Since the early 90s, I’ve been using a DOS Bible program called “The Online Bible.”
I like the DOS version because it’s lightning fast. And it suits my needs perfectly:
The only thing I use Bible software for is to:
1. look up all the texts that use a specific word or phrase (e.g., “Kingdom of God.”)
2. copy and paste texts I need for my writings in a Word document.
3. look up all the texts that use a specific Greek or Hebrew word (this program allows one to do searches by Greek or Hebrew using a Strongs Concordance number).
4. look up the Greek or Hebrew word used in a specific passage (e.g., the Greek word for “love” in John 21:15).
Those are the only things for which I use electronic Bibles. I use the good ole’ hand-held, print versions for everything else.
Since I use this Bible program for those four purposes, I’ve never upgraded to anything else. The DOS version of this Bible works fantastic on Windows XP as well as all earlier versions of Windows.
If it’s not broken, why fix it?
Years ago, I did grab a copy of the Windows version of this program just to try it out. But it wasn’t nearly as fast, and I found it more cumbersome for my specific needs.
I have Windows 7 on my laptop, and my near-and-dear DOS Bible program refuses to work on it.
I’ve tried DOS Box, I’ve changed the properties for the program, and nothing has worked. So I’m resigning myself to the fact that I need a new program.
I’m well aware of Web Bible programs like Bible Gateway and The Blue Letter Bible, but I’m often in locations where I can’t get Internet access, so I need something that will run independent of the Web.
That said, if anyone is proficient in DOS and Windows 7, I’d be enormously grateful if you were able to tell me how to run this program on Windows 7 and it actually work. In fact, to the person who can successfully pull this off, I’ll give you a free copy of my next two books (print versions).
I also plan to review a number of Windows Bible software programs beginning in September.
You can help me in this endeavor by telling me what Bible software program you use, the specific version or edition, and what you use it for specifically. Also, share with me the pros and the cons from your experience.
For those of you who are new Email Subscribers to this blog, never click “Reply” and write your comment. No one will see it. You need to click the headline and write your comment in the comments section.
Update: Here are the programs mentioned in the comments yesterday. Online versions are also included:
Logos Bible Software
OliveTree Bible Reader
YouVersion
The Online Bible
Bible Works
eSword
Accordance
QuickVerse
WORDsearch
Bible Soft
PC Study Bible
The Power Bible
Biblos
Bibles for America
The Blue Letter Bible
If any of these vendors send me a review copy of their software, I’ll review it on the blog.
I am using version 2.06 Online bible. I don’t know if it is the same program you are. It was written by Larry Pierce in Canada that was associated with the Woodside Bible Fellowship. I just realized it had a Strong’s Module and am trying to get a copy of that. I am currently running the same software that I have been running for years in DOS. I am using DOS Box on a TOSHIBA 64 bit laptop running Windows 7. I have been running it for almost a month with no hitches. I would consider it an honor to work with you if you haven’t got yours going yet. I understand why you like it. I don’t know if you are running some modules that I am not and if that would explain the difference or not.
Hey Frank, did you ever get the DOS program working?
Nope. I downloaded 2 virtual machines, but honestly, they are far too complicated for me to figure out. So I deleted them. I need a SIMPLE and QUICK solution. I might eventually upgrade to Windows 7 professional and see if that works. but I can’t do that right now. It costs $$.
Hi,
LOGOS rules: it does everything plus it will take you a couple of decades and many training videos to learn what it all does. But even with a little effort, you are going to be able to achieve amazing studies and research. It has and continues to expand an enormous library of modern works and thus it costs a significant amount for a decent package to begin with plus all those books and collections will drain your bank account. It does ipad and android tablets and has a version for Mac. It also has a very basic starter kit you can download for free. When I used to use paper books, it took long hours just to look up something in half a dozen reference works and read it. Now it takes a minute or two to look up a single reference or topic in a thousand modern scholarly works, but then it is impossible to read through it all. One search can produce enough reading material that will literally take years of doing absolutely nothing but reading. One can invest in creating a library of the latest scholarly works that could very well put a number of seminary libraries to shame…and you can carry it in a laptop bag anywhere. What if you forgot to bring your laptop with you? You can also access a good deal of your electronic LOGOS library from any computer with internet access too!
Accordance is next and may perform better than LOGOS. It is a Mac program which can run on windows with an “emulator.” It can’t match LOGOS’ library offerings but its offerings are modern and up to date and still huge and more than anyone can possibly utilize. It too is also a significant and large investment.
BibleWorks for PC machines is best for working with original languages, is fastest in searches and very versatile for searching if you can learn and remember the search codes. Has a basic modern scholarly reference library and now WordSearch is beginning to produce scholarly books for the BibleWorks program. It is not a library building program but its partnership with WordSearch may help rectify that in time. Although it is possible to learn how to make your own books for it. It will set you back $350 some! But if you work with Greek and Hebrew, it is a must have.
Then there is WordSearch/Quickverse (one bought the other out I believe) for which one can build a good library but it won’t compete with LOGOS and Accordance. It is much more affordable though and will get the job done. A very good choice if one is not working heavily with the original languages (but original language Bibles and reference works are available).
BibleSoft and PC Study Bible may or may not have a better interface than WordSearch, I don’t know. I do know that the price of their premium packages are outrageous since you pay top dollar for books most other companies include for free. I have never given them another look. They are not going to be able to come close to LOGOS with the same investment and they look like a terrible poor value compared to e-Sword and The Word. But if one is shopping for a program, it is worth examining them as a possibility I suppose.
Olive Tree used to be just a PDA Bible so I am not familiar with it. It looks like it would do everything you need it to do.
The Word and e-Sword can share modules. The Word is probably a better interface with a few more bells and whistles that even a basic user can appreciate. There is an enormous library of older and out of copyright books available for these two programs. e-Sword users have created tons and tons of books but it is then again not proofed nor professional. It is also easy to create your own books. Performance is excellent. They have built in word processors. They freely include most all the books that you must pay four or five hundred dollars to own in Biblesoft and PC study Bible (at least when I last looked at them some time ago). The Word and e-Sword are free and they are outstanding quality programs that will do everything and more for you according to how you described your typical usage. They are perfect for looking up passages and copying out verses. Passages can be highlighted in different colors. You can line up different versions in parallel or interlinearly. You can create your own notes and commentary on verses. You should get one or both of these programs whether or not you buy something else. There are some modern Bibles and several reference works available for modest cost if you want to have some up-to-date works and Bibles.
Then there is the excellent and free Crosswire Sword project which will also work great for looking up and copying out passages. It is a quality program but not as good an interface as e-Sword or The Word in many peoples’ opinion; nor does it have the same following and amount of user generated material.
I have tried a number of other low-cost programs but none will compare to the last three I mentioned which are free.
Dear God, send this brother the new iPad. Amen.
P.S – Bible softwares free but not included
Hello Brother Frank, if after all said and done, you still haven’t found a fine solution then this should help;
http://www.crosswire.org/sword/software/biblecs/
Cheers.
Frank,
I use eSword and like it a lot. In my experience, it is quite fast. What is extra cool about it is that is free and meant to be so. The author does not want anyone charging money for it. You can import quite a few free Bibles into the program or purchase ones that are more current. You can also import whatever helps you want into the program, including commentaries, resources like maps, and lots of other useful tools.
By the way have you tried this, for making your DOS program work in Windows 7: find the program file itself in Windows Explorer, right-click on the filename, select Properties at the bottom of the menu. Then, in the window that opens up, select the Compatibility tab, check the box in the upper area where it says, Compatibility mode and select the operating system you want to act under, such as Windows XP (Service Pack 3). If it doesn’t work in that virtual operating system, you can come back to this window and try another until, hopefully, it works.
Peter Deniet
I did that. Doesn’t work. Still gives the 64-bit error. I’m going to try the VM idea.
Hi Frank,
For speed you should check out Olive Tree and if you ever go with a Mac also look at Accordance. With Olive Tree you can search for strongs numbers or Greek lexical forms. (Logos, Accordance, as well as others will let you do this also)
For myself personally here is what I love about Olive Tree.
1. The reading experience on the iPad is amazing.
2. All of my highlights and notes are in sync between my iPhone, iPads, and Macs. (it also syncs to Android and Windows). I take a lot of notes and highlights while I read.
3. The resource guide make it very fast to find related content to the passage I am studying in my library.
4. It does not have a steep learning curve.
I am a bit biased though as I work for Olive Tree.
Stephen
Is Accordance only for the Mac?
Hello Frank -
I am with LifeWay/WORDsearch/QuickVerse. I would be more than happy to get you our software for review, and discuss anything related to it.
While I think this is highly subjective, anecdotally, I will tell you that we hear from our users ALL THE TIME that WORDsearch is incredibly easy to use. While you can access a wealth of additional functions, for the use that you described, WORDsearch would be a great option.
Please email me, and I would love to connect with you to discuss further.
I use Logos. As a Pastor without a “Bible Degree” it gives me easy access to resources to make sure I do not wander off from sound Theology and truth. I am also bi-vocational (I work a full time job in addition to serving as a Pastor), so again the speed and easy access to hundreds of resources is a huge time saver. I also like the ability to book mark, highlight and add my own notes to resources.
My suggestion, Frank, is to download and install the free ‘VirtualBox’ – https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
This will provide as many ‘virtual PCs’ as you like. Install MS-DOS or Windows XP or whatever you prefer in a virtual PC and use it to run your old favourite DOS Bible software.
It will work like a dream.
Yes! Way back when, I also has the basic dos bible and used it for years.
I used e-Sword some years ago while I was studying. It is a good program with all sorts of “bells a whistles”, and the seminary that I work for gives out copies of it to all of our students when they enroll. However, on my PC at home I use Phil Linder’s “Power Bible” (Power BibleCD by Online Publishing, Inc. 127 N. Matteson Street PO Box 21, Bronson, MI 49028 bible@mail.com). This is not a free program but I like its clean simple lines. It has a few translations and commentaries and of course Strong’s. I normally use the KJV but I like to have a modern translation open alongside, and when I search the two scroll togther. Strong’s accesses directly from the text.
I use esword. This is a free downladable software. it works on window 7 and does not need an internet connection. you can download multiple Bible versions and commentaries, graphics, ebooks free through this software. you can also do a specific word search in Greek and Hebrew, through inbuilt concordance. it aslo contains a dictionary. i strongly recommend this software.
I have e-sword on my pc. I like it. Previously had quick verse. But I don’t like being tied to the pc. On iPad and iPhone I have word search, olive tree, logos, You version and bible.is. And other apps for prayer requests and memorization. Go to is olive tree and word search.
Frank:
I used the Online Bible for awhile sometime back. Can’t remember if I used the Dos Version or a windows version. However, the source I used for the Online Bible came out with another product called the “Power Bible”.
It is stand alone and does not require internet. It is very low priced but is an excellent tool. It comes with some basic translations (22), but you would have to purchase others if you want them (i.e. NIV, NASB – seems like I paid $20 for the unlocking code which you keep and can use again if you purchase other programs or upgrade versions).
It is quick for doing what you do as mentioned in your blog. I use it a lot; I also use E-Sword.
Here is the website: http://powerbible.com/
Al D
Being in the computer field, I definitely recommend TheWord. It’s available at http://theword.net
(all free except accordance)
It is free, and has more resources than you can shake a stick at.
I used to enjoy e-sword, but about 2 years ago, I jumped to TheWord and haven’t looked back. On my Mac is use Accordance and Logos and TheWord for Mac. On Linux, (which us use more) I use the command line irenaeus, which is quick as a whip. I also use BileTime and Xyphos
Oh, I also like Bibleworks 8 which costs a lot of money, but used to use it more when I was pastoring a church (version 7), but those days are over
BileTime? Can you provide the links for both of those other programs you mentioned? Thx.
Logos is pretty good and can be had for free and theres plenty of free books available for it available here : http://wiki.logos.com/Free_Logos_Books
For a quick look-up I often use The Blue Letter Bible online, but for writing research I use my PC Study Bible by Biblesoft. I’ve had it several years (V5.0) and have no need to update it.
I like the software. I can use it anywhere I have my laptop without internet. It has more features than I’m currently using.
Primarily I use it to look up themes or topics that God puts on my heart or to find verses with a particular word or phrase. The next most used feature is researching orginal languages for a deeper understanding. Finally, I use it to compare different translations. Amazing how much a single word can affect a verse!
I agree that the ink on paper version is the best. Quiet time with a computer or electronic device just doesn’t cut it. My print study Bibles get lots of highlights and notes and God uses those often in the months and years ahead. Just not ready to give that up – doubt I ever will. Of course I am one of the few who still doesn’t own an e-reader.
Give this a try, Frank:
Assuming the program is already installed, go to Control Panel and search for “Program Compatibility.” The feature “Run programs made for previous versions of Windows” should come up. Click on that link and follow the steps for troubleshooting program compatibility.
If that process completes successfully, since it’s a DOS program, you could then try to run it using the command prompt. Click on the Start button, in the search box type “Command Prompt” without the ” “, then click on the command prompt link that appears under Programs.
In the command prompt box, whatever comes up, type:
cd\[name of directory the program is in] (NOTE: omit [])
name of program
If the program is just on the c:\ drive, type cd\ for the 1st step and it will take you to C:\>.
For example, if C:\Users\Frank comes up and the program is in a directory named “Bibles”:
C:\Users\Frank>cd\Bibles
C:\Bibles>The Online Bible
This should start the program. Hope that helps.
I don’t see a program compatibility in the control panel.
Once you open Control Panel, use the search box (upper right of screen) to search for “Program Compatibility.” It also didn’t show in the category for me, and the only way I was able to bring it up was with the search. Don’t know why a feature in Windows 7 wouldn’t show in the related category, but there it is….
E-Sword – http://www.e-sword.net/
It’s free and there are a variety of available Bible translations and add-on references. I think there might be some mobile additions, too (at least there were).
My first bible software was the Logos, but for the price I paid, I was dismayed to find only a handful of books were unlocked. The cost to unlock the Logos locked features were a rip off.
Then I found e-sword and never looked back, and been using e-sword since 1998.
Crossover by Codeweavers is an application that lets Mac users run Windows programs on their Macs.
http://www.codeweavers.com/via/e-sword/
biblos.com
I use biblos.com for searching for words and phrases. It is also great for seeing the Greek and Hebrew, including the grammar.
blueletterbible.org
I simple use this for copying and pasting. I haven’t found biblos.com good for copying pasting, so this site makes up for that.
YouVersion
I use YouVersion for android as my mobile Bible. Large number of versions, including audio Bibles.
biblesforamerica.org
I use the web and the android version from time to time for the commentary. I have found it to be the only commentary centered on God’s eternal purpose in Christ. I also enjoy the translation, even if it is sometimes hard to read. They also have a free print version available.
Good morning Frank,
I’ve been where you are, my friend. I think perhaps you MAY have a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on your laptop. No DOS program will run in a native environment in 64-bit software. However, here’s a link to an article that may help you:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/243718/run_dos_programs_in_windows_7.html
I’ve used PC Study Bible by Biblesoft, starting with version 3 in the late 90′s up through version 5 today. I use the Advanced Library because I do a lot of GK/Heb word studies. Frankly, it’s overkill for what I do most often, especially considering there are many commentaries and devotional titles I never use. The interface is pretty easy to work with, and it is really helpful to have two (or three or four) versions of the Bible that you can “lock” together and scroll through, reading verses in Greek and three English translations, for example, simultaneously.
The New Reference Edition, Available from Biblesoft for download for less than $100, is a good value. But as you said, if is isn’t broken, why fix it? Hopefully the article linked above will work for you.
BTW, I’m reading From Eternity to Here again this summer; it is one of my favorite books.
Dave Grimes
I love e-Sword. I have tried many free programs and e-Sword has worked the best for me. Also easy to backup.
I use e-sword. I went out and bought Logos because it is supposed to be the very best, but I find it is slow, always trying to download updates and all the features just get in the way. Even though I have “the best” I always find myself using E-Sword because it is fast simple and does exactly the things you have described very well and without all the bloated fancy stuff most programs have now a days.
I use two Bible programs. I use Bibleworks because it is what we used in Seminary and I love WORDsearch10. They both do similar tasks but they each have some books that are unique to that particular program.
Most effective thing one can do is build on a solid foundation. IOW get a MAC. Then put your quality programs on that. Then hook up to a high speed internet.
Here’s the general rule: If the DOS program ran in XP, it will probably run in a 32-bit version of Windows 7. But no DOS program can ever run in a 64-bit version of Windows 7.
Here a useful link Frank: http://bit.ly/NDm35I
I did try that, and it did not work with this program.
I use Linux Ubuntu 12.04 ( http://www.ubuntu.com/ ). There is the Xiphos program available for free that could do the job for you. Not a lot of versions available however. The OS is also free and you can run Windows XP in VirtualBox and still use your old program. You could possibly also use your program in WINE.
Ubuntu is faster than WIndows and not vulnerable to virus/malware.
Did I say it is free? It also comes with all needed apps for the basic computer user to be up and running.
Oh yes, it is free!
I did not have time to read all of your responses to date, so I apologize if this is a repeat. I, too, have Windows 7 on all of my computers, but, like you, I also have some ‘favorite’ programs that are not Windows 7 compatible. The solution I came up with is to install Microsoft Virtual PC on my machines which allows me to install and run older versions of Windows, (ie XP or even 98) and all of the softwares I need. The virtual PC will also network with the “mother PC” and allow for file transfers. Next time you are in Dallas I can hook you up!
Good suggestion.
Microsoft has ‘Windows XP Mode’ that can be downloaded for free, 32 and 64 bit versions.
Where’s the link?
Important criteria for me are (1) useful for reasons everyone else has given (2) intuitive interface and easy enough to use that I don’t have to go to “help” every time I do something (3) free and lastly, (4) free.
E-sword is good,as referenced above. Products that are similar to e-sword are Xiphos (http://xiphos.org) and Bible Explorer 4 (http://www.bible-explorer.com). A step deeper is The Word (Http://www.theword.net). The Word offers a side be side Greek and English with Robertson’s classifications and other helps. This is nice but you will have to figure out which word matches. That is okay, but takes a little time if doing an exhaustive study on a word.
The best actual interlinear with grammar and parsing and word by word translation and Strong’s references is ISA. Interlinear Scripture Analyzer (http://www.scripture4all.org) It is better than some software that cost $$$.
Finally,someone mentioned YouVersion. This is published by LifeChurch.tv and has had over 50 million downloads. You can do just about anything you want and anywhere. There are apps for PC, iPad, android, etc. They can be integrated between apps – do Facebook, twitter, flitter, or whatever. See a 1 min video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx6krWFUhCA
I mainly use a concordance look-up on my iPad, ISA, and Bible-Explorer, and the old-fashioned print model.
Hi Theo…
must agree with your recommendation of ISA interlinear. I use it all of the time when checking translations – especially with the modern translations as I don’t really trust the versions based on Aleph…
Mike
@Frank
I don’t have a lot of experience with desktop programs, but I can vouch for Logos on the iPad. You get two or three bibles that you can use offline for free. Have to purchase any others (like the ESV). But when you’re online you have full access to many resources. It also works with Vyrso.com, which is a Christian book retailer. Buy a book there and it shows up in the Logos software.
Lots of options for language and passage study, especially for what you use it for. Don’t know if it’s as good as desktop programs, but it’s very handy and fast. It’s also available as an iPhone app.
http://www.logos.com/apps
There is a lot of free stuff out there, for sure, but it’s free because it’s out of copyright (though you will find very basic copies of some current Bibles out there). The reality is, if you want the latest translations, commentaries, original language resources then you’re going to have to pay for it. And hey if it’s for work then why not.
Bible Works is good, and so are a few other package software programs (ones that come as a complete library). However, mostly they have either too much stuff (that you’ve payed for) or not enough but there is no room for expansion.
Accordance, which i assure you will work on your windows computer via a free emulator found on Accordance website, is a base program (with full capabilities) with an online store that you can buy items to suit what you need, so you only buy what you need, but there is always opportunity to expand. Accordance is the real deal.
Frank, I’ve used electronic Bible suites for years, beginning with Online Bible that I has to load with a stack of floppy diskettes. Every pda and phone that would accept apps would get the best free suite I could find for that operating system. I liked the access everywhere that it gave, as well as the ability to compare versions, cut and paste and access Greek and Hebrew. I currently use eSword on my laptop and cadrebible, ESV© and mySword on my android phone. There is a very useful portable app, BPBible, that is open source, has many free Bibles and has the ESV in cascading references boxes that can be copied an pasted into Word documents, (with or without references embedded in the text). The amazing value of this app is that it can be bundled with a menu of portable apps the contain a common word processor, (open office) and can all be installed on a 2gb flash drive for portability.
Logos 4. Have been using it for years, and I am very impressed. It got me through the biblical languages in seminary, to the point where I am still able to translate passages using Logos tools. It also helped me in many ways for research papers, as its library is so extensive. I have continually upgraded, and am at the Platinum edition. You can easily turn your sermons into books in your Logos library, thus making them fully searchable. Its notes system is extensive. I continue to use Logos nearly daily for sermon and lesson preparation. It is especially good for interacting with the original text. Plenty of online tutorials. And the amount of books available is excellent.
Bibleworks (PC based)
Biblos.com (web based)
I use bibleworks in the same way that gramcord is used, very particular grammatical structures, keywords,comparitive linguistics, etc. Biblos is awesome, and free. Tons of resources, but it is made for online viewing and doesn’t export very well.
I was required to purchase BibleWorks when I was in seminary. It was Version 6 at the time (I think they are up to Version 9 now). However, I ended up quitting seminary early on in that same semester and so I never learned all of the features that BW has (it did come with about 4 hours of instructional videos, but I have just never watched them). I use it to do basically what you use your program to do, even though it actually does so much more than I use it for.
Hey, Frank, you are not alone! Yes, I do love Biblegateway and BlueLetter as very effective Biblical tools.
I can assure you that you still can run your favor DOS-Based Online Bible if you want to stay old-fashioned, no puns intended!
I have good news for you: I am working on to purchase new laptop with Windows 7 PROFESSIONAL, because I have $3000 home-based business software that won’t work on Windows 7 Home Edition.
The Windows 7 Professional have features to run 32-bit based and XP based software. I have found good laptops for $350 to $500 and install Winodws 7 Professional upgrade for $199 thus you will get nice dual core processor if you don’t run graphic programs for under $1000!
Hope I have given you lift!
I use Logos for mac. I jumped ship from the windows platform because of all of the issues of installing, and re-installing, bugs, updates and so forth. Now I’m a mac junkie. (Anyone on the Windows platform is on the dark side of the force! – I’m sorry, just kidding, I couldn’t resist. jaja!) It just works.
That said Logos is just a very complete extensive program. (works with Windows and Mac) It will have anything that you might want to study and research. It indexes all the resources and in the search pane, it will bring up everything you can imagine. You can create your own studies and include them in the platform and even share it with other users as a resource for them. You can add to your resources other books like Shakespeare, catholic resources and many more.
The two things I will point out as cons are cost and learning curve. Logos is not cheap, but they have many ways of getting the product on your hands for your use. They even will offer a payment plan directly with them so you can enjoy the benefits of using the program. On the learning side they offer extensive training and they even have a Youtube channel where you can learn how to use the different features of the program. This could be a great place to explore if you like it or not. I believe there is also a paid training from an external resource. Their customer service is amazing.
The platform will run and download all of the resources that you have on your phone or tablet. I believe that they even have a kindle fire version. I have the complete platform on my iPad and iPhone that are handy when on the road. I prefer to make my study at home with iMac (you see I’m junkie!) because the screen is bigger. There are no licenses issues if you use the software within your household. The program is very fast, but I would believe that it also depends on your hardware.
As with everything, you need to feel comfortable with what you use and it has to appeal to your needs and preferences. Hope this helps.
God bless you.
If you use Olive tree on your iphone or ipad and you have bought other versions, the wonderful thing about Olivetree is you download your library you already own and can use it on what ever platform you want. I find that they have made the Win 7 program pretty simple to use but still has the potential to be quite powerful. I have logos, WordSearch 10, esword, but I pretty much only use my Olivetree for everything. I don’t even use my paper bible much these days but always have my notes (synched) to where ever I am. But, I am a geek I guess.
Frank, before I switch over to Apple products exclusively, I used Biblesoft’s PC Study Bible http://www.biblesoft.com. I started out with version 4 which retails around $400. A friend of mine bougt it for me prior to me going to seminary and Grad. School. I upgraded to version 5 later and added a few more Greek apps and commentaries. PC Study Bible is a great product. I loved it. Unfortunately for me it is not compatible with Mac.
Since making the switch over to Apple, I use http://www.studylight.org. It’s a website full of resources (commentaries, lexicons, concordances, etc.). And its free. I prefer it better than esword. I just didn’t like
If you are interested, I actually have an extra copy of PC Study Bible version 4. I would be more than happy to give it to you. When I upgraded to version 5, Biblesoft sent me an extra copy of version 4 – that’s why I have two copies of it.
Take care and have a blessed day, bro!
E-sword is excellent
theword.net is free and has the Holman Bible.
berbible.org is free and has the ESV and Nasb
http://www.e-sword.net/
Why not try PC Bible Study 5 from Biblesoft (www.biblesoft.com). I bought a basic version and over time, I purchased several add-on books to suit my style of study. I don’t know about other Bible Software but PC Bible Study contains Englishman’s Concordance which I found much better than Strong’s.
Big E-Sword fan. http://www.e-sword.net/
Hi Frank,
I may be able to get this software running on Windows 7 using a dos virtual machine. I would need a copy of the program so that I can try to get it working in a VM and some time to find a VM that it would work under.
Stephen
I have used the BibleSoft PC Study Bible since it was a DOS product. I now have Release 5.0F running on Windows 7. I have loved it and found it fast and reliable. I use it pretty much as you described. The one thing I do is compare verses in multiple translations. I have very primitive Greek knowledge. I have about 15 translations. One thing I do is copy 5 or 6 versions of a passage I am interested into Word and then print it off to meditate on in my quiet time. The other multi-translation use is to select a word in the concordance and see how many times it is in a given translation. For instance Soul in the NT [5590]is 27 times in the ESV, 33 in the NASU, 19 in the NIV, 39 in the KJV, 37 times in the NKJV and 50 times in the Amplified.
E-Sword – Lots of free Bibles & materials (you may have to purchase NIV however)
Some comparability issues may not work unless your using 7 pro.
I work in IT and have clients who have had similar issues. What I have found to work is to upgrade your Windows 7 license from “Home” to “Professional” as the professional version has the ability to run programs in legacy XP mode. You do not have to re-install Win 7 to do this upgrade. Here are the steps…
- In Windows 7 Home Premium, type Anytime Upgrade in the Search programs and files box and click on the Windows Anytime Upgrade icon. From there, you can enter your Windows 7 Professional product key and perform a simple upgrade to Windows 7 Professional.
- Purchase a Win 7 Pro Anytime upgrade product key. This can be purchased at most Office supply stores, Best Buy or on Microsoft.com.
- Once activated you can run programs in legacy XP mode – if it still will not work, then download and install Virtual PC from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx and run the DOS program within Virtual PC.
Where do I find the product key? Windows was installed on the laptop.
Look for a sticker on the bottom or back of the laptop with the Windows logo …
Thx.
When I am off-line, I really like the free download “e-sword”. I
Since studying (majoring in Greek and Hebrew in College) I decided I had to use it or lose it. I wore the covers off of the concordance and in the nineties bought a Gramcord Bible software for a pc. Finally when my friend and professor showed me what could be done on a mac with Accordance!!! It is beyond this world!!! I purchased the Greek, Hebrew, LXX, WEB and KJV (KJV just comes with it for free–it’s basically what you pay for). I have loved the WEB in the later years consulting it for translations–although that is not what I prize it for. It faithfully transliterates God the Fathers name YHWH, a real treasure lost in Judeo Christian circles–thank you Masoretes! If you like reading or dealing with the original texts, I have found nothing close to the Accordance software. Since I use an android device for a business phone (couldn’t get use to the iPhone) I have settled for a Gramcord with the same languages. I have not found commentaries useful compared to studying the text from the original and can’t recommend all the other stuff they sell with the text. As that area continues to grow, I realize they probably couldn’t stay in business without the commentaries and such.
It is interesting to understand where you are coming from in your study of the text. I wondered what degree of the languages you possessed! I have been following your writings ever since a student in my Sunday School Class gave me a copy of Pagan Christianity. I have read the other 4 books and have enjoyed your podcasts and blogs! I signed up to receive info on events where you travel and speak. I have not received one piece of info in over two-three years. I only hear after the fact info on places you have been and podcasts from cities you have evidently spoken.
I would like to know of others meeting in my area who are like minded and seek to emulate Jesus in our meetings.
ESword is the best i have found, and it is free . It has many features found only in expensive programs
I have used Logos v. 3.0 (not the latest version) for several years now for passage searches, word studies, commentaries, prayer lists, daily devotional use and more. I tried Quickverse years ago but at that time it wasn’t as intuitive to use. Logos isn’t lightning fast, but it’s not turtle slow either and a nice plus for me is that my denomination’s newest set of commentaries is being released in Logos format as well as in print.
The biggest drawback for me is that it has been a little “buggy” since I installed on a Windows 7 laptop. It all still works but I get some strange error messages when I first open the program.
Best thing about it most recently is that the app for my iPad was free and gives me access to my library, although I need an internet connection to access some stuff. In fact, I think the iPad app is a little easier to use than the program on my laptop.
I love Bible Works. I’m not a pastor but have a seminary education. I have version 7 on my main computer and upgraded to version 9. I probably only use a fraction of its capacity on 7, but it’s fabulous for Hebrew, Greek and other languages. What used to take me hours with a concordance I can do in seconds with Bible Works.
Bible Gateway (free)
E Sword (free)
You Version (free)
Bibles on my Kindle
Best wishes.
eSword is ideal – fast, free and great for Greek & Hebrew. You have to pay for the Mac version, though.
I use e-sword and desktop Bible.
Logo’s Love it, does it all!
I use e-sword which is a remarkable package and it is free! I use it very similarly in the way you do, Frank, and word search etc. What I find great about it is you can hover your mouse cursor over the word and get the greek/hebrew meaning of the word. I cant think of a downside.
Frank, have you tried installing in XP compatibility mode?
Download from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx
Then use these steps:
1. Select the DOS application by right clicking on it.
2. Select ‘Properties’.
3. Click on the ‘Compatibility’ tab
4. Place a check mark next to ‘run the program in compatibility mode for: ‘option.
5. Click on ok and that should do it.
If you are running Windows 7 in 64-bit mode it’s possible it won’t work at all. At that point, if you really want to use your DOS program, you could try reinstalling Windows 7 in 32-bit mode but that could be a big pain.
It works fine on XP. Doesn’t work on Windows 7. I don’t want to reinstall Windows 7.
Is your version of windows 7 64 bit? The simple way to find out is to go to Control Panel then click on System that will bring up a screen that will tell you what system your laptop is running. It may say Windows 7 64 bit Home Edition or something similar. Based on the type of system will determine the instruction. Like Mark S said if it is a 64 bit version of Windows 7 it may not work but there is a possible work around.
Just to add to this: If you try XP compatibility mode (not installing XP (or reinstalling any operating systems) – just a helper along with your Windows 7 system) you must be using Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate. If you are using the Home version, this will not work.
I have the home version.
Thanks Tess. Forgot to mention that!
Sorry we couldn’t help, Frank. Personally, I use e-sword and Biblereader.
I also like the YouVersion. It has an Ipad and an Android app. It also allows you to download Bible versions that can be used offline.
I have windows 7 and used a 1993 Bible Soft program until my XP died. I purchased the virtual XP that Mark suggested and it is awkward to use. You basically are installing a second operating system into the Windows 7. You can not create a document in Windows 7, copy from the virtual XP and paste to the W7. There is no clipboard connection. You would have to do all of it in the virtual mode, which is not worth the effort.
I would also recommend e-sword.
I’ve been using Quick Verse which was purchased by Lifeway and is now WordSearch.
I don’t think I would call QuickVerse fast but it is quite complete. I haven’t tried the new version, however.
I’ve also heard quite good things about Logos but the price was more than my budget allowed.
I have both Logos and OliveTree BibleReader. Both are great and will handle what you want to do with it better than what you have now. My goto is OliveTree. I find it quicker and less clunky and works between platforms really well. (iPhone, iPad, Mac,PC and many more)
I use Accordance Bible Software for Apple Mac, though it can run on a windows pc via an emulator (whatever that is).
Accordance can now also be used and sync’ed from your desktop to apple iOS devices which makes it an awesome piece of kit for traveling abroad etc.
It is so great to use for Bible reading; Bible devotions; Greek, Hebrew; study of ancient manuscripts; sermon prep; apparently the HCSB bible used Accordance to translate from original languages.
The search capabilities In it are amazing and almost endless. Know how a verse goes but don’t know where to find it, or which translation it’s in, accordance will help find it. I can’t even describe what it can do, because it is so mind bogglingly (if that is even a word) good.
Resources are great, range from entry level devotionals to full on translation work. Resources are being updated and new ones being added all the time as well. Prices are second to none as well. I picked up, during a sale, the complete Word Biblical Commentary series (58books) for under $400, in the shops (in Australia) you would only be able to get 8books for that price.
Lastly customer service is awesome. I bought a whole lot of individual items over a period of about 4months then 1 day, out of the blue, I got an email saying something like, “hey we see you’ve bought these books, they actually belong in a set, and if you bought the set you’d save $40 and also have these other books includes as well, so here is a link to download those other books and here is a $40 store credit.” Who does that? How awesome.
Anyway http://www.AccordanceBible.com is certainly the way to go.
I echo your kudos for Accordance! It is my Bible now and I use it almost exclusively! I just carry Gramcord on my phone for convenience since I never adjusted to the iPhone! I think the only drawback is if you don’t use the languages Greek and Hebrew almost exclusively, I can see using other softwares make for the English versions.
eSword is a free program that is simply outstanding. There are MANY free add on Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, etc., an extensive online community continually producing more, as well as many more resources that can be purchased for reasonable prices.
Big thumbs up for Esword as well. . . not only is it free and has Greek and Hebrew search capabilities, but once it is downloaded, there is no need to be online.
For those of you with iPads, there is a free mini version App called Pocket Sword.
I agree. It’s a program with four main features. To help you I’ll list the different free add-on accesories I have:
1) Bible (ESV, RV, KJV (original 1611 and later updates as well), Apostolic Bible Polygot (English and Greek), Brenton’s English Septuagint, DRB, ERV, Greek New Testament (w/ and w/o variants), Byzantine Greek NT, Hebrew OT (Tanach), ISV, Septuagint, MKJV, the (in)famous YLT, the Spanish NBLH, RVG, SRV1909, the Portuguese PJFA, the Latin Vulgate, along with a Compare and Parallel reader. And there’s a lot more free ones as well, not to speak of ones that you can purchase. Many of these Bibles also have Strong’s concordance notes built into the text, which makes finding the Greek/Hebrew word and definition easy)
2) Commentaries (I have commentaries by Barnes, Clarke, Darby, the Geneva, Gill, M Henry (concise and complete), JFB, K&D, PNT, the Psalms, RWP, SB, Scofield, TSK, VWS, and Wesley. All free! I prefer Gill, I find his insights the deepest)
3) Dictionaries (Clicking a Strong’s Note link directs to this quarter of the screen, the “dictionaries” section which has a host of useful things. I have a BRB Hebrew Dictionary, a Thayer Greek Dictionary, the ISB Encyclopedia, Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary, and a useful King James (Word) concordance.
4) “Editors” (The fourth quarter of the adjustable screen, you can type journal, and free books like “Voice of the Martyrs”)
The King James Concordance is a superb study tool on E-sword. It is the perfect complement to the Strong’s Concordance. It is sort of a reverse look-up of the Greek or Hebrew words. Instead of finding everywhere a certain English word appears in the OT or NT, it shows your everywhere the Greek or Hebrew word appears – in every form it is translated. Now that’s a study tool!
I have been a Logos Bible Software user all the way back to version 1.6 (a stack of 3.5″ floppy disks about 9″ tall). I use it for all the things you listed above, but also I have Theological Journals, commentaries and other resources that can be searched by Bible verse. So I can look up all the places where Matthew 5:3 is referred to. Also, I’ve gotten quite lazy since Logos will parse the original language words and looking up the definition of the original is a snap.
Since I have so many resources in Logos, I have not tried any other Bible programs so I cannot give any perspective as to how Logos stacks up against other programs. I can, however, say that Logos does what I need it to do and it does it well.
Mark are you related to the McIntyre’s from Nashville?
Excuse, that was MacInteer’s from Nashville. My Bad!