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WordGenius

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WordGenius is a system for publishing dictionaries and reference books electronically, based on eComPress technology from Eurofield Information Systems.[1] The Unabridged and College versions of the Random House Dictionary known as Random House Webster's Dictionary, and the Macquarie Dictionary of Australian English have been published using the technology, along with a thesaurus and spell checker for Microsoft Windows.

Features

Search functionality

WordGenius features a search engine which is different from other software based reference technologies. Common words can be searched and wild cards can be applied at the beginning or end of words. Puzzle enthusiasts use the ability to search on fragments such as '??agm??ts' to solve crossword puzzles and other word games. The search can be applied to the words or to the definitions, and so facilitates reverse lookups allowing Word Genius dictionaries to be used as a thesaurus.

File size

WordGenius reference works remain compressed on disk, resulting in a small file size with a positive influence on retrieval speed.

Reviews

Reviewers have commented on the speed and flexibility of searching and the small file size. Some criticism has been made of the fact that the application stays on screen over other applications and could get in the way. Some reviewers of dictionary software criticized the lack of synonyms and other language components.[2][3][4]

Competitors

Dictionary software

  • Babylon Pro Oxford[5]
  • Cambridge Advanced Learners[6]
  • Encarta Right Click[7]
  • Merriam Webster's Collegiate[8]
  • Spell Express[9]
  • Visual Thesaurus[10]

Reference book publishing software

These manufacturers offer their own unique approach to the electronic publication of reference works and so are complementary, rather than directly competitive, with WordGenius.

There are also a number of technology companies that support publishers with the development of electronic publications. These are not at all competitive with WordGenius, but may use similar tools to develop their publications. They include:

  • MedKnow Publications[14]
  • Publishing Technology PLC[15]
  • Safari Books Online[16]

References

  1. ^ "EIS - Home". Eis-usa.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  2. ^ "Random House 2013 - TopTenREVIEWS". Dictionary-software-review.toptenreviews.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  3. ^ "Eurofield Information Solutions Macquarie WordGenius Reference Library Review - Software and Services - Education - Good Gear Guide by PC World Australia". Pcworld.idg.com.au. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  4. ^ http://www.wordgenius.com.au/EIS_Daily%20Telegraph%2013.12.06.pdf
  5. ^ http://www.babylon.com/display.php?id=240&tree=102&level=2
  6. ^ "Cambridge Free English Dictionary and Thesaurus (US)". Dictionary.cambridge.org. 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  7. ^ http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/quick_dictionary_download.aspx
  8. ^ "Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online". Merriam-webster.com. 2011-10-24. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  9. ^ "Nobe™ Software - Home of SpellExpress™ - Instant Spell-Check, Thesaurus & Dictionary". Nobesoftware.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  10. ^ Hargraves, Orin. "Thinkmap Visual Thesaurus - An online thesaurus and dictionary of over 145,000 words that you explore using an interactive map". Visualthesaurus.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  11. ^ "DPubS Home". Dpubs.org. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  12. ^ "Serious Hypertext". Eastgate. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  13. ^ [1][dead link]
  14. ^ "Medknow Publications: Publisher of peer reviewed scholarly journals (Open access / subscription based) - About Medknow". Medknow.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  15. ^ [2][dead link]
  16. ^ http://www.safaribooksonline.com/
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