Different software programs are tailored to address different learners' needs and levels. There is software for beginners through advanced-level Farsi learners. Some software won't operate on older versions of Windows or Macs OS so check out the program's system requirements if your computer is over five years old.
A good piece of software will engage you in activities where you speak, listen, learn the alphabet and read Farsi. Some software comes with games and listening activities recorded by native speakers. A few programs have speech recognition software that makes sure you are repeating phrases with native-like accuracy. Some software comes with MP3 audio files that you can put on your iPod or other MP3 player. A good program will have lots of interactive features so that learning is more fun.
The price for Farsi learning software varies greatly depending on the quality of the software and the components included. "Level One Persian (Farsi)" from Rosetta Stone costs $206--Rosetta Stone has long been considered the gold standard in language learning software. There are more economically priced programs for sale that you can buy online. You can find free beginning Farsi software from Byki and then you have the option of purchasing additional Byki software later. There is also plenty of freeware on the web. There are many free software programs and podcasts for download but they vary in quality.
Every software program includes its own recommended time commitment for learning Farsi. However, they all say that you should make practicing Farsi a regular part of your weekly routine to make the process of learning closer to immersion. According to an independent study done at Queens College, 55 hours of using Rosetta Stone software is equivalent to one college semester. So consider your time frame for learning Farsi. If you have three months to learn the basics, you should be practicing for four hours a week.
The best software for you will depend on your learning style. If you're a visual learner, find a program that has lots of pictures; if you're a communicative learner, try to get a friend to work through the program with you. Determine your level of Farsi before you invest in a program that is too hard or too easy for you. Look at the description of what you will learn to see if the program seems like your level and if in doubt call the company's customer service number to find out more information.