Hey Folks,
A thought came to mind after reading posts from those whose sore hands is making typing difficult. When I was a software trainer we occassionally taught sight impaired staff on a software called Dragon Naturally Speaking. This speech recognition software allowed the student to speak into a head set and the computer would follow the spoken commands. These employees now use the software to work every day. Very useful!
So, has anyone tried this as an arthritis solution?
Here's a page I found about the software (and no, I have no financial interest in this software, nor am affiliated with the website ... it's just the first one I found). http://www.sforh.com/speech/dragon.html
Cheers,
- Joy
Also, the new Windows Vista Platinum edition is supposed to COME with voice recognition. So anyone in the market for a new computer, keep that in mind!
I use Dragonsoft Naturally Speaking and (when I need it), I find it works very well. It was well worht the expense.
From my understanding, Dragonsoft Naturally Speaking is the TOP voice recognition program out there right now. When I ask the nerd boyfriend about it, that's the ONLY one he recommends. We never got a shot at trying out Vista's built in one - it wasn't included in the beta version. If/When we get a new comp with Vista, I'll be sure to try it out and let you know how it works - unless someone else beats me to it!
Actually XP (both Home & Pro) came with voice recognition software. So no need to buy a new system with Vista just to get the voice stuff...you already have it in XP.
More info can be found here on the Microsoft site that page is a few years old but is a good starting point to more details about using what is already built into Windows.
MS has advanced their system significantly since it was first added years back. It is an excellent product to at least get your feet wet and see if you can make it work for you.
I also use Dragon Naturally Speaking either 9 or 10 I forget which or even who owns the product this microsecond. Very excellent program.
All of these programs have limitations and you cannot do everything on your computer just yet. But we are getting closer to the day when when have those wonderful computers from Star Trek. :)
Anyway, I use mine for dictation & computer control. I bought a Logitech noise cancelling headset on eBay. Here are a couple hidden points. First you will likely be unhappy using either the built-in mic on your system or an external mic. They just catch too much background noise and can lead to unexpected results and control difficulties. Next you want a HEADSET not headPHONES. A headset is a set of headphones with a mic. And you want a noise concelling condenser type mic. That sounds way more complicated then it is...since they are inexpensive at around - for a basic wired headset from a name brand maker I prefer to stick with a name brand.
Well maybe it's just us, but with XP it's a really really really really crappy VR program. Not even worth mentioning. LOL It could just be us! Nerdy B/F is *very* picky, so I could see that being the reason! Ok I would loooooooooove to have something like this. But what happens when you speak to someone that is around you? Like for instance...MY TEENAGERS!!!! Or my DH!!! It seems like the computer is a magnet to bug mom or DH has this important question he has to have answered right flippin now!! Or he sits by me and says whatcha doing? and comments on everything I post and I have to have a conversation with him too! Do I have to go back and delete a buncha stuff?
[QUOTE=arriscolwell]Well maybe it's just us, but with XP it's a really really really really crappy VR program. Not even worth mentioning. LOL It could just be us! Nerdy B/F is *very* picky, so I could see that being the reason! [/QUOTE]
was that in response to my comment? If so, my personal experience is way different.
[QUOTE=grammaskittles] Ok I would loooooooooove to have something like this. But what happens when you speak to someone that is around you? Like for instance...MY TEENAGERS!!!! Or my DH!!! It seems like the computer is a magnet to bug mom or DH has this important question he has to have answered right flippin now!! Or he sits by me and says whatcha doing? and comments on everything I post and I have to have a conversation with him too! Do I have to go back and delete a buncha stuff? [/QUOTE]
Actually, yes and no...if using a headset all you need do is either issue the command to ignore your voice until you tell the software to again listen or just hold your hand over the boom...but there is a learning curve to keeping your comments while yelling at the cat out of yoru work. :D
ya sure you bettcha... :)
ya know for another sure fire way to keep the kids under control...duct tape...just ask Red Green it fixes everything. ;)
Happy to have been some help.
"ya sure you bettcha"hehehehe...nope not from Wis-can-sen nor Canookia...but had a best buddy when I was growing up who's mom was from Minnie-sooo-ta...so I sorta-kinda picked up some of the phrases. Plus there was the 10000000x I watched Fargo.
As for Red Green...my better half turned me on to the show...I now own all the DVD's I could find. She just LOVED the show and don'tcha just know I love it now too.
Thanks for making my chuckle...it was a rough day...and glad to have found this place.