The most well-reputed name in language software courses is Rosetta Stone. Rosetta Stone offers a series of three discs in Russian. The first is designed to introduce you to the basics, the second to expand vocabulary for conversational skills and the third to develop sophisticated conversation. For those interested in simple conversational skills, discs one and two are sufficient.
Rosetta Stone's stellar reputation comes at a steeper cost than many other courses. The first, second and third discs are priced at $259, $279 and $299 respectively as of July 2009. The wiser choice, when buying more than one step in this program, is to take advantage of the package rate of $499 for all three.
As a less costly alternative, the Pimsleur Method software ($10 on their website and $33 on Amazon.com) offers a ten-day program with four compact discs. This approach guarantees your mastery of basic Russian in those ten days or you may have your money back. The Pimsleur Method is also used by both the CIA and the FBI.
"Conversational Russian: In 20 Lessons (Cortina Method)" is another option, which provides both workbooks and audio CDs. This software is also $10 on Amazon.com. The product promises lessons in vocabulary, phrasing and basic grammar. The pronunciation guides use basic phonetics based on the English alphabet. This material also includes sample conversations in Russian that might be particularly useful.
Rosetta Stone also offers an on-line subscription for $199.95 (as of July 2009), which features the same language learning software over the Internet. Other sites, such as eLanguage.net, offer basic Russian lessons on-line at no cost, but these are less sophisticated options.
You can also pursue on-line language courses at a university or college of your choice, such as Auburn University in Alabama, the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State and Cornell. You may have to pay to attend, but you will be getting a solid introduction to the language.
If you work better in company, check out any Russian language clubs or groups in your area, where you can gather with others of varying skill levels and practice conversation, one of the most productive approaches to language learning.
To find groups in your area, visit your local bookstores, community centers and universities. The advantages of joining a group such as this include having a supportive network of people to encourage and challenge you, learning more about the Russian culture, and practicing dynamic and not preplanned conversation. Meetings often take place in bookstores, coffee shops and homes. Some clubs also have an interest in exploring certain aspects of the culture, like Russian cuisine, which enables you to practice conversational Russian in a laid-back setting.
Berlitz Language Centers also offer elementary Russian lessons in various locations throughout the United States. These centers keep students engaged with one-on-one tutorials and personalized service.
Another option is using on-line message boards, such as those on craigslist.org, to post an advertisement for one-on-one lessons with a Russian tutor. A bonus is that you may design a schedule that works for you, and you will be able to move at your own pace. However, you must make sure the tutor is a competent speaker and teacher.