This would be even more awesome if you could create flashcards on a computer and then transfer them to your Symbian or Android smartphone to learn on the bus or anywhere.

Just noticed that if you do a quick free registration with the "Uploaded" companion site, then your downloads will stream at 75kbps instead of 50kbps. Might help some of you to do this to shorten the download time of the sample card sets, and help to get a good download out of it.

Ok, I read the comments before attempting to download any card sets. Changed my browser to allow pop-ups. Downloaded the English-German set twice. First time, I got an 11kb file (not 104mb)! Program actually attempts to open it but never does. Second time I got the full 104mb, but the file doesn't even attempt to open. Oh, and the download went to a Temp folder, which is not my default download folder. No idea why this happened.

I figured out how to create my own card set, and created one card within it. Couldn't get the "Save" button to work because I had not yet learned that you cannot have any of the fields left without data, and if they are, they will display in red color. Figured out that I had not filled in the Title field at the very top! Once I did that, it let me save the card, and the card set. Set opens when I ask it to. So far so good. The download of the trial card set has been taking so long (with an hour wait in between attempts) that I have not been able to really give the program a trial run. Wanted to do that using their card set. I love the idea of the program, and the price point of $14 is quite reasonable. Just wish it came with the sample card sets already included, or at least one set!

I planned on using this program for printing out the cards. Hopefully that process will not be as painful as the rest has been so far.

Some more resources on spaced repetition learning via Gwern http://www.gwern.net/Spaced%20repetition

I found it very useful

Be aware that the "English" card set is American English not British English.

Downloaded it 3 times. Everytime I do I get a error.

Thanks, Patrick. I did look at that and got rid of that red-brown with the Settings. Still, the stiff format might be ok (on screen and when printing) when you do have an image file loaded with it - but a lot of times you will only have text - and with the current font sizes it's just not good.
If it is just one word, I prefer to have that big and bold and that applies to the printed card as well. I have a fairly extensive set of Spanish verbs with their conjugation and in my eyecandy version all regular endings are blue, irregular ones are red - and that really helps when quizzing with a pc based program.

Then on the printing, I would want my card set to come out so that I have 3 or 4 same sized cards in my hand with minimal cutting and folding (horizontal format is better than vertical on that). Also, usefulness comes with the extras such as being able to print a listing of all vocabulary and then use that for a written quiz - question, blank column, fold-back answer.
Re Sample database: I could send you guys an Excel file with the multiplication tables thru 12 - it doesn't always have to be vocabulary.

i had the same problems as many others--i clicked on the "free download", waited the 12 sec., entered the 2 words, a bar came up along the top of the screen, i clicked "allow download" and nothing happened! i tried it again, and i had reached my max allowed, also, and was told i need a premium acct. i waited an hour and tried again. Same problem. Not worth it, especially since i don't even know what it does yet! i understand there is supposed to be an alternate download site, but after searching the forum above and their site, i have yet to find it :(. So a big thumbs down.

Blitz Flashcards is nice but there are too little flash cards available on the Internet which is a pity.
The best flashcards program I have tried so far remains Anki. Mnemosyne is old. There are so many flashcards for languages it is incredible. It is very useful. You can download from Anki flashcard program itself. I'd advise anyone using it to watch how to use it though just to make things easier. You can also add the sound and picture if you want. However, many flashcards that are for download don't always include them. Also to download a second time and every other time after that, go to File -> Download -> Shared Deck. Also use some plugin for exotic languages. Here is the link. And it is free! No comparison.

http://ankisrs.net/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0dI2VyLDWw&feature=PlayList&p=4221D2E6B440D79B&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1 (youtube video introdtion to Anki)

Blitz FlashCards is a .NET app that also uses Direct 3D -- it behaved a bit erratically testing in VMs without real hardware D3D support, & I'd suspect it *might* do the same on systems lacking D3D graphics hardware. Using Blitz FlashCards you start with a new category, then add cards one by one using the window that pops up -- you can import .jpg or .png graphics, audition [Play] & add audio, with fields for filling in text for the title & question [& on the flip side, the answer], complete with formatting controls. You can then either use your card sets in program, where it can track testing results, or print them.

[I don't know how good an idea this is (or isn't), but I'd think including label templates (e.g. Avery) would be an improvement -- regular paper's too thin, but many (most?) printers can't handle heavier stock. I think it *might* also be useful to be able to export images, particularly at DVD frame sizes... it's very easy in many DVD authoring apps to have say a True button go to one menu page, & a False button go to another, where clicking the Next button in either of the 2 brings up the next *Flash Card* menu. With more advanced authoring apps [e.g. Sony's DVDA] you could even keep score. OTOH setting up those menu pages with a title, text, & placed image in an authoring app can be a bit more of a chore.]

Installation isn't bad, with a "Blitz FlashCards (GOTD Version)" program folder holding 31 files, 3 folders, ~7 MB -- a "BlitzCards" folder is also added to User App/Application Data... Registry entries are limited to an uninstall key, a program key, & a couple of keys for file type associations [e.g. so if you double click a .bcdb file Blitz FlashCards will open it]. Blitz FlashCards seemed to work well in 32 or 64 bit Windows [as long as you have D3D support], & didn't seem to use anything unusual monitoring it in [Sysinternals] Process Explorer.

@all:

Based on the comments so far, we will develop the following features for Blitz FlashCards:
- Enabling/Disabling of UI FX
- quizlet API integration
- Excel import support

@lemonadesoda:

You are talking about the TCP request from the Giveawayoftheday validator while installing Blitz FlashCards? It may be very interesting for you to hear that Blitz FlashCards in no case "calls home" or whatever you may name it.

@AlexSJ:
If the printing is to colorful for you, you can without any problems change the card color schema in the settings. White background on white paper should do the job for you.

Milenda is right. Downloading the data is a pain.
On my first try it took me to my PayPal account! I went back to try again. Had to wait the 12 seconds again before it would begin downloading the same file.

This does need a "Sample Database" already included.

The interface is simple. With few graphics.

Thanks Old Scotty. That did the trick - and you can only save a new category if you add a description.

Well, I now played a little bit with it - but it's not one of the better ones out there. It has a lot of room for improvement.
- Graphics are pretty awful
- Formatting qualities are less than notepad
- print format, while there is an option to print, is way too colorful
- Testing - never got any test results, seem to not take to clicking on the feedback
- No way to select certain cards for testing

Can only repeat: if you want to see a top of the line, google Train your Brain, well worth any cent it costs more.

Making a new card set
Go into card sets
Create a new category
Select this category
Choose add new card
Each card appears to need a title, and front and back text.
Don't forget to save your work.
Hope this helps anyone having problems.

I'm not sure why but Norton deleted & blocked the setup.exe file. My security is only set to medium. I still have the complete zip, but if Norton blocked the file. I don't know if I can even install. Sounds like a nice program.

I like this. program installs & works fine on Windows XP. I used this system many years ago to teach ALL of my children and one of them even has a job, now.

You can make this teaching aid as easy or complicated as you wish so its a winner from me, as I now have Grandchildren.

Once again I note that the comments dont reflect the 'thumbs' scoring method, Strange??

Thanks GAOTD and to Patrick (Team Blitz( for the opportunity to try out this offering.

A BIG thumbs UP!

Well, installed on two computers and no way: it doesn't allow for creation of a new file, only opening up an existing database, which there is none on the computer. So, no, it doesn't open up by default to anything.

Since I have a kid I have tested quite a variety of flash card programs and quiz programs, some are better and some are worse. This one looks good and I like that it allows for pictures and audio. The price is also good. It is also multi-page, having one page for the question and 2 for the answer.

However, there is one big negative: it doesn't allow for easy import of existing data files - you are basically forced to re-type whatever you want to learn. That's a big turn-off.

So this is my suggestion # 1 for the developers: add an easy import feature from Excel and the Clipboard.

My overall favorite Flash Card program is called Train your Brain, which is not free, but has all features (less audio) and all the eye-candy. Whilst there are no recent updates, the program works just fine the way it is. There are also some datafiles available for download, which is something that shouldn't be undervalued.

So suggestion #2: make it easy for users to share their files online.

I hope they get the installation problem fixed, since I would keep it around thanks to the Audio feature.

My previous comment early this morning about the dial-home of this software was moderated out. Why was that the case? It is very relevant information and should be made transparent since it is a concern to all potential users! Why is this program trying to connect through network/DNS exactly? Thankfully is was detected and blocked by my firewall.

After using this software I am disappointed. The flash sequence is very slow and is not changeable in settings. I used this program on 10 flash cards and then got very bored with the animation delays.

I agree with other comments about the database download issues. Developer needs to take "content development" and "content download" very seriously since this program adds no value without content!

The suggested card sets are incompatable with my system. :o( So I guess this won't work for me. Too bad it does not come with basic card sets. It's sort of like the turkey without the stuffing, looks good but lacks the tasty bits that make it great.

I agree that it is nice when a developer is involved in the give away of their product. Thanks to Team Blitz (and of course GOTD) for your offering, and effort. I couldn't understand why there were so many thumb downs. I read the comments and they started out all good. Then I got to the download issues. Not sure this is the reason for the so many bad votes, must be. Personally, I don't need this software, so I won't download/evaluate/vote. But I did want to thank the developer (and GOTD) for their efforts.

I did find entertainment value in prying1's comment that starts out with this line:

"Personally I have no use for this program since I know everything."

Thank you for the laugh this morning. Was a great start to my day!

:-)

Kevin (dcavern)

I tried downloading the free database English-German. I got the secondary download site w/o an issue, but when I click on the regular download (not premium) I had a 12 sec countdown. Once the countdown ended, the pop up came up that they were trying to download, and to approve/disapprove this. When I click on download, NOTHING HAPPENS!
I tried to REDO it, so that the download would kick off immediately since I already ok'd it, I got a prompt saying that I have already maxed out my free downloads, and any more would have to be paid for!

How are sample db's free if you can't download them? I realise a secondary download site is being used due to excessive downloading of this offer, but really. Don't say one thing but give us another. STATE that temporarily there will only be 1 database downloadable and that the remaining will be available on the site for free in a day or 2 when the traffic settles down again.

Personally I have no use for this program since I know everything. But I have a kid in college that makes flashcards by hand with pen and paper. Sent the link via email and I'll kick back as far as the evaluation goes. Whether it is easier to continue with the hand method or to use this program I'll leave up to the kid.

Price seems about right and I like the fact that Team Blitz UG is on the board with answers. Thanks Team Blitz!

#14: "Flashcard-based learning programs are useful for all kind of stuff to be memorized, not only vocabularies of languages (I have a database for ‘general knowledge’ :)). Here’s an introduction into the philosophy of fast and effective learning..."

Something you might also be interested in, the way making memories works, the more senses that are involved the more effective the process is... one of those more *hard-wired* aspects of the brain FWIW. Using audio & images with Blitz FlashCards might help make them more effective. Another *trick* is to associate new things with older, more established memories -- maybe that's part of the reason mnemonics work? [Wikipedia Mnemonic http://goo.gl/x1Zv6 ] -- so maybe that's something else you can take into account when you design your own card sets.

To # 25: I do agree on your point of view and others who complained about the lack of sample card sets. To reinforce your opinion (#25) I admit the trying to download one of those card sets on the Blitz Team website (with no success btw) has been a frustrating and disgusting experience!

This is too time-consuming to even begin testing. What a pity that Team Blitz UG didn't have the foresight to include the available databases necessary to begin testing.

The databases are to be found on their website, via a time-consuming download system, where they offer the choice of downloading in either free or premium (paid) mode. The free mode allows a single download per 60 minutes, with a ridiculously slow speed, but that's not even the real problem. Unless you have pop-ups permanently allowed, once you allow the free download's pop-up window, the whole web window refreshes and you have to start the process again, only this time, when you try to use the free download mode, you receive this message:

"You've reached your Free account limit. In order to be able to proceed downloading you need a Premium account." !!

Thumbs down and uninstalled.

@jkarel:
The problem you are refering to seems to be an audio issue.
Please make sure, that the selected audio device in your settings is not used already by another application. If the problem consists permanentely, can I ask you to visit our forum at http://www.team-blitz.de/support, where we can more in detail look for the problem?

@anon:
The card sets stay permanentely free of any charge and you do not need any premium account to get all files! As the traffic for the free card sets will exceed our traffic limit on our servers, we decided to upload them to a cooperation partner. While choosing a good partner, we looked in detail on the fact that we not want to make to many limitations to our users without a premium account. Our cooperation partner offers you to download one file per hour. You shouldn't have too much trouble get all the files, even within the next couple of days.

After the first attempt to download a card set took me to the Premium section, I was able to return to the free download and got one set. It took a really long time to download, but now it tells me I can not download a second one unless I pay to do so. So much for free downloads???!!!! Now that I have a card set I can review the program, but I am already very disappointed that I can not get any more card sets.

To Patrick (Team Blitz).
After I run Blitz FlashCards and choose Test-tab -> Yes/No, the Message is displayed:
"AcmNotPossible calling acmStreamOpen".Blitz FlashCards is terminated.
I'm using English-German.bcdb.
What can I do? Where the problem is? Please Help me!

@Placehold:

You maybe totally misunderstood the programs name!

We are not using Adobe Flash in Blitz FlashCards. The name FlashCards refers to a widespread term of learning cards.

Well since Flash is now officially being killed off by Adobe and Microsoft this product is pretty much useless

@John:

Dont mind. The new Button gets only activated when you started to create a Database or opened a Database.

By default, the program starts with a new Database. So you can directly start with creating cards and categories.

nice but why bother
I use Anki ,its on my PC and it sync to web interface and for free with tons of cards that can be downloaded within Anki.
there is a ipad ,iphone version but not for free...

regards

HELP, no cards are displayed

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=91 for the Win7 help files, needs validation.

@ #10 Russ, Help files on x64 bit sometimes require a 32 bit compatibility download but there is one to read those too. Not that this helps.

No problems installing or running the program, it has a nice clean interface with easy-to-use menus.
Unlike Russ #10 I had no problems creating, saving and later recalling cards of my own, nor did I have problems with the help file.
The creation process itself is very simple if somewhat time-consuming.
I'm going to keep it in the hope that they will add a Spanish database at a later date.

Blitz-Flashcards requires .net 3.5 Framework.

Flashcard-based learning programs are useful for all kind of stuff to be memorized, not only vocabularies of languages (I have a database for 'general knowledge' :)).

Here's an introduction into the philosophy of fast and effective learning with the method of Sebastian Leitner:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition

@McSpocky:
We very understand that the already existing sample databases not satisfy your needs.

@all:
In addition to our responses in the IdeaInformer, we are looking for native language speakers to add new languages with audio to our already existing card sets. So, no matter if you wanna participate in translating the cardsets or just the programs user interface. For this job, you can grab a lifetime license of Blitz FlashCards and get all future updates for free. Just contact us via our forum on our website.

From softpedia.com:

Requirements:

· .NET Framework 3.5

This one is OK but I prefer the FlashCard Quizzer program at http://www.braser.com/flashcardquizzer.html . It's easy to use and one great feature it has is that it imports lists from the Quizlet.com website. You can use it either for flashcards or as a kind of type-in-the-answer to test yourself program. I've been using it to learn Portuguese for a few months now and am very happy with it.

Downloaded, installed and activated on Win 7 64 bit with no problems. Only thing is that after running and using it saves the category info but not the cards I've created. Once the program has been closed and reopened created cards can't be recovered. Clicking on help is pointless because my PC tells me the file format is not recognized.

I'm in the process of trying to learn spanish, and if there were cards set up for that they would be useful to me. Otherwaise, I wouldn't really have a use.

@McSpocky

There exist a couple of free vocabulary card sets (English -> German, Russian) for download at:

http://www.team-blitz.de/en/products_blitz_flashcards_cards.html

We will release other languages and updates to the existing languages from time to time. The card sets will stay btw free!

This is a great program,as someone who is deaf I had to learn site reading,This program will help me with how some of the words are spelled and spoken.When i was in school all they taught was phonics the Teacher couldn't be bothered on teaching sight reading and she was a Total B*t*h lol thanks for this program GAOTD

#1 Agree, but I think it will be useful to learn other languages too, but they need to add more supported languages other than German & Russian, such as French, Spanish,, Italian ... etc

@ swpnclr (#1):

These flash-card based learning programs are perfect for all ages, not just for the young ones. And they are not only a tool, but a long term learning assistance.

I tried them all and the best (for me) so far is 'Mnemosyne'
http://mnemosyne-proj.org/
(Freeware for Win, Linux and Mac OS X)

No I will test todays giveaway, which seems to have more multimedia features.

I think this is a nice little flash card program, especially since supports both audio and pics. However, attempting to download the two English sample files off the web was ridiculous - tried many many times to constantly get bumped off with errors loading pages. This, after having to constantly type in codes to get started on download. Really detracted from the program - should have included some sort of sample/example.

So would it work well for someone who speaks english and would like to learn another language? Also, are the any pre-setup cards you can download to use with the program, or do you have to make them all yourself?

As a child this was how I learnt everything, my mom used to make flashcards for me by hand for all my subjects. They are a fun, interactive learning tool and the repetition is what ultimately gets the results. What a wonderful product to have in a digital age :)

For someone who is either young and learning their vocabulary or someone getting familiar with English this is a nice little tool. My wife is Asian and I believe this is something we can use to get her familiar with everyday items and improve her vocab.