TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
The September issue of PC Computing magazine reviewed and rated five
voice recognition softwares. I checked PC Computing's web page and
didn't find the review online. I have Dragon Naturally Speaking and a
mini disk digital recorder for field use but have not yet put either
to the test.
Don Timmerman, dtimmerman -at- anl -dot- gov
Sr. Tech. Writer
Argonne National Laboratory (near Chicago)
With the discussion of RSI and ergonomic mouse/trackball solutions, I'm
wondering how many people have tried voice recognition software. I've
read/heard about IBM's product and Dragon Naturally Speaking, but I don't know
anyone who actually uses either product.
Mostly, I'm curious about editing and formatting text once entered. How much
can be done by speaking and how much do you need to return to the mouse/keyboard
to accomplish?
Also, with headsets is it possible to use this software in a work environment
without disturbing coworkers? (We have 6x8 cubicles, with 6 ft. walls, so it
would need to work when speaking VERY softly.)