If you've ever been at a loss for words, here's a product for you! You will improve your vocabulary and conversation skills as you listen to native speakers, record your voice, and compare it to those of native speakers. Plus, in the Windows version, new speech-recognition technology enables the program to understand your pronunciation and evaluate it on a sliding scale ranging from a tourist to native speaker level. Vocabulary Builder offers greater breadth and depth than other vocabulary software products, introducing more than 2,300 words and photos in subjects ranging from food to family to finance. It's the most patient and impartial teacher you'll ever have.

CD-ROM for Windows and Macintosh--$45

Spanish Vocabulary Builder

French Vocabulary Builder

German Vocabulary Builder

System Requirements:

Compatible with Windows 95.

Windows CD-ROM:

386DX/33 MHz or better (486 recommended), 4 MB RAM (8 MB recommended), hard drive, CD-ROM drive, VGA, MS-DOS or PC-DOS 5.0 or higher, Windows 3.1 running in 256 colors, Windows-compatible sound card. Microphone optional but recommended.

Macintosh CD-ROM:

68030/25 MHz or better, 4 MB RAM (8 MB recommended), hard drive, CD-ROM drive, 256-color display, System 7.1 or higher. MacRecorder or microphone optional but recommended.