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Get training from an expert to learn speech recognizing software

The best way to learn about any type of computer program is to get training from an expert. There are many software companies that make software experts available to customers so they can learn about the program they've purchased. This also helps when you need to train a number of people at the same time.

I recommend: LumenVox offers on-site and classroom training for its voice recognition program. This course is a full day and covers all the basics. Achieve Results provides a short training courses for its voice recognition software, plus a year of support.

Learn how to use voice activated computer software through online courses

An online course that teaches you how to use voice activated computer software is a great way to get the training you need, at your convenience. This costs less than on-site training and is available any time you and your employees are ready to train.

I recommend: Crown International provides both on-site and online training for its voice recognition software titles. Zephyr-TEC provides online or phone training to provide support for its voice recognition software.

Use tutorials to explore the features of an interactive voice response system

If you want to take a self-guided tour of your voice recognition software, or need additional materials to hold your own training session, check out online resources and tutorials that software suppliers offer. These are usually free and can provide all levels of training experience.

I recommend: ASR provides comprehensive tutorials for its software. The lessons range from basic functions to specific features of the program. Anyone using Windows Vista and the speech recognition software from Microsoft can access a tutorial through Vista at any time.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are still looking for the best training opportunities, try looking through voice recognition software review sites. Many also review training programs for these titles.

Guide to Voice Recognition Software

Streamline your work flow with speech to text software

By Sharon Cullars, Freelance Writer

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Search for a speech recognition program that you can use with various applications

The best voice recognition software is one that can integrate with multiple applications, including Word, Excel, WordPerfect and other Windows-based applications. Look for a comprehensive package with a variety of features.

I recommend: Dragon NaturallySpeaking by Nuance is one of the leading voice recognition software systems. Create documents, reports and emails in several applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Corel and WordPerfect. The package also includes an AutoTranscribe folder for your desktop where you can directly place your documents and have them automatically transcribed; a user-friendly command browser; and Bluetooth wireless microphone support. Unlike other packages, you can get started immediately without a script reading for training. TalkIt TypeIt also lets you directly dictate into any Windows application as well as various email clients. The software takes between 5 to 10 minutes to recognize your voice and types up to 150 words per minute.

Find speech recognition software that runs on various platforms

Whether you have a Mac or run on a version of Windows, there is voice recognition software available for your particular platform.

I recommend: MacSpeech Dictate provides speech recognition solutions for Intel-based Macs. It provides great accuracy and productivity and allows you to control most menu commands via voice. It works with a variety of applications. Voice Insert API offers a speech to text utility in several languages and features voice commands and point 'n' speak with read aloud target support. It runs on several versions of Windows including 98, NT, 2000, 2003 and XP. You can even download a free trial.

Find diction software that you can expand or that has an industry-unique vocabulary

A versatile software will let you expand the pre-existing dictionary for smoother translation. Also, those in the medical or legal industries can find software with industry-unique terminology.

I recommend: QPointer Voice offers voice recognition technology that lets you create a database with your often-used words. It also formats text and manages your email through voice command. Why Type provides customized speech recognition solutions for both the legal and medical industries.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  New technology allows speech to text dictation on mobile phones and directly dictates into any mobile-featured application.
• •  A voice recognition software review will give you an in-depth look at a particular voice recognition program. Be sure to visit review websites that provide consumer feedback and ratings on various speech to text software.

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Dictation

Dictation occurs when you say words aloud into a speaker or microphone. Voice recognition software takes the audio cues and converts them into typed text on the computer screen.

I recommend: Pricenet Central explains the benefits of using voice dictation software and reviews voice dictation software for Mac computers.

Voice training

When you start using voice recognition software, you need to get the program familiar with your accent and verbal nuance. Voice training consists of pages you read from your computer screen into your microphone. The computer keeps records of your voice in separate files and uses this information for general dictation for increased accuracy.

I recommend: Landmark College offers tips on greater accuracy during voice training.

Intuitive

Voice recognition software programs advertise themselves as intuitive when they have programming capable of recognizing patterns and phrases in writing. These programs often supply word choices and phrases for the user and often increase the accuracy of dictation.

I recommend: CNET offers a review of intuitive software that yields high-quality dictation results.

Computer platforms

If you know the basic software or hardware your computer uses, then you know what your computer platform is. You might work on DOS, UNIX or on an Ethernet network. Whatever it is, the platform is the standard for system development. To work, the type of voice dictation programming chosen must correlate with your computer platform.

I recommend: Go to e-Speaking.com to find software for voice dictation based on the EXSpeech platform.

Applications

An application is a specific program that performs a series of tasks based on user input. Voice dictation applications include email, Internet surfing and document dictations, among others.

I recommend: Ability Hub recommends voice dictation software solutions for a variety of applications for both Windows and Macintosh.

Voice print

Every human has a distinct voice based on vocal manipulations of mouth and throat. In voice recognition software, the programs create mathematical equations defining a user's speech patterns and characteristics and use the formulas to increase dictation translation accuracy.

I recommend: Forbes.com highlights voice dictation products such as the VoiceIt Technologies, which uses voice print phrasing in its devices.

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Try out free voice recognition software

The best way to get voice recognition software advice and ratings is to come up with your own. There are many free voice recognition software products available online; download one at a time and try them out, all the while making notes about what you like and don't like about each program.

I recommend: Check out free voice recognition software from e-Speaking.com, and the Sphinx Group at Carnegie Mellon offers an option as well. The Smart-Machines blog reviews free voice recognition software from the Sphinx Group.

See what features paid software has as compared to free voice recognition software

Once you've worked with speech recognizing software you'll have a better idea of what your business needs from voice recognition software programs. If the free speech recognition software doesn't meet your needs, then it's time to compare it to paid speech recognition programs to find the best voice recognition software for your needs.

I recommend: ConsumerSearch compares popular voice recognition software programs. CNET, from CBS Interactive, also compares and reviews voice activated computer software, natural language speech recognition, interactive voice response system packages and other voice recognition software programs. CNET also includes download links to each program on its review page.

Read every voice recognition software review you find

Even if comparisons show that a certain diction software bundle has everything your business wants, independent voice recognition software review and ratings can help you make sure you're getting what the company promises. Seek out independent reviews, read them, and pay attention to the negatives as well as the positives and the price.

I recommend: TopTenREVIEWS and Geek.com both offer plenty of voice recognition reviews. These reviews also include comparisons, but don't just look at the side-by-side reviews; listen to what the author has to say about the voice recognition software. A piece of speech to text software may have all the features you want but the written review could reveal problems not covered in the comparisons.