Bible Software - Open Source or Propietary?

[Wynteriii]

What software, both open and priced, has the most free add-ons/modules/books?

 

[jandrusk]

What software, both open and priced, has the most free add-ons/modules/books?

Since I only use Open Source software I can only recommend any the variants of the SWORD project. During my pre-Open Source days I did use e-sword a lot and I remember it having a lot of modules as well. I'm planning on writing a number of new modules for the SWORD project.

 

[TheElk]

I used to use E-Sword but switched to theWord. I can't say enough good things about theWord. It is amazing.

 

[Broadus]

I don't know much about theWord. Why do you call it amazing? Just curious.

 

[TheElk]

I don't know much about theWord. Why do you call it amazing? Just curious.

A few reasons why I like it...
1. You can install it to one directory, making it portable. I can copy my entire theWord directory and paste it onto a USB stick and take it with me.
2. The functions that are available and how customizable it is.
3. Layouts can easily be created, such as a Greek Exegesis Layout (Exegesis and TheWord).
4. There is a forum that sees a lot of activity (theWord - Index page). The author frequents the forum and adds features that the users want.
5. I think it is faster and more aesthetic than E-Sword.
6. It is quite easy for a user to build a new module and share it with the community.

 

[Broadus]

Thanks. I take it that its value is found in utilizing public domain works, right? That's not a criticism, because a lot of those have tremendous value.

 

[APuritansMind]

I use Logos for Windows and iPad.

 

[DMcFadden]

Yes, it is loaded with public domain works. My theWord list runs to nearly 3,000 volumes.

But, it has some very fine "for purchase" works as well. And, as Brent said, it is VERY easy to use and quite customizable.
BDAG - A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd edition (BDAG)
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (EDB)
New American Standard Exchaustive Concordance (NASEC)
Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume (TDNTa)
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (TWOT)
IVP Bible Background Commentary, New Testament (IVPNT)
IVP Bible Background Commentary, Old Testament (IVPOT)
NICNT: The Epistle to the Romans (NIC/Romans)
Bible Panorama (revised 2nd edition), The (BBlPnrm)
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas L. Constable, The (Constable)

My proprietary software (e.g., Libronix, WordSearch, Biblesoft, etc.) is great. But, somehow the free software such as eSword and theWord appeal to me on several levels and are VERY easy to use.

 

[Gord]

I have used public domaine, but I have also used proprietary. My laptop currently has SwordSearcher, Logos (4 Study), WordSearch 10 and BibleTime 9. They all have their own idiosyncrasies of good and bad. WordSearch is my favorite, and BibleTime is slowly growing on me as my knowledge of Greek improves, I find it very helpful with that.