Using Speech Recognition Software: Dragon Naturallyspeaking and Windows Speech Recognition

Would you like to type and control the computer by voice? How about typing at speeds over 100 words per minute? Speech recognition software makes it possible! Learning to use speech recognition software isn't difficult-if you have a good guide. Now that guide is here. This book walks you through the new methods you will use, step-by-step, increasing the complexity only after you have practiced the basic skills. In this book, two variations of the speech recognition method are presented; the "hands-free" method using speech only, and the "combination method," leveraging the advantages of both speech recognition techniques and traditional manual techniques. Chapters 1-5 present Dragon NaturallySpeaking; everything from training a user file, making corrections, dictating text and commands, and using Dragon with the Internet and email is here. Chapters 6-7 show how Windows Speech Recognition, built into Windows 7 and Windows Vista, can be used to do nearly everything learned so far. The final chapter addresses advanced speech recognition topics and troubleshooting. Valuable tips and answers to frequently asked questions are positioned throughout the chapters in the locations where users need them most. Whether your goal is to work faster and more accurately, to dictate your thoughts into a mobile recorder and download them when convenient, or to avoid hand, wrist and other injuries from keyboard and mouse use, speech recognition provides a pain-free, effective alternative. Calais J. Ingel has taught hundreds of students, from complete beginners to experienced computer users, to work quickly and productively with Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Windows Speech Recognition software. She is currently the Assistive Technology Specialist, a full-time instructor, and the department chair in the Computer Applications/Business Technology program at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California.