The world of online poker has evolved within the last decade, and during that time many poker companies have released software that allows players to play poker, specifically Texas Hold 'Em. Whether it is game play, graphics, a mix of both, or other elements, you will eventually find the best poker software for yourself among a collection of some great programs.

The most popular poker programs use an online connection to play other poker players for real money. These include Poker Stars, Full Tilt Poker, Bodog Life Poker, Oddsmaker Poker and Party Poker. All of these poker programs are free to download as long as you sign up for an account through their websites. The software may also come with access to an online casino download that is included or separate from the poker software. Other poker software companies include Bet U.S. Poker, Titan Poker, Absolute Poker, Hollywood Poker, Ultimate Bet and Doyle's Room.

The main function found on these software programs is the ability to play Texas Hold 'Em. Other poker games in the software may include Omaha Poker, Stud Poker, H.O.R.S.E, Badugi and Razz. These games are broken down into two playing formats. Cash games allow players to go onto any table and play using funds from their account. They may leave the table anytime and cash games are open 24 hours a day. Tournament tables are set up using different buy-ins and participating players. They do not begin until the table is full and have predetermined payouts for certain places. A popular concept found in poker software is the "Freeroll Tournament." These tournaments are sponsored by the software and allow players to enter for free and potentially earn free money if they do well. Players look for freerolls when signing up for poker software.

Software features can help lure a player in to download software. The simplest features allow players to change table colors and themes during a game. Almost every version of poker software allows players to alternate between a two-colored deck or four- colored deck and some, like Full Tilt Poker allow players to change the design of card. Many software programs feature personal avatars where players can pick a different picture to represent them. Full Tilt allows players to pick different cartoon characters that can be set to multiple moods. Oddsmaker Poker takes this one step further by incorporating animations including smiley faces, Pandas and donkeys. A chat area is included with the best programs, allowing players to communicate, and argue over hands. A lot of software includes filters to block out profanity. Advancements in connection speeds have allowed poker rooms to enable 3D graphics at their poker tables, and one of the best examples comes from PKR's poker room.

When looking for poker software, popularity should be an issue because the more people, the more you can play. Full Tilt Poker has one of the highest amounts of players along with a collection of pro players like Phil Ivey and Chris Ferguson. Finding a table on these programs becomes easier because there is competition any time of the day. Titan Poker is a rising poker site and could eventually become one of the most popular on the web.

If you are not looking to gamble and want to play poker for fun, then poker software like Bodog Life, Oddsmaker, Party Poker and others offer "Play Money" options where no real money is involved. Offline poker software is also created just for fun. The Poker Superstars line of games offers regular poker and special challenges that help build skills and learn the game with professional computer players.