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FAQ  - Language Translation Frequently Asked Questions 

What is MT or Machine Translation?
MT is short for Machine Translation. Basically it's Translation Software run on a computer. Software translates one natural language into another natural language. Machine Translation takes into account the grammatical structure of each language and uses rules to transfer the grammatical structure of  the source language (test to be translated) into target language (translated text). Machine Translation cannot replace a human translator nor is it intended to.

Can I translate web pages?
Yes, in Systran Enterprise, Premium and Standard versions you can translate web pages with Internet Explorer, it will add a button to the top of you tool bar. One of  the newest features allows you to translate even web pages that use frames.  

I am a web designer, can I translate HTML pages without translating the links?
Yes!  Many web design companies use translation software by Systran to help in translating web pages for clients. The translator will translate the page but not change the html, so your links will still be unaffected. Think of Systran as your Web Translation Software!

Can I Translate Email? 
Systran Enterprise, Premium and Standard comes with a MS Outlook which allows you to translate e-mail from within both programs. When you run MS Outlook there is a button on the tool bar that simply translates the email.  

What languages are available in translation software?
The languages that are available for translation depend upon whether you choose Systran Enterprise, Premium or Standard  Language Translation Software. Systran Standard can translate Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. Systran Enterprise and Premium can translate Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese Japanese, and Korean  which are unidirectional and  Bidirectional  languages are Chinese and Russian  More languages are in development! 

Can I translate scanned documents?
Scanning documents to be translated is not highly recommended  with any translation software because there can be misspellings created in the scanning process and you must use software that can decipher the different accent marks or characters, also it can even introduce extra characters causing inaccuracies.  If you do need to scan a documents then you must make sure the text is accurate BEFORE  you have Systran translate the document. We have found one of  the best OCR Software products we recommend is "Omni Page Pro". If you are using Russian or Japanese we will suggest a specific OCR for that language. Email us for details.

If I translate text from English into another language and back into English, why don't I receive my original English text?
The two most important things to remember in machine translation (using translation software) is that no automated translation is perfect nor is it intended to replace human translators. When you translate a sentence, for example, from English to French, a certain degree of inaccuracy is involved. Therefore, when you translate this slightly inaccurate sentence back into English, you get the translation inaccuracy of the first sentence. Therefore the more you translate back and forth the more chances you have of getting an inaccurate translation.

 What is a Unidirectional language pair?
A unidirectional language pair translates only one direction. For example, Spanish to English.

What is a Bi-directional language pair?
A bi-directional language pair translates in both directions. For example, English into French and French into English.

What is the Industry Specific Dictionary?
Systran Enterprise and Premium Language Translation Software includes 20 industry specific Topical Glossaries which are Industry Specific Dictionaries.. Selecting Topical Glossaries can do a lot to enhance and improve the language translation quality. These Glossaries have industry specific terms that are translated and have the proper translated word in the glossary for you. Example, if you have the word 'server' and the software is using the general dictionary it will translate into "waiter". If you have the Computer dictionary turned on then the word 'server' will be translated related to a computer server.

What is the CSD or Customer Specific Dictionary?
This is one of the greatest features. Systran Language Translation Software is equipped with Dictionary Manager, which allows you to build a Customer - Specific Dictionary (CSD). Use of a CSD allows you to create your own personal dictionaries of unique words and phrases. Definitions in a CSD will override Systran  main dictionaries. In short you can customize the language translation software just for you. You can build many of your own dictionaries!

Can I specify certain words I don't want translated?
Systran Enterprise, Premium and Standard version of the Language Translation Software allows you to create a  Do Not Translate list of words.  This is very helpful when you have addresses, names, or specific item you do not want the software to translate.

What other tools can I use to increase my language translation accuracy?
For optimum language translation accuracy you can set up a Not Found Word Marker. During translation, this symbol will flag any words that were not found in the dictionaries. A Not Found Word list will be created, which you can then enter into the CSD.

I'm not sure which language translation product I need to use, the Enterprise, Premium or Standard? 
It depends on how you will be using the software. Standard version is a powerful language translation package for most home and small businesses.  If you are looking for client/ server then you need the Enterprise Edition.

Both Standard and Premium support MS Word, MS Excel, Power Point.  Premium is a much more robust language translation package and supports Asian languages. Check out the Comparison Chart for a full list of features of both language translation software. CLICK HERE

What if I buy Systran Standard language translation software and then decide to upgrade to Systran Premium?
Yes the new version allows you to upgrade your Standard to the Premium at any time, just purchase an upgrade.

Is there a Mac Version of Systran language translation products?
Systran language translation products are only available for use with Windows 98, 2000 Win NT, ME and XP. (Rumor has it though that a Mac version may be done in the future)