Using a free online dictionary and free software are definitely the best way to learn Spanish. The main reason is that they offer a constant and reliable reference to a wide range of words, such as Nahuatl (Nahuatl for language) or Occitan (Spanish for the countries). Some of these sites have more than one approach to learning, and some offer web-based versions for use on the computer. These types of applications provide a fast, comfortable learning experience, which can easily replace expensive courses or even private tutors. Just like any other type of software, there are free applications that will work well for you, but be sure to do your research and know which ones are the best for you before choosing the software or dictionary that is right for you.
Free web-based applications typically have more features than an offline version would. A good example of this is that when you first install the application on your computer, you are given the opportunity to try it out on a virtual machine (virtual machine is a piece of software that simulates a virtual environment) to see if it's going to work for you. Many applications allow you to download as many as you want to your computer, and so you don't need to install anything on your system that is not already included. This is nice, especially when you get to learn a new word you didn't know. You can immediately download it to your computer.
There are many free software available, but many of them are of questionable quality. When choosing a Spanish dictionary and free software, make sure that it has a reputation for reliability, and that it is something that you won't be intimidated by. You also want to make sure that it offers a wide array of words and phrases.
