Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version)

I have been working with computers and installing software for over 20 years. In the past, whenever I have purchased a software program the installation code has come packaged with the program, naturally. NOT SO with "The Verbarrator"! Upon receiving the program and opening the disc I was surprised to discover that there was NO INSTALLATION SERIAL NUMBER anywhere in the CD package!Not only that, but due to the large number of mp3 files, it took SEVERAL HOURS for the program to install. When it was FINALLY finished I was anticipating using the program, but NO SERAIL NUMBER, so the program was USELESS. Attempting to go to the company's website for assistance was a total NIGHTMARE, as I could not get anywhere because of an annoying pop-up that would not be dismissed. It insisted on my email address so that I could be notified of an impending upgrade to the program! However, inputting my email and clicking on the "activation" link only took me back to the same pop-up once again requesting my email! After dodging the stubborn pop-up and rooting around a bit I was finally able to locate an email address to send a support request to the company.What an odd way to run a company! They took my money for the program but provided NO SERAIL NUMBER for activation and now the onus is on me to get the serial number from an obtuse website! I am not impressed!Update #1 -- I received a reply to my email from the company within 2 days. They requested an invoice to prove that I had actually purchased the program. After providing said invoice I am now directed to download an upgraded version of the program, and to UN-INSTALL the version I just spent 3 hours installing! Are you kidding me?! Not only is it "Learning Like Crazy" but it is also "Company Management Like Crazy".Update #2 -- I un-installed version 1.1 and downloaded version 1.5 from the link provided in the email from the company. Version 1.5 installed in 10 minutes. There must be something inherently wrong with the installation CD of version 1.1 as it would not install from the CD-ROM drive on my primary machine, and I had to install it over my network from a different PC. In any case, version 1.5 of the Verbarrator installed just fine and is now fully functional--and I have to admit that I really like it. I am up-grading my star rating from 1 to 3 stars as a result. The program may in fact warrant 4 or 5 stars but because of the extreme difficulties that I experienced with installation of v 1.1, the lack of a serial number, and the "crazy" nature of the company website, I can only give the program 3 stars at this time.Buyer beware! If you insist on obtaining the Verbarrator program I suggest you find a discounted copy of v 1.1 but don't install it! Send the company an email (if you can find their help address) and get the download link for v 1.5. and thus avoid all the headaches that I just went through...Update #3 -- Every time that I launch my copy of the Verbarrator program (that I paid for) it reverts back to a "demo copy" and I have to re-enter the serial number all over again! Quite a pain in the A$$! And it's not possible to simply cut and paste the entire number into the program at once--you have to enter it in in blocks. I was instructed to add the program to the list of exceptions in my anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. I have done so yet the problem persists! Every time that I launch the program it has reverted to a "demo copy" and I have to re-enter the serial number ALL OVER AGAIN! As other reviewers have noted, this has been a problem for 5 to 6 years, or longer! It would seem that this company is much more interested in collecting licensing fees than in providing a user-friendly program and a functional, helpful website. Star rating back down to one...Update #4 - The company was unable to resolve this issue to my satisfaction. They either have the most inept technical support staff ever assembled or they simply don't care to resolve this long-standing issue--I'm not sure which. Their "solution" was to have me download and install "TeamViewer" software so that they could remotely manipulate my PC. Huh? After 6 years with this issue this is the best you can come up with? Like I want these guys rooting around on my PC?Apparently "The Verbarrator" program installs Flash Cookies, or Local Shared Objects, onto your computer in order to track your login information. Most security software programs identify these objects as a threat and delete them--for good reason. I really like this program but since all I have is a "demo copy" it is USELESS and will not work. What a pity. This is a good program but due to the convoluted nature of the installation and registration process, I can't recommend it. It's been a HUGE waste of my time trying to get this program up and running--I'm done! I have sent the program back to the Amazon vendor from whence it came and requested a refund. As another reviewer has noted--what a waste of potential. This is a great program. Why are they so unconcerned about fixing these installation and licensing issues? Makes no sense. ¡Qué lástima!

This is James from James Spanish (the learning Spanish blog). This is an excellent piece of software for learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs. Besides teaching you how to conjugate 567 different Spanish verbs in 20 different verb tenses, it has lots of features. I happened to find every single feature useful. My favorite feature of this software is that it allows me to customize my own drills.By allowing me to select only the verb tenses that I am having the most trouble with I was able to target my weak points in conjugating Spanish verbs. Another feature that I found very helpful is that it allowed me to customize my response time and as I got better at conjugating Spanish verbs and needed less time to respond with my answer, the software allowed me to customize or shorten the response time. This feature would also come in handy for a beginner who needs more time to respond. There's also a "sequential" mode or "random" mode feature that makes it so that no two drills are the same.I do think the Verbarrator software does an excellent job at replacing the popular verb conjugation books. Mainly because the verb conjugation books are not the most fun way to learn how to conjugate Spanish verbs, perhaps because verb conjugation books such as 501 Spanish verbs are more of a reference book than a learning tool. And reading a reference book can be boring. On the other hand, I found that the Verbarrator is both an entertaining and effective way to learn how to conjugate Spanish verbs. That explains why the Verbarrator is among my top three tools for learning how to speak Spanish. The other two that I recommend are listed below:1.  Lights, Camera, Spanish (Book + DVD): Learn Conversational Spanish by Watching a Romantic Adventure  This is actually a 90 minute movie for Spanish-language learners. It gives the option to watch the movie with subtitles but I'd recommend not using them to improve your Spanish. This "movie" also includes a workbook so that Spanish-language can reinforce the dialog from the film. The workbook also has lots of exercises to keep you engaged in the film and to reinforce the Spanish that you learn. But be prepared to hear Peruvian accents which is very different from most Latin American accents.2.  Diccionario esencial de la lengua espanola de la Real Academia Espanola (Spanish Edition)  If you are really serious about speaking the language fluently, then at some point you will need to replace your Spanish-English dictionary and get a pure Spanish dictionary with both the vocabulary words and the definitions are entirely in Spanish. I use this one only because it was recommended by a friend from Spain who teaches Spanish.