Fluency is a slippery subject and open to many interpretations across many fields, not just language.   Language experts for the most part don't always agree as to what it means. 

However, fluency is a subject that comes up often in the discussion forums especially when it pertains to language software.  People want to know what to expect from the software they are about to buy.  Some are happy with their purchases, others were expecting more. 

The vast majority of language software on the market, with a few exceptions, is designed to be a very basic introductory level language course.  The software we review at FrenchCourseware.com are the heavyweights of the group, the ones we think will bring you closest to fluency, if at all.

Our definition of fluency is where you can hear a conversation in French, even with regional accents and dialects, and fully understand that conversation.  Fluency is also when you can fully participate in deep discussions with native speakers of the language.  Some products, such as Auralog's French Premium or Transparent Languages Complete French Learning Suite have so many add ons and resources we believe that with practice and persistence you have a good chance of achieving this level of fluency.

There is no substitute for immersion when it comes to learning any language, and many of the titles we review recognize and try to implement this.  Rosetta Stone French provides something called Dynamic Immersion, Learn French Now by Transparent Languages does the same with a multimedia experience.  Neither, of course, can come remotely close to living a year or two in France, but we don't think anyone expects that from software.