PC4 is one of the most user-friendly interfaces out there in the world of bible study libraries, and the latest has become even more intuitive and functional. In addition PC4 recognizes the value of “eye candy,” and has improved their graphics on an already attractive program.

A couple of the added features that I found especially helpful in 4.2 are the Global Search and the Library button. Global Search allows you to quickly search your entire library or a customizable selection of resources. By selecting or unselecting resources in the Global Search Dialogue, you easily specify the resource boundaries of your searches. The Library Feature allows you to display all your references by author, category, or abbreviation. This is especially helpful with long lists of unlocked resources in the more advanced libraries available with PC Study bible, or when you add multiple resources to your library.

Advertisement

Navigation is a breeze in PC4, and as you become more familiar with NavPanel (located on the left), the Lower Toolbar, and the Hover Capability (allowing snapshots of reference list items without opening the resource), you’ll soon discover that sifting through resources doesn’t present the challenges of other comparable libraries. PC4’s menu display only adds to the ease of navigation, and their layout is the best I’ve used in a PC format.

As I mentioned in last year’s review, PC4’s list of resources leaves something to be desired. But they’re continually adding titles that can be purchased separately as addons. They still lack many of the more technical resources available in Libronix or BibleWorks, but they’re expanding and improving.

System Requirements: IBM compatible, Pentium 333 or higher recommended; 64MB RAM or more recommended; Windows 95/98, ME, 2000*, or XP* (*may require Superuser or Administrator mode); CD ROM drive (4x speed or higher recommended); 58MB hard drive space required, up to 620MB hard drive space optional; Mouse or compatible pointing device required; 256 color graphics support. Website: www.biblesoft.com

QuickVerse 2005 Version – Deluxe Edition

QuickVerse (QV) 2005 Deluxe is one of five editions (second to QV’s Platinum Edition) and offers144 reference titles and 18 bibles. QV Deluxe includes a limited number of original language resources (mostly Greek), including the Greek NT. You can parse any word and get basic lexical information by right-clicking on it and choosing “Morphological Information.” Much of what you’ll find in QV can be found in other Bible Study Libraries, so be sure and take the time to review the resources offered before making your decision. You can also purchase additional resources and collections for QV separately.

QV’s interface is simple enough to navigate with the exception of a couple minor inconveniences. First, resources contained in the library pane at your left must be double-clicked in order to open. Second, once a resource is opened, you can’t just scroll through it. For example, if you have your bible open to the book of John, you can only scroll through one chapter at a time with your scroll bar. It takes an extra step to get from one chapter to the next. Like I said, these are minor, but if you’re used to quick access, the extra steps may be frustrating.