Ron Schenone

Dragon Naturally Speaking Software Version 10 – Reviewed

Posted by on Jan 13, 2010 | 10 Comments

This is a test of the new Dragon Naturally Speaking software to see how it works. As many of you already know I recently purchased Dragon Naturally Speaking software version 10 which was on sale at Circuit City for $29.95 after a $25 rebate. The software package also included a headset and microphone. Here are some things I learned while setting up the speech recognition software.

The first thing I learned was not to listened to some of the reviewers of the software. One person stated that Dragon Naturally Speaking software, version 10, would not work with Windows 7. Hogwash! It works just fine. It took me several days of trying to get the software working on Windows 7, using XP-Mode, which didn’t work correctly. I should say that the software worked correctly, however, there was a rather large delay in saying the words and having the words appear on the screen. Also, with only 512 MB of RAM  dedicated in XP-Mode,  I was getting ‘out of resources’ errors as well. So I decided to use the software with Windows 7 and it worked just fine.

I also learned that you need a lot of patience in setting up the software. Trying to rush through the tutorials caused me some headaches. Once I slowed down and took the training seriously, I noticed a remarkable difference on how the software responded.

It has taken me about a week to finally get the software working properly. Most of that time was my own fault. I would recommend this software to anyone who has the patience to correctly train the program and also follow the directions provided.

Comments welcome.

PS Thanks to all of you who originally responded to my questions about Dragon Naturally Speaking software. I appreciate your valued opinions. I am glad I stuck with it and to have the software working properly.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/theoracle/ the oracle

    Well aren’t you special! I may have to get it too. I used version 7 when it was available, and it had no way to handle homophones. Does it do anything through context now?

    Also, I am getting serious with my Windows 7 setup, so expect an e-mail about XP mode setup.

    I am also going to try to get the tuner card I have working so that I can record some shows off the air. It’s an ATi that was OEM in a Dell XPS 420, so I hope I have no problems.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Marc,
    I hope the ATI install goes well for you. XP-Mode is a no brainer to install. You just download it and install right from 7. It does however need its own A/V protection.

  • Don Naphen

    Aw c’mon Ron, learn how to type! LOL. Seriously, how does it handle words in the context they were used, such as: “there”, “their”, “they’re”, and others? Having learned touch typing in high school (many years ago!), I never had the need for this type of application, but am sure it could be useful to those who use the “hunt & peck” method. Hmmmm, wonder if they’ll ever come out with one for texting on a cellphone?

    Best regards as always Ron. Was a bit down after the Pats got eliminated (make that annihilated). Baseball just 3 months away, and the Red Sox have made some serious trades. Maybe, just maybe this will be another winning year.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Heh Don,
    I’m still learning the program, but ‘there and ‘ their’ are still issues. I need to train the software more. LOL Or it is training me!
    Sorry about the Pats. But just think. How would you like being a Niner fan! They might make the play offs in a decade or two!

  • Buffet

    A neighbor/friend once gave me an older version of Dragon, several years ago. I wasn’t impressed to say the least, so I quickly abandoned and discarded it. You make this one sound very worthwhile. If you had to rate your overall satisfaction with it, at this point, as a percentage, what would it be? Thanks for keeping us abreast of all the newest toys.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Heh Buffet,

    For $30 I am very satisfied. In fact I feel like I stole it! LOL

    Percentage wise I would say about 90%.

    With that being said, DNS does require a lot of patience, training and optimization to get it working properly. The reason I wanted to try the software is because I am starting to develop an arthritic finger that could potentially limit my typing abilities down the road.

    I believe that it is going to take a least a month to fully train it and to train me.

  • Buffet

    Sounds like a bargain. Think I’ll go for it. Thank you.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Buffet,
    I just checked. The $25 rebate offer has ended. Price is $59.99. When I bought it it was $54.99 with the $25 rebate.

  • Ritter197

    Does the basic version work with windows 7 and 64 bit???

  • http://www.1dragonsource.com Sean Rochlen

    Hi Buffet, I too have windows 7 and appreciate the comment for I have not had any trouble with dragon medical as of yet.