Babylon 7

In need for a dictionary? Want to convert measurements, currencies or time? 'Babylon 7' might prove to be the right answer to all these questions.

Designed as a dictionary, 'Babylon 7' features a series of extra features such as a conversion tool, text conversion, Web search facility, and voice spelling.
After the installation we learned that 'Babylon 7' had dictionaries for over a dozen languages, conversions and text translation package installed. If you are permanently connected to the Internet, you can have direct access to 'Wikipedia - the free Encyclopedia' and other online resources.

After installation, I chose to install additional dictionaries, so the program redirected me to the producer's Web site, where I could get free English bidirectional dictionaries waiting for me to download and install them. I chose to install the German dictionary which came bundled with the German version of Wikipedia.

Finally I was ready to translate stuff: the program not only translated single words, but it also translated text and I must admit that it did a pretty good job. When I wasn't sure of the spelling (I entered an incorrectly spelled word), the program suggested alternatives to that word, among which was the word I was looking for. The nice part is that, when translating a word, 'Babylon 7' will show all the results provided by all the installed dictionaries.

Moving on to conversions, you can convert local time to different time zones; you can also convert currencies; as for measurements, you can convert between all the widely known measurements of: angles, areas, data storage, density, etc.

I've noticed that the program works just fine, and it looks as well as it works. The interface is carefully designed in order to offer you quick access to all the program's features. The side-bar on the left (it can be hidden, if necessary), includes shortcuts to all the operations executed by the program and the entire design make 'Babylon 6' a very easy to use program.

Pluses: Not sure of the words' pronunciation? Not to worry. Just click on the speaker and the program will spell the selected word or phrase for you to hear. Another plus is the fact that, when connected to the Internet, you have access to all kinds of resources you might find interesting or useful.

When minimized to system tray, you can activate 'Babylon 7' by simply clicking (using the mouse-keyboard hotkey combination) on a word on your desktop. The program will automatically translate the word using the last used dictionary.

Last, but not least, I must mention the 'Forward' and 'Back' buttons which allow you to navigate back and forth within the program: if you want to recall a previous translation, just hit the 'Back' button and there you are, no need to retype and translate that word.

Drawbacks / flaws:

In conclusion: 'Babylon 7' is an extremely resourceful and versatile translation program, one of the best of its kind.

version reviewed: 7.0.0