Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Translation Software.

Ratings

Effectiveness

We tested each translation program with a translation test. We translated the following text into Spanish, and then translated the Spanish text back to English. Keep in mind that by translating the text twice, the result is further from the original. Nevertheless, we chose to do this to get an English result.

Original Translation Test Copy:

Do you think you can go an entire vacation without hearing the question made famous by kids all over the world: “Are we there yet?” It’s possible with modern cruise ships and kid–friendly itineraries. These roving resorts make traveling to the destination half the fun.

Disney launched the first family–friendly cruise ship in the mid–1990s; this endeavor inspired a tidal wave of cruises the whole family can enjoy. Today, family–friendly cruises are experiencing the biggest growth in the cruise industry. There isn’t a cruise ship being built that lacks accommodations for children of all ages. So find your sea legs, jump on board and take your family on a vacation they will remember for a lifetime.

Features

When reviewing translation software, we took into consideration the number and practicality of features. The most common features include program integration, Back Translate and Auto–Identify Source Language.

Available Languages

We considered how easy each product is to use. Translation software should integrate seamlessly with other applications like email, instant message, word processors, spreadsheets and more. Anyone should be able to utilize the software to meet their translation needs regardless of their knowledge of computers.

Supported Formats/Files

Like any software, language translation software should be easy to install and setup. It should include an installation guide and not cause run–time errors.

Help/Support

We graded each manufacturer on the help and support they provide to their customers. Manufactures should provide written documentation like a user manual, FAQs or a user forum as well as contact information like a telephone number or email address.

Effectiveness

Overall Test Score

These are the results of the independent TopTenREVIEWS translation test that we conducted for this review. The results reveal the accuracy of translation by each individual program. To see how the test was conducted, view the Test Format article.

Features

Program Integration

The language translation software integrates into other programs like Word, Excel, Outlook and more to make translating quick and easy.

File Translation

All translation software allows the user to copy and paste text from a file for translation; however, this criterion means the software will translate the text in it’s current format. Some programs integrate with your applications while others import the file for translation.

Instant Translation While Web Browsing

The translation software integrates with your web browser and translates web pages as you browse the Internet. The best software integrates with Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Specialized Dictionaries

The software has specialized dictionaries from which you can choose to improve the translation of particular documents. The dictionaries may include words pertaining to medicine, law or business.

Auto-Identify Source Language

The software will automatically detect the language of the document and translate it into your native tongue.

Text-to-Speech Pronunciation

The translation engine resides on the manufacturer's server and not on the user's computer. Users access the engine through a small application download or through a web browser depending on the product.

Batch Translation

The software allows you to import more than one file, in a folder, to translate. This is a good option if you have multiple files you want to translate at one time.

Integrated Spell Check

The software has a spell checker so as you review the translated text, you can make sure all of the words are spelled correctly.

Available Languages

Chinese

The program will translate between English and Chinese.

French

The software will translate between English and French.

German

The program will translate between English and German.

Italian

The software will translate between English and Italian.

Japanese

The software will translate between English and Japanese.

Web Translation

Internet Explorer

The software will integrate with Internet Explorer to translate web pages.

Firefox

The software will integrate with Firefox to translate web pages.

Help/Support

Telephone Support

The manufacturer provides a telephone number so you can contact customer support with questions or comments.

Email Support

You can contact customer service by email with technical questions, questions regarding your order or other questions pertaining to the translation software.

User Manual/User Guide

The software comes with help documentation in the box or integrated into the program. If you have a question about using the software, this is a good place to start.

FAQ

The FAQ page has answers to common questions. The FAQ page is typically on the manufacturer’s website.

User Forums

The manufacturer of the translation software provides an area on their website where customers can post questions, respond to other questions and discuss translation software topics.

Supported Configurations

Vista

The software is compatible with Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows Vista.

Windows XP

The software is compatible with Windows XP.

MAC

The software is compatible with the MAC operating system.

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