This package comprises a manual and a CD-ROM containing three
versions of the software: one for MS-DOS, one for 32-bit Windows
and one for Macintosh systems. The package can be run directly
from the CD-ROM without installing it (but some features only
work after the package is installed on hard disk).
The Wenlin web site
has full details of the package and there is a demo version which
can be downloaded. Although the demo version is limited, it can
show you how to write many Chinese characters. The site also provides
updates which can be downloaded and applied to the package after
it has been installed on your hard disk. My CD-ROM contained Wenlin
2.1 and I am currently using Wenlin 2.7 as a result of downloading
updates from the web site.
There are many, many good features in this package. For example,although
it comes with extensive dictionaries, it is possible to add entries
to the dictionary (the package makes it easy to keep track of
the changes you have made).
An unusual and extremely useful and educational feature is the
way in which the package demonstrates how to write Chinese characters.
This feature is one of the reasons I purchased the package.
This package, like Wenlin, is supplied as a manual and CD-ROM,
however the package is only for use on Windows systems. The package,
like Wenlin, can be run directly from the CD-ROM without installing
it (but some features only work after the package is installed
on hard disk).
It is based upon the well-known Practical Chinese Reader
series and Elementary Chinese Reader series of textbooks.
If you are using either series then Chinese Character Tutor
6 will be a great help to you. The web
site has lots of information and screenshots but there is
no demo version available for download. However the package's
help file can be downloaded and this gives some idea of what the
package can do. As with Wenlin, it is possible to add entries
to the package after it has been installed on you hard disk.
This package is really for people using the Practical Chinese
Reader series or Elementary Chinese Reader series of
textbooks, though it includes more than just the chapter-by-chapter
vocabulary. If you are using either of these textbooks, then this
package is worth buying.
