Using speech recognition
Speech recognition allows you to enter text into a document by speaking, much like a dictation machine. Instead of typing, you can compose e-mail, create a report, or modify figures in a spreadsheet by speaking into a microphone. In some programs, you can even format text or issue commands with your voice.
Speech recognition works with programs that are enabled to use it. You can dictate text in any Microsoft Office XP program, in Internet Explorer 5.0, and in Outlook Express 5.0. Other software programs may also support speech recognition. You cannot dictate text in Notepad or Wordpad at this time.
To use speech recognition, you should have a good-quality headset microphone and a sound card or USB port. You should be able to position the microphone so it is close to your mouth. Use the Microphone Wizard to configure your microphone.
It is important to train the speech recognition engine to understand your voice. As you read the training text aloud, the engine looks for patterns in the way you speak to help it interpret the words you say. Training creates a speech profile for the individual speaker.
Speech recognition engines are individualized by language. Three Microsoft speech recognition processors are currently available for use with Windows: Simplified Chinese, U.S. English, and Japanese.
Speech recognition is not designed for completely hands-free operation; you'll get the best results if you use a combination of your voice and the mouse and keyboard, or your voice and a handwriting input device.