Logos Global Bible Reader Review

ajphillips — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:23:00 +0000

In this age of Technology, the experts have argued that technological advances have separated people and made them more distant from each other than ever before. The response I have to that is NOT TRUE. I believe it has brought people together like never before, because now not only do you get to communicate with the people in your circle (coworkers, family members, friends, etc…) but also with people from all over the world who have similar interests, but in live in other places.

Because of this, worldwide networking Logos has created new software called “Global Bible Reader“.

(Logos is already well known for their very powerful Bible research software).

The overall concept of the Global Bible reader is simple: get people to read the Bible everyday and in addition help these people to communicate with each other about what they have read.

Installation and setup

This application is compatible both with Windows XP (you will also need Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 install link which can be found on their page) and Windows Vista. After download simply double click the downloaded file and that will begin the installation process. There are not any options to choose from in the setup process, so just keep clicking “next” until you’re finished.

On starting up the software for the first time, you are met with a screen that looks like this:

In the upper left hand corner, you will notice a place to put in a user name and password. If you don’t have one setup with Logos yet, go ahead and create one by clicking on “create account” and sign in. After signing in, you will want to click on “Bible in a Year” and choose your Bible reading program. Currently, there are five preset programs to choose from, (creating your own is not an option at this time).

Bible in a Year (starting in Jan 08)
Bible in Year (starting in whatever month your currently are in)
M’Cheynes Bible reading calendar
Gospel of John
New Testament in Six Months

After selecting a plan you will see the Bible reader begin downloading- we will discuss this more in a minute.
Over to the left, near where you selected your reading plan there are 3 icons which allow you to choose what version you want to read your Bible in.

These choices are King James Version, English Standard version and if you are already a Logos Bible software user you can open it up and read it within your Logos software.

Using the software

Now it’s time to get reading. (You’ll notice whether you have the window maximized or have created a smaller window, the lettering scales very well.) If the print is too small, there’s a slider on the bottom left that will change the font size to your liking.
After you finish each page, simply click “next page” until you finish all the reading for the day and end by clicking on the “done reading” button.
To track your progress, look at the top middle button, the Red #12.

It will mark how many readings you have completed, and how many you are behind, so even though you might miss a day you can still keep reading at your own pace.

The thing that makes this software truly unique is the comment section on the left hand side of the screen. Each day you can leave comments on the scripture passage you have just read and you will enjoy dialoging with people reading the same passage all over the world. It’s a worldwide Bible study.

Overall

While this program is only in the beta stage, it shows lots of promise. I love the interaction it offers with other users and the ease of use. The only complaint I have about it is, the lack of Bible versions to choose from and I wish it was integrated into the actual Logos Bible software. Overall this a great product and I’m looking forward to the final release

Pros
Ease of use
Pretty interface
Easy to read

Cons
Limited versions
Lack of integration with Logos
Limited Bible reading plans and versions of the Bible

Download Global Bible reader

Rules of Technology: Mistakes are OK!

thehtc — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:53:29 +0000

This rule actually transcends the realm of technology. It is one of the most powerful rules ever pointed out to me, and it can save you a lot of headaches as long as you keep it in mind. Learning to use a new piece of software or hardware takes time. Many people I know approach new technology as if it is an electronic dog that will bite them if they press the wrong button. This attitude discourages experimentation and turns opportunity to fear.

I suggest a different analogy: treat new technology as a garden that can grow many things. It all depends on what you plant. Sometimes slugs eat your vegetables, while other times you reap a good harvest. But each time you plant anew, you get a little better at clearing the field and the return on your sweat increases.

So it is with learning something new: it can be daunting and even less efficient than the methods you are used to at first, but allow yourself to fail and learn and grow. I promise that you will see returns on your investment.

All Things Grow

thehtc — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:08:40 +0000

Did you know that you can create and share Microsoft Word compatible documents without owning a copy of Microsoft Office? Or that you can put your churches Calendar online and share it with your entire congregation for free? You can also edit video, pictures, create and print books of all varieties, keep track of ongoing church issues, plan mission trips and much more as long as you have a fairly recent computer and a steady connection to the internet.

We plan to share simple and effective ways to help your church to replace the burden of technology with the freedom of tools you can use. Technology shouldn’t hurt.

The High Tech Church

Logos Global Bible Reader Review

Rules of Technology: Mistakes are OK!

All Things Grow