Dragon voice recognition software

beanielou

Thanks for all the feedback.
As ever what would I do without this lovely supportive forum.

jazabelle

I didn't find it easy to use, I guess because I'm not patient. I was trying to write essays with it, and there would be one word correct for every paragraph, meaning it was taking me triple the amount of time to go back and correct it than it would have done for me to type it in the first place.

Even the lady training me to use it was finding it difficult to get it to recognise some words, and she uses it every day!

I think if you have loads of time and patience to get it to learn how you speak, it would be good - but I'm afraid when I wanted it to work I had deadlines!

I really hope it does work for you though, it would be a godsend to those with wrist/arms problems!

beanielou

Thanks everyone for all the feedback.
Much appreciated.

stefos

I love using my Dragon Naturally Speaking and I am currently using version 10.1, where I easily get 95% accuracy without training first and recommend that you get the 'preferred' version.
All you need to remember is speak clearly in full sentences and preferably having a good posture - think newsreader!
Other benefits include not having to worry about spelling (as a rule) and has also helped with my general articulation.
When showing friends how it works I generally add the word 'Gewurztraminer ' to my example just to show what an expansive dictionary the program stores.
I may also add that you can replay anything you have dictated in case you can't fathom out out a word it misinterpreted.
There is an excellent forum if you Google the word 'KnowBrainer' where everything Dragon NaturallySpeaking is discussed.

Trialia

I find Dragon quite useful on the days when I can't bear to type due to hand/arm pain. I think it's version 8 preferred, I have.

urs_3

Hi
I am new to the forums, but work in disability support so have known many folks use this software- and used version 7n and 8 myself.

The only real benefit of the "professional" version is it will allow you to create macros - useful for those who need this as a primary method of computer input. You can also get professional version with special subject specific vocabulary already installed - such as a medical and legal version. By far the vast majority of user just use the "preferred" version.

If you will need to uprgade your Pc to run it (it will only just run and keep crashing on the min recommended spec) is worth checking with your local tas office if you will then qaulify for a vat reduction when buying a new computer. This is for those with evidence of a disability who need a pc to run assistance technology bought at the same time - Dragon qualifies - as does software that reads aloud 9text help and Claro read etc) There is less vat reduction if buying a laptop as opposed to a desktop. Full time Higher education Students may be eligible for disabled students allowances - but this a very long process not that the SFE are administering it. If starting a new job Access to work might fund it - but then it would remain your employers property.

Although often recommended for folks with spelling difficulties, this is not suitable for all. You need very carefull proof reading. It gives a different kind of proof reading problem to spelling as the words will be correct, but can me the wrong words - you need to proof read each paragraph or so at a time, as it will be very hard to correct mistakes later - and others reading work back will have absolutely no idea why random seeming words appear - at least with most spelling errors the reader can guess or use a spell checker to guess.

Anyone with mobility issues, such or prone to fainting loosing balance etc should think about a wireless headset. If a user looses balance while attached to the computer, this can make it more dangerous for them. I know person with nerve damage who did this twice and broke 2 headsets that way.

hope that helps

mateypeeps

I have Windows Vista on my laptop and in Control Panel is a microphone icon for speech recognition software.

I tried it and was surprised how good it was, better than the old Dragon software I bought a long, long time ago.

I suggest that you try it before thinking about buying Dragon.

If it does all that you want then that saves you money.

beanielou

Update.
Got the Dragon 10.1.
Having problems getting it to run.
Hey ho!!
I iz so thick sometimes.