How to Use Your Voice with Free Windows Speech Recognition Software to Control Your Computer

Windows Speech Recognition software has come along ways. Back before computers were invented, some science fiction writers wrote about using your voice to command lights to turn on and doors to open. While this has not been developed to date, you can do a lot of things with your computer by using the power of your voice. Speech recognition has come a long ways and Windows Vista offers a free version if you want to check out what all it can do. I am finding it helpful with my writing and note taking and to open programs and check my email when my hands are busy and I cannot get to my keyboard or mouse.

Activate the Free Windows Speech Recognition Software:

Start>All Programs>Accessories>Ease of Access>Windows Speech Recognition to start the program. You will need to have a microphone of some sort. Most notebooks have built in microphones and will work with the program. You can also purchase headphones with microphones, but be sure to check that they are compatible with your computer's software.

Train yourself and your computer with the Free Windows Speech Recognition Software:

Once you start the program, walk through the steps listed to begin training your computer for voice recognition. There is a good guide which allows you to learn the basic concepts and commands that are available to you with the windows speech recognition software. While you are working your way through the guide, the computer is learning how you speak.

The Most Important Command of the Free Windows Speech Recognition Software:

One of the best commands is "What can I say?" This brings up a list of voice commands you can use with your computer. Another command, "Numbers" will highlight all of the available options currently on your screen. Each item will have a number showing and you just tell the computer which number you want to press. For example, if you are in MS Word, you can tell the computer "Numbers." It will show several options and give you a number for the command "Highlight." You say the number, and it changes to a green button. If the computer understood you and changed the correct button, say "OK" and the option is activated.

What can you do with the Free Windows Speech Recognition Software:

With Windows Speech Recognition, you can dictate emails or documents. You can open a series of programs and do just about anything you currently need a mouse or keyboard to do, including clicking and right clicking on things. You can also use the speech recognition program to trigger one of the keys on your keyboard if you want. All of the actions are just available through the power of your voice.

The more you use the Windows Voice Recognition program, the better it will work for you and the more comfortable you will be with it. After you set up your program, be sure to use it for a set period every day. Most people are use to using the keyboard and the mouse, but this alternative can help you to accomplish more once you are accustomed to it.