Crimes?
Too funny. An interesting read though. A lot of behind the scenes emails and positioning by all parties.
Read Eric Schiller’s Report on Man vs Machine 2002 and tell me I don’t have the right to point out their crimes. I don’t bother commenting on the failings of their products because I would never think of using them and no longer produce any compatible files. They are unprincipled and corrupt from top to bottom.
I haven’t weighed in on the but I’ve been using Chess Assistant, which replaced my ChessBase years ago. It is far more flexible and easier to use with external formats like CBF and CBH. It also supports enhanced PGN markup. Much superior, but admittedly a steep learning curve unless you are capable of pressing the right mouse button, in which case it is easy. And some of the best tech support I have seen.
You should certainly download the free version and try it before spending megabucks on ChessBase. You can download Chess Assistant Lite here.
I use it because it is better, not because of the way CB ripped me off and mistreated me. I do use the CB website, because it is an excellent source of news.
Check out www.ChessAssistance.com for help and tutorials and free downloads for Chess Assistant.
Download from the Internet Fritz 5.32
It is authorized by Fritz. The installation instructions
are in German but it is easy to follow.
The program itself is in English.
It is not that different to the latest edition,
just a little weaker. The programs features
are just about the same.
Click Here to Download Fritz 5.32
In the spirit of answering the actual question I would suggest that you look at Chess Openings Wizzard. It used to be called Bookup.
Chess Opening Wizard
Mike has some interesting views on marketing, so I suggest you deal with all that in whatever filter you use on such things. However, if your interest is in learning specific openings, or even openings in general, I think even some of the free stuff he has will (ECO Database) allow you to do that. You can set it up to quiz you on things, and set up your own repertoire and practice it ad infinitum.
I have no relationship with them or that software, but as a niche product it does what you are asking for. You can, however, do similar things with most database programs’ tree views… but I leave that as an exercise for the reader. 
(always wanted to say that)
I wanted everyone to know that would love to practice their openings on most chess programs, chessmaster 11the edition is fun and super easy and does exactly what you want.
As for openings, why not try free opening software?
http://www.chesspositiontrainer.com/
You can find someone to help you install it, or I can write instructions.
I find online databases helpful with openings.
Go to –> Chess Game Explorer
