There are not too many things about Windows Vista that are worth mentioning, but I have to make mention of this one. As a freelance writer, I am impressed Vista’s speech recognition software.

Using Windows Vista speech recognition in is quick and easy. There’s no need to read lengthy paragraphs to train the software. All you need to do is turn the software on and dictate. One word of advice however, is that on initial use; there is a prompt to allow the software to review existing documents on your computer. Let the software review existing documents. This provides the software with a clue as to your vocabulary and types of phrases you commonly use.

Improve Freelance Writing Productivity

As a freelance writer, speech recognition software helps to increase productivity. No matter how fast you type, I’d bet that you the mouth is much faster. For all of you Doubting Thomases out there, put your fingers to the test by taking a speech vs. typing speed test. Call your kids or your spouse or anyone willing to talk to you and ask them to participate in a test. Room. Ask them to casually tell you a little about the last TV program they watched or the reason why there are dishes in the sink. As they start talking, you start typing. See if you can keep up.

Now that you’ve proven to yourself that the mouth is quicker than the fingers, just think about the possibilities of using software to write down your every word. Whether you’re a ghostwriter, a blogger, journalist or journaling, you will be able to get so much more done in much less time. In today’s multi tasking society, that’s a good thing.

Equipment upgrade

To get the most out of the Windows Vista voice recognition software program it is strongly recommended to buy a USB headset. Through trial and error I quickly realized the non-USB headsets were a major source of frustration. Windows Vista has causes enough frustration without having the throw the headset into the mix.

Training Yourself and the Software

For the best results from your voice recognition software, with the least amount of editing, it’s best to speak naturally and clearly. Avoid the beginner’s tendency of dictating in a staccato fashion. Unnatural voice patterns and staccato words create more errors than speaking naturally. By the way, don’t forget to dictate punctuations. The software doesn’t know when to insert periods, commas and the like.

The Editing Process

Unless you dictate all of your work while staring at the computer you will have to pay particular attention to editing. Although the speech recognition software is pretty accurate, it does make mistakes so you have to be mindful when editing.

Hands Free Computer Operation

One of the attractive features of Windows Vista speech recognition software is that is conceivable to operate the computer strictly using voice commands. By using commands such as “Open Microsoft Word,” or “Save,” or “Exit,” the voice recognition software will obey the commands and open software programs, save files and exit programs. The help files contain a listing of commands the freelance writer can use to tell the software what to do.

My 2 Cents

At my advancing years, sometimes the brain works a little faster than the hands. While that is not usually a problem it is when the brain tends to forget things as quickly as it comes up with an idea. Therefore, as a freelance writer, speaking my ideas as they come to my mind is a surefire way to get the ideas on paper. Waiting for my hands to catch up with my brain, means that every second or third idea is lost forever.

Not being a fan the Windows Vista, the one consolation prize for having to put up with so many software malfunctions, blue screens of death and general software work arounds is that I’m able to use the Windows Vista’s “free” speech recognition program since it comes along with the operating system (by the way, this hub was dictated using Windows Vista speech recognition software).