Windows 7 Comes with a build in speech recognition program. It can be used to get around the operating system or to type words. It is actually very easy to use and does not require very much practice. It can be found in the "Control Panel" under "Ease of Access" or by typing "Speech Recognition" in the start panel search bar.

To begin using speech recognition click the "Speech Recognition" tab. Then click the "Set up microphone" tab to make sure we are using the correct listening device. From here choose which device best describes what you are using and then click "Next". You will get a brief overview of how to position your microphone, then click "Next". Now Windows will ask you to read allowed a small section of text. Begin Reading the section. This will help windows 7 adjust the microphone volume to a suitable level. Once you are done reading, click "Next". Your microphone should now be setup. Click "Finish" to end the microphone setup wizard.

To further the speech recognitions ability to understand what you are saying, it is a good idea to run the "Train your computer to better understand you" tab. This can be found in the "Speech Recognition" window. The training session will take about 10 minutes to complete and you should have a quite place you can read aloud. When you are done with the first exercise you can choose to do more speech training or click "Next" to finish. The more you talk to your computer and correct it's mistakes, the better it will understand what you are saying.

To begin using speech recognition Click "Start Speech Recognition" in the "Speech Recognition" window. Say out loud "Start Listening". The Computer will now listen to commands you give. For instance try saying "Open WordPad". WordPad should appear on your screen without clicking a thing. You can even use menu options just by using your voice. For instance, in WordPad if you say "Font" you will get four different options. In this case I would like to change the font size, therefore I would say "four", and then "OK". Last I say the size of the font I would like, for instance "15". You can now begin typing with size 15 font just by speaking the words.

To find commands and other options you can speak, you may want to open "Open the Speech Reference Card" tab found in the "Speech Recognition" window. Here, you will find a reference for common speech commands, keyboard key commands along with commands to control windows.

Windows build in speech recognition is nice. It works well once you have used the training program for windows to recognize your voice. You can use it to do many things you would normally need a keyboard and mouse to accomplish. This can be a wonderful tool for people with slow typing skills or even the advanced computer user looking for another way around there PC.

Warmest Regards,

Erik Mjelde