If you are interested in learning Chinese with a program,  you have several choices, which I describe in my article about Chinese language software. There are other programs out there, of course, but these are the top ones in my opinion.

I ended up liking Fluenz Mandarin and Rocket Chinese the best, so here is a comparison chart for the two of them. I like them for slightly different reasons, so you may want to read the reviews to get a sense of which one would be best for you. I did not rank between the two of them, as each one is tops in its own way, in my opinion.

If the font on the table is too small for you to read easily, hold down your Control key and hit the + key. You can do this more than once.

PRODUCTS Fluenz Mandarin Rocket Chinese
Buy or learn more: At Amazon.com (This link goes to a list of all the levels of Fluenz Mandarin; click on whatever interests you for a lot of information.) Rocket Chinese website (lots of information)
Type of program Multi Media & audio Audio, booklets, games
My comments Based on well-thought theories of how people learn. Best of the multi media programs in my opinion.. Exceptional value for the money with download version. Also, with the focus on the audio files, it is easier to use while exercising.etc.
Philosophy of using English Uses English to teach you Chinese. Uses English to teach you Chinese.
See my full review.. Of Fluenz Mandarin Of Rocket Chinese
Where to use it? At computer, parts with an mp3 or CD player Anywhere, with mp3 or CD player, plus some things for computer
Download or shipped? Shipped Both download and shipped versions
Uses speech recognition software to help with your pronunciation? Yes No
Can you learn useful conversation fast, like before a trip? Yes Yes
Buy or learn more: At Amazon (link goes right to it) Rocket Chinese website (lots of info)
PRODUCTS Fluenz Mandarin Rocket Chinese