Glo is a new bible software program out from Zondervan. For those of you wondering why anyone would need yet “another” bible software program, let me assure you it is quite different from anything I’ve ever experienced. Let’s look at Design, Technical, Install, and Content (hang on for this, it’s why you’ll want it).
First of all, the Design is akin to a modern operating system such as Mac’s Leopard or Windows 7. Very smooth and flowing. All data can be grouped through five different lenses; Bible, Timeline, Atlas, Topical, and Media.
For all you computer geeks out there, before I get too far, I’ll admit that I’m still running the Windows 7 RC on my HPdx 2200. Intel Pentium 4, 3.06GHz, 1.5 GB ram. This is lower than the recommended configuration for Windows 7, but I didn’t feel like running out and buying a new stick of RAM.
Install: This was the most difficult and frustrating portion for me. Because I had tried to install the Demo DVD first, it would only give me demo access until I contacted Customer Service. While not quite as prompt as Logos (where I have always been able to speak directly to a representative during business hours) they answered my e-mail with an automatic response within the day, and had an answer for me within 24 hours. Not too shabby overall. Apparently, there was a hot-key (F1) which I needed to hit in order to open the upgrade key menu.
The biggest problem in installation was upgrading all my sub-systems. You MUST be running the latest editions of .NET, DirectX, SQL Compact, and Media Player for the installation to proceed. Glo appears to have the upgrade features for all of these built in, however, everytime Glo tried to update them for me, it crashed. I ended up manually updating DirectX and SQL Compact directly from Microsoft, after which, installation proceeded as expected.
Running: It’s a bit sluggish, again possibly because I’m usually running two or three other programs, and don’t have quite enough memory. However, the interface is incredible. It seems very intuitive, flowing along the lines of the more recent Apple creations. The mouses scroll wheel provides zoom function and click and drag enables quick movement through timelines.
Content: Glo organizes its content around its five lenses. With these you can search through the bible in various different ways. Its benefits include timelines, pictures, real-life images, maps, and virtual tours. Imagine an in-depth bible dictionary, encyclopedia, and atlas, rolled into one at your fingertips.
You can check it out here at http://www.bibleglo.com/
Personally, I ordered from Rejoice Christian Software. A great software company that I have been buying from for years now. They are currently selling glow for $47. That’s 40% off its retail price. You can check out their dedicated glo page at http://rejoicesoftware.com/glo_details.htm
Overall, I haven’t had time to check all the ins and outs of the program yet. I’m looking forward to using it for an upcoming sermon project in Psalm 23. We’ll see if it’s myriad of resources can pull some new insights out of a familiar passage. Until then, that’s Glo!
