BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
...A Dragon Naturally Speaking Certified Partner 
Home Frequent Questions Support Demo Pricing
Frequent Questions About Voice Recognition Software
Q: What is the dictation rate and accuracy?
A: A trained user can dictate at approximately 100 to 150 words per minute with 95% or higher recognition.
Q: How long will it take to become proficient with the software?
A: This is strictly user dependent. If the user is familiar with the Windows environment and applications used, becoming proficient with speech recognition software will take significantly less time than an individual who has never worked in Windows applications or used a computer. Allow 15-30 hours of using the application to establish proficiency.
Q: Why do I need Training?
A: Without expert training most users fail and quit. Business Technology Solutions's experienced trainers teach you the proper skills and techniques to get you up and running effectively, successfully and productively. Training helps ease the transition into a new way of using the computer and helps you to become an expert as quickly as possible. This is not just one more piece of software to learn--this is a new and innovative way to work.
Q: How much training is needed?
A: Business Technology Solutions recommends a minimum of eight hours of training for all types of users. Even highly advanced users such as programmers will need to learn the process of inputting information by voice as opposed to typing. The software will recognize the user's speech much faster than the user will learn how to use the software. There are multitudes of commands that need to be memorized in order to control the software. Additionally, a dictation style must be learned because the software depends on the cadence and rhythm of the user's voice to translate sounds into text. Training becomes essential if a person has a hand injury, especially if they are on the job. Initially, a person with a hand injury will find it difficult to complete computer tasks as quickly as when using their hands.
Q: What is the difference between the Preferred and the Professional versions?
A: The difference between the Preferred version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking and the Professional version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking is that the Preferred version of the software does not have the ability to create macros. This becomes very important for a person with a hand injury because macros can be easily written to create shortcuts for any repetitive tasks. As part of our training service, Business Technology Solutions will install proprietary macro packs that allow NaturallySpeaking to work in applications such as Excel and Outlook. If using the Preferred version of NaturallySpeaking the software will not function in these applications and the user will be required to use the mouse and keyboard extensively in any applications other than Microsoft Word.
Q: Which speech software program should I use?
A: Business Technology Solutions recommends using Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional for anyone with a hand injury. There are three reasons for this recommendation. First, Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional has the highest recognition accuracy of any speech software product on the market. Second, Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional has a number of hands-free options that the other software products do not have. Third, the Professional version has a scripting language, which allows the user to assign voice commands to a series of actions. The macro writing capability of the professional version of NaturallySpeaking expands the functionality of the software. For example, navigating a dialog box with speech software can be very tedious, however, if the macro is written the desired action can happen instantaneously. It is in this way that the injured worker can save time. With the Preferred version of NaturallySpeaking much more hand use is necessary to accomplish basic tasks.
Q: Will background noise interfere with my dictation?
A: Dragon NaturallySpeaking comes with a noise-canceling microphone. The software also has a utility that allows the user to calibrate the microphone for the background noise. However, in some instances if the noise level of the environment of the user suddenly increases, i.e. an intercom system or fire alarm, the noise may sufficiently distract the software so that it would interfere with the usage of the computer. Sudden loud noises are the most problematic when using the software.
Q: How big is the vocabulary?
A: NaturallySpeaking's vocabulary dictionary is in excess of 300,000 words. The user can say virtually any English word. Jargon and commonly used phrases can be quickly added to the vocabulary of words in the dictionary. Professional vocabularies are also available for the Medical, Legal, and Safety industries. Contact us for more information. (Link Contact Us)
Q: Is it best to do my training on my own computer?
A: Due to the nature of speech software, each user must create their own voice profile. With proper correction the user's speech profile will improve over time. Recognition accuracy will be greatly improved on the system where the user has spent quality time developing the profile. It is important that a profile is established on the machine that remains in the possession of the user. Unfortunately, due to the internal noise (which is individual to each computer) a voice profile established on one system cannot effectively be moved to another system.
Q: Who do I call for technical support?
A: Nuance (formerly Scansoft) offers 30 days of free technical support. IBM has 24-hour technical support at their 800 number. Business Technology Solutions offers 3-hour telephone support contracts as well as on-site and Web-based support.
Q: With what applications will the speech recognition integrate?
A: Dragon NaturallySpeaking professional version allow continuous dictation into 2000/2003/XP/Vista and virtually any Windows application. They have varying levels of command and control.
Q: Can I access on-line services, E-mail and the Internet using speech recognition?
A: Yes, using standard Windows on-line services such as CompuServe, AOL, E-mail packages and Web browsers you can surf the Net just like anyone else. You will need an Internet connection to do this.
Q: Can speech recognition software be used to run accounting applications?
A: Yes. Continuous numbering (no pausing between numbers) makes data entry of numbers very fast.
Q: Why do I need macro writing capability?
A: Included in Business Technology Solutions's introductory course in NaturallySpeaking the user learns how to use NaturallySpeaking in a wide variety of environments. Additionally, the user is given and instructed on how to use Business Technology Solutions proprietary macros that allow the user to use NaturallySpeaking in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Netscape and other applications. Time is then spent creating custom macros so that the user can perform frequent computer tasks with one command.
The productivity of the user is also enhanced with the help of the macros. To use the computer hands-free or as close to hands-free as possible, the user must expect to work slower than if they were able to use their hands. However, given the features of the Professional version, the user can expect an increase in productivity due to the increased functionality macros provide. When considering the user's ability to compete with other workers in terms of performance, speech recognition software and training is a tool that workers with upper extremity injuries need to compete in todays employment market.
Business Technology Solutions does not recommend purchasing a Celeron or AMD chip as they are significantly less effective with speech recognition software. The Pentium 4 and Pentium M processors have specific patented capabilities designed to perform complex mathematical calculations. Dragon NaturallySpeaking was written to utilize these capabilities in the Pentium 4 and Pentium M processors. Intel owns the patent for these processors. The Celeron and AMD processors are of a different patent; therefore have different capabilities. Only the Pentium processors have the capabilities to perform the complex mathematical calculations necessary to run Dragon NaturallySpeaking effectively. Dragon NaturallySpeaking will run on lesser processors, but it will take longer to recognize utterances and be less accurate.
Q: What type of sound card is required?
A: Speech recognition software can run on SoundBlaster Soundcards or higher and most compatible soundcards. However, we often find that a USB pod gives better sound quality. Check the website of Nuance for information about which soundcards are approved.
Q: Why do you recommend Dell Computers?
A: Business Technology Solutions recommends Dell computers because of their exceptional customer service and technical support reputation. We have many years experience working with Dell laptop computers using speech recognition software and we have found that the Dell computers are by far the most reliable. However, our clients are not bound to purchase a Dell computer to do our training. If needed, Business Technology Solutions will assist you by putting together a quote for a Dell system from Dells web site.
Q: Will speech recognition software work on a laptop computer?
A: Yes, provided you have a SoundBlaster 16 or compatible sound chip or PCMCIA sound card. NOTE: Speech recognition does not always work on all laptops. Approved laptops are listed at the website of Nuance. We recommend using a USB pod with most laptops.
Q: Is it possible to purchase a laptop as part of the vocational rehabilitation plan?
A: For the past year, computer technology has advanced so much that adequate processing speed and memory is available in laptop computers to support speech recognition software. We've had a number of clients attend our courses who have purchased laptop computers as part of their rehabilitation plan. We find that the purchase of the laptop computer renders the client significantly more desirable to hire. The main reason for this advantage is that they can come to the new workplace with a fully developed voice profile with macros already customized on their laptop computer. On the first day of work, they can state that they prefer to use their own laptop computer by voice without having to request the hardware accommodation during the first week in a new job. Generally this is true for laptops and not for desktop computers because a desktop computer is so much more cumbersome and awkward to bring into a workplace.
Q: What if I'm not sure it will work on my system?
A: The most effective way to integrate speech recognition software into a mainframe environment or with proprietary applications would be to have Business Technology Solutions perform an on-site Speech Feasibility Study.
The Business Technology Solutions Speech Feasibility Study includes: installing NaturallySpeaking on the local machine; testing the capabilities of NaturallySpeaking in all applications; enable Select-and-Say in all applications where it is not available; and look into any conflicts, errors, or disruptions in the software. From this testing we would then make a determination as to how effective the user can expect to be with NaturallySpeaking in these applications. Business Technology Solutions will then supply a written report that includes: a statement of the problem, statement of proposed solution, general information, productivity issues involved, training recommended, additional considerations, evaluation overview, job duties overview, applications utilized, telephone equipment, computer equipment required, evaluation of the environment, implementation suggestions, a list or recommendations, a time frame recommended for implementation, projection of expectations after implementation and ongoing technical support recommendations.
Q: Should an evaluation or test program be performed to determine the feasibility of using Speech Recognition?
A: Yes. An evaluation or pilot program is a cost-effective way to identify potential problems involved in implementing speech recognition. It will address the equipment, environment, applications used and provides a recommendation as to which software package will be best as well as an estimate of the amount of training time required.
Q: What's involved with a Pilot Program?
A: There are many steps to a complete and successful Pilot Program. First, an evaluation of your equipment is necessary to determine if hardware is compatible or needs upgrading. We recommend at least 3-8 individuals be selected for participation in the program. A skills/needs/use assessment on the participants helps determine what type of training program will be implemented. All participants must be allowed time to achieve maximum productivity. Goals, objectives and milestones must be clearly defined and tracked to measure progress and success. For an initial consultation, please call us at 1-650-947-9362!
Q: What if I use a system that has less than your minimum recommended specifications?
A: You will experience considerably more system freezes and crashes without adequate RAM and system specifications.
Q: Can others use the computer while your voice profile is loaded?
A: Yes, speech recognition does nothing to the computer to prohibit the use of the mouse or keyboard by non-voice users.
Q: How many voice profiles can I create on my computer?
A: You can create as many voice profiles as you have hard disk space. Each profile is approximately 45-60 MB. Any saved .wav files will need approximately 1 MB for each recorded minute. A license is require for each individual who wants to have a voice profile.
Q: What happens if I have a cold?
A: If you are sick, stay home! If you go to work, be careful you drink plenty of fluids and minimize the use of your voice. Speech recognition software may require additional corrections during use because your voice is not normal. It will adapt within a short time. Business Technology Solutions recommends not saving your profile after a session when you have a cold.
Q: Can speech recognition be used on a network?
A: Yes. The speech software will work on standard Windows networks or with Windows emulators (such as RUMBA, EXTRA and REFLECTIONS) to allow access to mainframes and other operating systems.
Q: Can the speech recognition be used on a UNIX workstation?
A: No, there is no UNIX compatible speech recognition software. However, clients that use speech recognition can access UNIX using a personal computer with an emulator to UNIX.
Q: Will the speech recognition software run on a Macintosh?
A: Yes. IBM produces a speech product for the Mac. It allows continuous dictation into Microsoft applications. Additionally, there is a new product called iListen. For more information see their website at www.macspeech.com.
Q: Do you have any information about programming with speech recognition software?
A: Business Technology Solutions has trained many programmers to use NaturallySpeaking to considerably cut back their keystrokes and mousing. Since programming languages are not verbal languages using NaturallySpeaking to program requires writing many macros for frequently used code lines.