The Illuminator Dictionary is available for three operating systems:
• Windows: at the time of writing it was compatible with Windows XP to Windows 10, both 32 and 64 bit versions.
• Macintosh
• Apple iPhone, iPod, and iPad
The Apple iPhone, iPod, and iPad software is delivered with a single version of the dictionary. In this case, the dictionary displays Tibetan language in Tibetan script but allows lookups in transliterated Tibetan for those who find it difficult to type in Tibetan.
The Windows and Macintosh software is delivered with two versions of the dictionary.
1) Non-Transliterated Version
This uses Tibetan script to display Tibetan language. Use the Tibetan keyboards built into the TibetD Reader software to type Tibetan. If you want to see Tibetan script but type Tibetan using Wylie transliteration, use this version of the dictionary, with the Wylie keyboard that is built into the TibetD Reader software.
For serious students of the Tibetan language, it is better to use the non-transliterated version of the dictionary. Learning to read the Tibetan text directly will greatly improve your comprehension of the language. In conjunction with that, you will also increase your comprehension of Tibetan if you learn to type directly in Tibetan, rather than using the Wylie keyboard. Some scholars dispute that. However, it is a fact that, if you apply yourself to thinking of Tibetan on its own terms rather than in terms of English (or another language), your comprehension and ability with the language will increase markedly. Using a Tibetan keyboard forces you to do just that and hence is a good discipline for any serious student of the language.
2) Transliterated Version
This uses Tibetan transliterated into English lettering. This is best for those finding it difficult to type in Tibetan or who prefer to read Tibetan script in transliteration. The transliteration system used in this version is very similar to the Wylie system. It is not quite the same because Wylie's system did not include a system for transliteration of Sanskrit letters introduced into the Tibetan vocabulary and that is needed. Therefore, the transliteration system here uses a system very similar to Wylie's system but with the extensions needed to accommodate Sanskrit. That system is explained in TIBETAN TRANSLITERATION SYSTEM.
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