For the serious writer tired of typing, this is an excellent resource to help you understand how to get speech recognition to work for you. This publication was updated as of Dragon capabilities in October of 2016, so it is current. It covers all the essentials, from which versio of Dragon to buy, computer considerations, and recommendations regarding microphones. With this as background in delves into various aspects of setting up, training, and using Dragon to accurately transcribe your words.
Here is a basic run-down of the chapters:
Part One: First Things First - the Software
Dragon is really the only option
Mac vs. PC
Mobile Dictation
Part Two: Hardware - The Right Tools for the Job
Microphones: Garbage in = garbage out
What about wireless?
Choosing your computer
On the go: Tablet set-ups
Microphone set-up
Adjusting your levels
Initial voice calibration in Dragon
Training Texts
Part Three: Software - Training Your Dragon
Word vs. Text Editors: Think First Draft
Your First Hurdle: Getting Used to Dictation
Speed vs. Accuracy
Train Your Brain, Revisited
Custom Words and Phrases
Part Four: Next Level Dictation
Consistent Accuracy Anywhere, Anytime
A Mic for Every Occasion
Transcription: the Holey Grail of Dictation
Part Five: Off and Running
Invest in Both Software and Hardware
Consider Your Workflow
Perfection is the Enemy of Progress
Don't Train the Software to Learn Things you Didn't Write
Write in Bursts and Embrace Transcription
Using Dictation to Make Editing Easier
What About Punctuation
Mac Users and Roaming Cursor
Comments: We consider this a nice overview for those getting started with Dragon. For an experienced user, you aren't likely to learn anything new in this book. Within the book is a link to a site with additional resources. Having left out the Knowbrainer forum and references to sites selling high quality microphones for the speech recognition user, this list is fairly meager. The book is nicely organized and a fairly easy read. Unfortunately it is not indexed, so it's a little slow to use as a quick reference.
Paper back. 134 pages.
