The reference software refers to the digital format of what used to be dictionaries, encyclopaedias, atlas, etc. in print. Searching becomes a lot easier in reference software than in print. The links given in the articles make it easier to understand difficult words and to dig deeper into the content. Translation software is also quite popular where translation can be made between a large numbers of languages. Initially the reference software was available as CD-ROMs, where the things that were in print were made available as CD-ROMs, and were expensive. Some of the popular ones were Encyclopaedia Britannica and Microsoft Encarta. As the internet became widely used at home these became available online. Previously, specialists who were invited for that very purpose compiled encyclopaedias and dictionaries. Some online reference software like Wikipedia allows any individual, expert or non-expert, to create and edit reference works. Online maps show locations including longitudes, latitudes, height and other interesting facts. Sometimes users are even allowed to tag places with certain data. Online search engines like Google, Yahoo, etc. help us find various reference software. When language translation is used, user is allowed to enter sentences in a language and translate this into any language available in the software. These prove very useful when students are learning foreign languages.
Reference software has a rapidly growing market. One of the popular dictionaries is Merriam-Webster dictionary, which is also available online and includes thesaurus and foreign language dictionaries. This software has made information on almost anything available at common man's fingertips.
