesoftexchange.com).

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The interface is simple to use and attractive, but the available resources leave something to be desired. Though there are over 200 volumes available, including several translations and original language titles keyed to Strongs, most of what PC4 offers is available in other major Bible study software programs.

System Requirements: IBM compatible, Pentium 333 or higher recommended; 64 MB RAM or more recommended; Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP; CD ROM drive (4x speed or higher recommended); 58 MB hard drive space required; 256 color graphics support.

WORDsearch 7

WORDsearch 7 (WS7) is the product of a merger between WORDsearch (www.wordsearchbible.com) and Epiphany Software (Bible Explorer). Since this partnership is an attempt to provide the best of both worlds to users, the following discussion will focus on new and enhanced features from the perspective of BE3 users, and then from WS5 users. Along the way, those of you who are new to the discussion will pick up on the quality, functionality, and resource availability of WS7.

For you Bible Explorer 3 users, the upgrade to WS7 will be virtually seamless. WS7 utilizes and builds on BE3 technology, which in my opinion is one of the major plusses of this partnership. BE3 users will greatly benefit from the multiplicity of resources available in WS. Though BE3 scored high in the technology department, their resource offering was significantly limited when compared to a Libronix or WS. The primary advantage to BE3 users is the new pool of resources as well as WS's longstanding and ever-expanding relationships with publishers.

Some additional features new to BE3 users worth noting include: 1) the Parallel Bible Window which allows a quick and easy comparison of any number of translations. 2) Topical Searching, a feature WS5 users are well aware of, allows you to quickly find articles related to your topic by typing two or more letters. 3) ZipScript pastes scripture texts into word processing documents even when WS7 isn't running. The ZipScript icon appears in your system tray for quick access.