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pally01 · 03-13-2008, 05:03 PM

Hi everyone.

I'm wondering if there is any decent voice recognition software available (Vista compatible would be ideal) that can be utilized on applications like Word or e-mail replying etc. I know someone who has been directed to stop using keyboards etc for 3 months in order to let arm injuries/damage heal.

Any input really appreciated.

Kov-Ice · 03-13-2008, 05:10 PM

Dragon Naturally Speaking.

My wife has used it with good success over the past several years.

TwoRails · 03-13-2008, 08:05 PM

Another vote for Dragon. I've had earlier versions and wasn't that impressed, but Version 9 works as advertised.

EzyStvy · 03-14-2008, 04:34 AM

Course Vista has a new and improved Voice App built in......

Kov-Ice · 03-14-2008, 09:37 AM

I'm no Vista user (blech!), but I wonder if an M$ add-in like that measures up to a stand-alone piece of software like Dragon. Has anyone used the Vista functionality?

TwoRails · 03-14-2008, 01:53 PM

I've not used it(Vista's), but I'd be surprised if it's much more than it's video edit is to a "real" editor or popular suites.

pally01 · 03-14-2008, 10:14 PM

Thanks for the input everyone.

Dragon v9 seems fairly highly rated from the comments here and other sites I found. Pretty impressive that it's able to be 98% accurate. It'd be interesting to poke around with Vista's version too I think, though I'd probably go into that with low expectations and hope to be pleasantly surprised

It looks like Dragon Naturally Speaking is probably the most reliable route for my particular situation. I need something that's reliable and easy to use. This is all for my sister, and she has a fairly short fuse at times if/when technology is a pain. She's more likely to stick with it if it runs well.

I haven't quite figured out exactly what hardware is best to install Dragon with though. Is a soundcard the way to go? I'm hoping to install this on an Acer Aspire 5630 laptop.

EzyStvy · 03-15-2008, 04:24 AM

Unlike some, I tried Vista's version before commenting on it

I went throught the "training" a bit fast, but it seems to wrok pretty well..Haven't used Dragon so I can't compare the two..

Windows Speech Recognition (Demo & Tutorials)
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/prod...ta/speech.aspx

pally01 · 03-15-2008, 07:07 AM

I'm fairly certain that a wireless mike will be on the purchase list no matter which method we eventually choose to go with. Maybe I'll buy a good mike first and then try out the Vista version before jumping into Dragon.

Kov-Ice · 03-15-2008, 08:56 AM

The Dragon version I purchased came with a decent headset mike, but I don't know that all versions do.

pally01 · 03-15-2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kov-Ice

The Dragon version I purchased came with a decent headset mike, but I don't know that all versions do.

Kov-Ice: can you tell me what hardware you're running? I want to ensure I get the right stuff.

Kov-Ice · 03-15-2008, 02:50 PM

She upgraded to Dragon 7 several years ago. That runs on an old 2.4 Celeron laptop. Not sure about the requirements for the newest version...

TwoRails · 03-15-2008, 05:27 PM

The below is taken from ftp://ftp.scansoft.com/nuance/dns9/dns9_usergd.pdf

Quote:

To run Dragon NaturallySpeaking, your system must meet the
following requirements:
■ Intel® Pentium® 4 (or equivalent AMD processor) 1GHz processor
or greater. Recommended: 2.4 GHz)
Dragon NaturallySpeaking will not install on machine with a
processor of less than 1GHz CPU speed.
■ 1GB RAM (512 MB free minimum)
■ Minimum of 650 MB of free hard disk space for a Custom
Installation where you install only the program files and 1 set of
speech files. Installations can range from 800 MB (US English
Essentials) to 2.5 GB (US English Professional Medical).
■ Windows 2000 or Windows 2000 Advanced Server (Service Pack 4
or higher), Windows Server 2003, Windows XP Pro or Windows XP
Home (SP1 or SP2). Windows ME and Windows NT are not
supported.
Future versions of Microsoft Windows are not supported in this
release.
■ 16-bit Creative® Labs Sound Blaster®, or compatible sound card
capable of and set to 16 bit, 11KHz for audio recording.
■ Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 5 or higher (free download available
at www.microsoft.com).
■ CD-ROM drive (8x or faster) required for installation.
■ Nuance-approved noise-canceling headset microphone. A
microphone is included with the full product. A microphone is not
included with upgrade versions of Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
■ Speakers - optional for playback of recorded speech and text-tospeech
features. (Available only in Preferred and higher editions).
■ An Internet connection for product activation and automatic updates

pally01 · 03-15-2008, 05:42 PM

Thanks, TwoRails. That guide is appreciated.

I read through this Nuance page also that may be a little newer: http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeak...rd/sysreqs.asp. According to it, Vista 32 bit is supported (yay!).

However, the item I am most concerned with right now is the sound card that is spec'd. I read somewhere that there may be a u.s.b. dongle or something that can be used instead of a soundcard. I don't think the Acer 5630 laptop I want to install this on has a soundcard, I think it has onboard audio. It's also my understanding that a soundcard or dongle may not be req'd at all - only if interferance messes with the audio chip. Any thoughts?

TwoRails · 03-15-2008, 07:27 PM

You'll have to be careful when / if you get version 9 as out of the box, it is Not vista ready, unless more recent shipments changed that. I know mine is not vista compatible and won't even attempt to install. I mention that in case you find one on sale or the like and it's an earlier release.

I looked at Acer's site and they said they have a build in mic in that model so you should be OK.

pally01 · 03-15-2008, 09:49 PM

Hey TwoRails. It looks like version 9.5 supports Vista according to: http://www.nuance.com/vista/naturallyspeaking/upgrade/. I think there was a version 9.? that was not Vista compatible.

Here's a link for the upgrading info I found. Maybe you'll want to upgrade in the future: http://www.ngtvoice.com/products/sof...n/technote.htm

Rapier · 03-20-2008, 10:40 AM

As an interim measure.
Start
Programs
Accessories
Accessibility
On-screen keyboard

Rapier · 03-20-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoRails

Another vote for Dragon. I've had earlier versions and wasn't that impressed, but Version 9 works as advertised.

How "worth it" are the extra options offered in the 9.0 Preferred version?

TwoRails · 03-20-2008, 08:10 PM

That's pretty subjective. Here's the differences:

http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeak.../professional/

The only thing I'd use would be the digital recorder feature, but for me it's not worth the extra money since I rarely use the recorder anyway.

So, it depends on if you'd actually use the extra stuff.

03-13-2008, 05:03 PM	#1
pally01 Member (10 bit) Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 669	Voice recognition software? Hi everyone. I'm wondering if there is any decent voice recognition software available (Vista compatible would be ideal) that can be utilized on applications like Word or e-mail replying etc. I know someone who has been directed to stop using keyboards etc for 3 months in order to let arm injuries/damage heal. Any input really appreciated. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-13-2008, 05:10 PM	#2
Kov-Ice Member (12 bit) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 3,294	Dragon Naturally Speaking. My wife has used it with good success over the past several years. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Kov Are You Foldin'? Join PCMech's Folding@Home Team and Help Save Lives! Click Here!

03-13-2008, 08:05 PM	#3
TwoRails Member (14 bit) Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Great NorthWest Posts: 12,594	Another vote for Dragon. I've had earlier versions and wasn't that impressed, but Version 9 works as advertised. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-14-2008, 04:34 AM	#4
EzyStvy Ride 'em Cowboy Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 9,109	Course Vista has a new and improved Voice App built in...... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Stand Up 2 Cancer - SU2C

03-14-2008, 09:37 AM	#5
Kov-Ice Member (12 bit) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 3,294	I'm no Vista user (blech!), but I wonder if an M$ add-in like that measures up to a stand-alone piece of software like Dragon. Has anyone used the Vista functionality? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

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03-14-2008, 01:53 PM	#6
TwoRails Member (14 bit) Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Great NorthWest Posts: 12,594	I've not used it(Vista's), but I'd be surprised if it's much more than it's video edit is to a "real" editor or popular suites. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-14-2008, 10:14 PM	#7
pally01 Member (10 bit) Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 669	Thanks for the input everyone. Dragon v9 seems fairly highly rated from the comments here and other sites I found. Pretty impressive that it's able to be 98% accurate. It'd be interesting to poke around with Vista's version too I think, though I'd probably go into that with low expectations and hope to be pleasantly surprised It looks like Dragon Naturally Speaking is probably the most reliable route for my particular situation. I need something that's reliable and easy to use. This is all for my sister, and she has a fairly short fuse at times if/when technology is a pain. She's more likely to stick with it if it runs well. I haven't quite figured out exactly what hardware is best to install Dragon with though. Is a soundcard the way to go? I'm hoping to install this on an Acer Aspire 5630 laptop. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-15-2008, 04:24 AM	#8
EzyStvy Ride 'em Cowboy Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 9,109	Unlike some, I tried Vista's version before commenting on it I went throught the "training" a bit fast, but it seems to wrok pretty well..Haven't used Dragon so I can't compare the two.. Windows Speech Recognition (Demo & Tutorials) http://www.microsoft.com/enable/prod...ta/speech.aspx Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-15-2008, 07:07 AM	#9
pally01 Member (10 bit) Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 669	I'm fairly certain that a wireless mike will be on the purchase list no matter which method we eventually choose to go with. Maybe I'll buy a good mike first and then try out the Vista version before jumping into Dragon. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-15-2008, 08:56 AM	#10
Kov-Ice Member (12 bit) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 3,294	The Dragon version I purchased came with a decent headset mike, but I don't know that all versions do. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-15-2008, 02:50 PM	#12
Kov-Ice Member (12 bit) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 3,294	She upgraded to Dragon 7 several years ago. That runs on an old 2.4 Celeron laptop. Not sure about the requirements for the newest version... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-15-2008, 05:42 PM	#14
pally01 Member (10 bit) Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 669	Thanks, TwoRails. That guide is appreciated. I read through this Nuance page also that may be a little newer: http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeak...rd/sysreqs.asp. According to it, Vista 32 bit is supported (yay!). However, the item I am most concerned with right now is the sound card that is spec'd. I read somewhere that there may be a u.s.b. dongle or something that can be used instead of a soundcard. I don't think the Acer 5630 laptop I want to install this on has a soundcard, I think it has onboard audio. It's also my understanding that a soundcard or dongle may not be req'd at all - only if interferance messes with the audio chip. Any thoughts? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-15-2008, 07:27 PM	#15
TwoRails Member (14 bit) Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Great NorthWest Posts: 12,594	You'll have to be careful when / if you get version 9 as out of the box, it is Not vista ready, unless more recent shipments changed that. I know mine is not vista compatible and won't even attempt to install. I mention that in case you find one on sale or the like and it's an earlier release. I looked at Acer's site and they said they have a build in mic in that model so you should be OK. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-15-2008, 09:49 PM	#16
pally01 Member (10 bit) Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 669	Hey TwoRails. It looks like version 9.5 supports Vista according to: http://www.nuance.com/vista/naturallyspeaking/upgrade/. I think there was a version 9.? that was not Vista compatible. Here's a link for the upgrading info I found. Maybe you'll want to upgrade in the future: http://www.ngtvoice.com/products/sof...n/technote.htm Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-20-2008, 10:40 AM	#17
Rapier Member (8 bit) Join Date: May 2001 Location: Runnemede NJ Posts: 236	As an interim measure. Start Programs Accessories Accessibility On-screen keyboard Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Women are better people, Men are better men Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (build 2600) Dell E521 1.90 gigahertz AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core PHILIPS DVD-ROM TEAC USB HS-CF Card Device WDC WD800JD-75MSA3 [Hard drive] (80.00 GB) -- drive 0, s/n WD-WMAM9KL69938, rev 10.01E04, SMART Status: Healthy 2048 Megabytes NVIDIA nForce 430/410 Serial ATA Cntl(2x) NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE[Display adapter]Soyo 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor 24D6 Processor Intel Pentium III, 501 MHz System Board ICO Peripherals, Inc. Intel 440ZX BIOS ASl, Inc. 4.51 PG 06/03/99 Chipset Intel 82443BX Memory 512 MB Memory Type 256+256;\|DIMM\|SDRAM\|;T5 Video board S3 Graphics Inc. Savage4 Video mode 800x600, 32 bits/pixel XP 5.1.2600

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03-20-2008, 08:10 PM	#19
TwoRails Member (14 bit) Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Great NorthWest Posts: 12,594	That's pretty subjective. Here's the differences: http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeak.../professional/ The only thing I'd use would be the digital recorder feature, but for me it's not worth the extra money since I rarely use the recorder anyway. So, it depends on if you'd actually use the extra stuff. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

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