#Voice dictation software free how to
#Voice dictation software free mac os
#Voice dictation software free install
#Voice dictation software free software

I find that even if you skip the training (not that I recommend it), you get pretty good recognition right out of the gate.

#Voice dictation software free install

When you first install the software, you go through a training phase where it acclimates to your voice. I do most of my writing in Notepad and Dragon does a pretty good job of translating what I say to words on the screen. This is really what voice dictation was designed for. I provide some detail on each of these below. I use NaturallySpeaking for three types of hands-free functions: typing, running applications, and navigating the file system and the Web. But, even a cursory examination of the available products will make clear that Dragon NaturallySpeaking is your best bet.

#Voice dictation software free mac os

Both the current versions of Windows and the Mac OS have some kind of built-in voice dictation functionality which I presume to be underwhelming, though I'm open to being convinced otherwise.

#Voice dictation software free software

There are other voice dictation software tools that can be found on the web, though I know little about them. (Plus, as you will read, I'm pretty happy with what I've got.) I use the version for Windows, but they do have options for the Mac, which I cannot claim to have any experience with. I've heard strongly negative things about the current Dragon release, version 11.) because I have zero confidence in any software company's ability to adequately test its product before they release it. I'm currently using version 9.5, (Update May 9, 2011: I'm now using version 10 and generally consider it an improvement.

At the time of this writing, Nuance is about to release version 11. You can buy them online, or at your standard Best Buy type store. There are different products, but most people can get by with the two lower end options, now called 'Home' and 'Premium.' Home is about about a hundred bucks, Premium twice that. The voice dictation software I use is, without a doubt, the industry leader: Dragon NaturallySpeaking produced by Nuance.

You can also use your voice to issue commands that open up particular files or programs, or even to click a particular point on the screen. You speak (into a microphone) and the words you say appear on the screen. Most people have an understanding of the basics of voice dictation software. These solutions are less acceptable for mouse intensive computing like using Photoshop, music composition software like Digital Performer or Garage Band, or animation tools like Flash Developer (or whatever it's called these days.) (If you are a hard-core programmer, I think it is feasible that you could do your job entirely hands-free, though you would definitely take some hits to your productivity.) I find my solutions adequate for web browsing as well. The solutions I use are acceptable for 'text heavy' computing - word processing, writing e-mail, using spreadsheets, HTML and web programming etc. Many programs will claim to be 100% keyboard controllable but, while this may be technically true, the experience of being limited to the keyboard is frustrating. The mouse is, of course, used to click on various sections of the graphical user-interface. The keyboard is primarily utilized to type in text and secondarily to interact with programs by using keyboard shortcuts or using keystrokes to navigate up and down menus. (Theoretically, you can, but the experience would be maddening.) With hands powered computing, you have two standard tools for input: the keyboard and the mouse. You cannot replicate every aspect of hands powered computing with hands-free solutions. I'll discuss each of these in more detail below. As a result I had to investigate ways to interact with the computer that did not require hands. This debilitated me to such a degree that I couldn't type or use a mouse for any meaningful period.

My story in short: after years of computing (mousing and typing), playing guitar and general hand abuse, I developed severe repetitive strain in both my forearms.

I've spent several years exploring the various options for hands-free computing and decided to write this article as a way of offering my thoughts on the subject. Or they may want to increase their workplace efficiency by performing many of their normal computing functions in a hands-free manner, leaving their hands available to do other things like dial phone numbers, page through documents or juggle kittens. carpal tunnel, RSI (repetitive strain injury), paralysis) and they have to temporarily or permanently restrict the interaction of their hands with the computer. The most likely is that one or both of their hands is damaged (e.g. There are various reasons why a person would want to operate computer without using their hands.

#Voice dictation software free how to

How to Operate a Computer without Using Your Hands Hands-Free Computing: A Look at Voice Dictation Software and Hands-Free Computer Mice