Tag: Mac

Running Multiple Searches at Once in Accordance’s IVP Dictionaries

Here’s another quick tip for Accordance users. This one has been there a long time, but I just noticed:

My most regular use of General Tools in Accordance (Bible dictionaries, books, etc.) is to search them for each week’s passage that I’m preaching on. For example, I’ll search the IVP Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels first by Scripture reference and then by English content and/or section heading. (The tool may have information relevant to me that is best found with one or the other search.)

I already was aware that you could add a second search field for an “AND” search, but I just realized yesterday that you can also select “OR” (from a drop-down menu) before you select your second search field and term:

Accordance OR Search

So now in one search setup (which I can save for next time), I can have this Accordance tool return hits for every time it mentions either Matthew 28 by reference or the Great Commission in the English content… and even throw in another “or” of “Discipleship” in the Entry field (dictionary section titles).

The search above, by the way, yields 199 hits… which continues to make IVP’s Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels a good preaching companion.

Quick Tip: Simulate Three Panes at Once in Accordance iOS

A quick tip for Accordance users:

Though Accordance for iOS currently offers the ability to just have two panes open at a time, I have found a good workaround that simulates the effect of having three texts or tools readily available at once.

This image is from an iPhone, in landscape mode. (Click or open in a new tab to enlarge.)

Reading Obadiah
Reading Obadiah

The left pane is the Hebrew text of Obadiah. For my second pane (on the right) I select a tool (commentary) of some sort that has hyperlinked individual verses, which I can then tap (“19,” above) to have a popover English translation show up.

I’ve been making my way through Obadiah in Hebrew like this, for a forthcoming review (6/9/14 UPDATE: now posted here). This way I can read the Hebrew, have a commentary open, and easily get an English translation, all from the same screen.

Free Download of New Mac OS X Yosemite (Beta)

OS X Yosemite

Today Apple announced its new OS X update, Yosemite, to be released this fall. They have also offered free access to the beta version, which is available not only to developers but also to others.

Check out more about Yosemite at the Apple site here, from which the above screen capture comes. The full press release is here.

More information about the Beta Seed Program is here. Here’s what you’ll see once you sign up:

OS X Yosemite Beta

As with any beta testing, there are caveats to consider, but those who want access to the new OS this summer can check it out:

To join the OS X Beta Program, just sign up using your Apple ID. When the beta software is ready, you’ll receive a redemption code that will allow you to download and install OS X Yosemite Beta from the Mac App Store. Then go ahead and start using it. When you come across an issue that needs addressing, report it directly to Apple with the built-in Feedback Assistant application.

Accordance Turns 20 (with a $20 Module Sale)

Accordance 20 years

Accordance Bible Software is 20 years old this month. Click here to see their celebration page.

They’re offering a host of 20 modules at $20 each in a 24-hour-sale that has been going on today. There were a couple of things that had been on my wish list for a while that I picked up this morning. Tomorrow (Friday, March 21) will introduce 20 more modules at the same price.

Accordance Training in Greater Boston

accordance 10 lamp

Accordance Bible Software is coming to the Greater Boston area for two trainings at the end of October.

Here are the details on the free seminars from their Website:

  • Boston, MA area
    Saturday, October 26, 2013, 10am to 6pm
    Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
    Hamilton Campus
    130 Essex Street, South Hamilton, MA 01982
    Bld/Rm: AC240 (Academic Center-Rm #240)
    ** Special focus on Greek **
    Directions
    Campus Map
  • Boston, MA area
    Sunday, October 27, 2013, 1pm to 9pm
    Brandeis University
    415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453
    Bldg/Room: TBD
    Instructor: Dr. Roy Brown (Developer of Accordance)
    ** Special focus on Hebrew **
    Map & Directions
    Places to Stay
    Places to Eat

The schedule for the Gordon-Conwell training (subject to change) is:

10:00-11:30 Accordance Introduction, Interface, Library
11:30-11:45 Break
11:45-1:15 Search Tab, Basic Greek Searches, Symbols
1:15-2:45 Lunch on your own
2:45-4:15 Using Tools, Graphics, User Notes
4:15-4:30 Break
4:30-6:00 Greek searches and Commands

Accordance recommends the use of this 46-page hard copy Training Seminar Manual (which I have and find helpful: full-color screengrabs, clear explanations, etc.).

More details and registration info are here.

Accordance Bible Software for Windows is here

Accordance10

Accordance Bible Software for Windows is officially released. I’ve reviewed Accordance for Mac at length here. It’s an excellent program, the Bible software I use the most.

Accordance writes:

For over ten years, Accordance has been available to PC users with the Basilisk II emulator. While the emulator version included most of the same features as Accordance for Mac, it was an imperfect solution. We have long desired to give Windows users the native version of Accordance they truly deserve, and now that day has finally come. We are pleased and excited to announce the release of Accordance for Windows.

There’s a free trial here. See all the details here.

“Sharpen Your Search Skills” in Accordance 10 (VIDEO)

Here is a new podcast from Accordance Bible Software on how to “Sharpen Your Search Skills.” It’s at the “intermediate” level. Watching it is a good way to expand how you do searches in Accordance, if you aren’t sure you’re using the search engine to its fullest capability.