What Computer Software Should a Semi-Beginner Use?

I've been a casual player off and on for years, and now I want to start training to improve my rating. I've read lists on what books to read, what openings to work on, what time limit you should practice at, ect. But an area that has always alluded me was the computer programs that the pros use. 

Is there one main program/app that most people use? Or does anybody have any advice/(links to old threads) on where to start? It should be noted that I'm not really a computer guy.

Thanks. 

The pros mostly use Chessbase but it's way too expensive and complicated for most of us.  Fritz is more than powerful enough for you and may also be overkill, but you should check it out,  Chess King is cheap, easy to use, has a decent database and lots of built in training exercises.  HIARCS chess is pretty easy to use also and has some great search functions, but the database loading can be slow.  Good luck choosing just one....

 If you are REALLY serious about raising your rating, then I would pick up a copy of Fritz, mostly because it can help you annotate your games/store you games. It can also act as a sparring partner. Later if you need/want it, you can then very easily migrate to Chessbase.

But, if you aren't actually going to annotate your games, look for patterns of mistakes, etc., then this is all strictly more than you need. On the other hand it is kind of fun to play against. But there are cheaper ways to play against a computer (like the free and pretty good Lucas Chess).

What are your goals and how much time a day are you willing to put into this realistically?

You also could just go to chessbase directly. There are versions of it that sell for relatively cheap (like 150$ with a big database).

Personally, I use both Chessbase and Fritz and my rating is hardly in the stratosphere.

But what are you actually looking to do with this software?

Thanks! Those sound great. I appreciate it, man.  

Great advice. Thanks. 

My goals may sound a little unrealistic, but I want to become a GM and beat the best. Haha. I love the game, I don't see it as a waste of time, I see it as art, science, and exercise. Lately it has become my main hobby/interest, so I can probably put in about 4 hours a day, maybe more on certain days. Let's just put it this way, I'm willing to give as much time as I can give. And I think, once I start seeing myself improve, that improvement will only make me find ways to give more time.  

What I want to do, or what I think I need to do is study openings with the software. Study and play against certain lines. See, this is kind of my question, too. I'm not really sure what I should be doing with the equipment once I got it. Haha. 

Well, Fritz will let you do the opening training that you describe. I'm NOT saying that is actually a good use of your time at your (and my) level.

It will also allow you to store your games in a database (in the same format used by Chessbase). It will allow you to hand annotate the games, and it will also annotate the games for you (but doing it yourself and then have it check you is better).

It will find tactics you missed, and it will create training questions from those missed tactics that you can go back and review.

Chessbase can do much more, but what Chessbase is NOT good at is playing against you. Fritz is designed for that. Chessbase is not.

If you do buy Fritz, realize that the engine is plenty strong for these purposes. But it is not the strongest available. You can download Stockfish for free and use it within the Fritz Gui.

I use Fritz and Chessbase pretty much every day. I think they are worthwhile products. But whether you will actually use them is hard to say.

Does a website count as software?  Although I am not a paying member at the moment, how about being a paying member of chess.com? Diamond level is $100/year.

None. It’s cheating. Read the rules bro

Those sound like two really good places to start. Thanks, man. 

Yeah, I was just checking out some of the stuff this place offers and it's pretty nice. I'm definitely gonna milk this place for all it's worth. 

Well, I suppose I'd like to train all aspects of the game (open, middle, end, live play). That would probably be the most efficient way to improve my game, wouldn't you say?  

You're adorable. 

Yes I am but that’s besides the point 

madwolf , imagine a solar flare knocking out the power grid , for possibly a decade or even longer , what use a chess prog like fritz then to a semi beginner who finds themselves in a duel to the death over a tin of beans with only the winner of a chess game getting life and a bit of food , dont put yourself at such a disadvantage , play the game as it is meant to be played and never rely on chess engines

Haha. Nice! I like your hands-on approach. 

I've been a casual player off and on for years, and now I want to start training to improve my rating. 

What rating are you tying to improve?

I've read lists on what books to read, what openings to work on, what time limit you should practice at, ect.

What books, if any have you read?

Dont worry about openings right now.  That is the last t hing that you should be working on.

I do like that you are playing G30's.  You're giving yourself time to think.

But an area that has always alluded me was the computer programs that the pros use. 

What the pros use (chessbase) is not what you need right now.  

You can get the free software chessbase reader.  You can download weekly games from Theweekinchess.com and play through them on chessbase reader.

Chesshero is free software that comes with thousands of games that allow you to play solitaire chess.

You can get a membership here, and take advantage of the videos, chess mentor lessons, and tactics.

chessable.com is a great site.

By rating, I meant skill level. Yeah, I'm not that interested in blitz. 

I really haven't read any books, but I do have a huge list I need to read. I think the ones I 'have' read are "Zaps and Traps" and "My System." I think the latter was a little lost on me. So openings aren't the right thing to study right now? I feel like that's where most of my problem lies. Actually, I think having such bad opening skills has made me a better endgamer. Meaning, the wins I've had over the years are usually hard fought comebacks where I was usually at a disadvantage positionally. 

Thanks. I've played some blitz in the past and it really does condition your brain to react too hastily. 

Very cool. I now have a great list of stuff to check out. You guys have given me way more than I expected. Thanks. 

If you're considering ChessBase, you might want to pick up this book first.