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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the 1996 Employee and Consultant Stock Option Plan and
the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Broderbund Software, Inc. of our
reports dated October 4, 1995, except for Note 2 as to which the date is
November 7, 1995, and November 27, 1995, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Broderbund Software, Inc. incorporated by reference in
the Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1995 and the related financial
statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. 


                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Francisco, California
October 4, 1996