• materials and software for language learning and language teaching
• multi-lingual proofing tools
• multi-lingual wordprocessors
• multi-lingual operating sytems
• multi-lingual voice recognition software
• multi-lingual web design tools
• multi-lingual desktop publishing

Nowadays, there is a wide variety of materials available for learning languages. Modern materials and software such as  CD ROMs, DVDs, cassettes, and videos, provide colour, variety and sources of authentic input (examples of real language used by native speakers).  Traditional materials are mainly text-based and tend to focus more on reading and writing skills e.g. course books, work books, text books, graded readers, and grammar exercises - these can also be very useful.  All these materials are designed for language learners, but we should not forget that there is is huge amount of authentic material designed for native speakers which can be used for advanced learners, and adapted for those who are less proficient: books, magazines, newspapers, games, music, films, radio, and tv .

When selecting materials for language learning you should try to find those that match your:

• language level e.g. advanced level
• age group e.g. adult 
• reason for learning the language e.g. to improve your letter writing ability
• preferred approach e.g. like to do repetitive exercises
• mode of learning e.g. self-study
• price range e.g. £15 to £25
• equipment available e.g. using Windows 95+

You can also consult the CTI and CILT databases.

Authentik - resources in French, German, Spanish, Italian and English for intermediate and advanced
level language learners

Italian Plus! V1.0 (shareware), G. Hayworth 1992.
Vocabulary review & exercises, plus verb conjugation. (DOS) 

Global Office - an enhancement to Microsoft Office 97/2000 for 100+ languages

Global Writer -  a word processor with a wide range of languages

Language Teacher: Italian V2.3 (shareware), Micro Tutor Products 1989.
Multiple choice and word translation, drills of verbs, nouns, phrases and verb conjugation. 

Microsoft Office 2000 Proofing Tools - allows users to proof documents in 30+ languages

VOC-ITA(shareware), J. Schumann 1994.
DOS-based list of 1,000 common phrases and their translations from English, French, Spanish or German - includes search facilities. Each phrase has a word gapped out of it which may be looked up.