Voice Recognition Software

Using voice to control the computer is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Voice recognition software packages are becoming more and more user-friendly and are now more commonly used in office environments, as well as by people who want an alternative method of inputting text and controlling the computer.

Using a microphone, the user speaks in text, or commands the computer to carry out functions which would previously have been undertaken using the mouse and keyboard. These commands might include file management, printing, saving etc. The computer interprets the spoken words, and either translates them into text on the screen, or carries out a function to control the computer.

Early voice recognition software packages worked on the basis of the user speaking in single words, then the user correcting each word if it was misinterpreted by the computer. More recent versions of voice recognition software however, allow for continuous speech input. One example of this type of technology is Dragon Naturally Speaking. A free voice recognition programme is included with the Microsoft Vista and Windows 7 operating system and can be found through the accessibility options for both.

Note: Although voice recognition sounds like the perfect solution for anyone who is unable to use a standard keyboard and mouse, it should be remembered that these packages work best if the user is already familiar with using a computer, and does not have to learn the basics of computer use at the same time that they are learning how to use voice recognition. In addition, it is very important that the user has a good voice and recognises errors when the computer is translating speech into text. These errors must be corrected, otherwise the voice recognition software will continue to misinterpret the same words over and over again.