Peggie

Q: How to use dictation?

My husband is trying to dictate his life history using dictation.  It is not working worth a crap. Anybody have any ideas how to do this?

 

He has the 24 inch iMac running Yosemite. I believe it is the mid 2007.  He is not very computer savvy and I am all of the tech he has!   Poor guy!

iMac (24-inch Mid 2007), OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)

Posted on Jan 19, 2016 2:23 PM

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Q: How to use dictation?

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  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jan 19, 2016 2:29 PM in response to Peggie
    Level 7 (32,056 points)
    iPad
    Jan 19, 2016 2:29 PM in response to Peggie

    Here are some articles that might help:

     

    Dictation on your Mac might not work if your Internet connection is filtered - Apple Support

     

    OS X Yosemite: Use Dictation Commands to tell your Mac what to do - Apple Support

     

    OS X Yosemite: If your Mac can’t recognize dictated text

     

    I might add that I tried when it first was introduced and it did not work well for me - it so much depends on inflection, speech, etc. that it does not like/recognize some whereas there appear to be no problems for others.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Jan 19, 2016 2:34 PM in response to Peggie
    Level 10 (271,184 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 19, 2016 2:34 PM in response to Peggie

    You will need to check out Dragon Naturally Speaking for the Mac. Also known as Dragon Dictate. Or buy a new Mac which has its own built-in voice recognition software.

     

    I am not familiar with this software: InterviewScribe. You will find more at interviewScribe 3.1.4.

     

    How to safely use MacUpdate to download malware-free software:

     

    This site has both free and paid membership accounts. If you have neither then some software will be distributed as an installer wrapper that includes adware/malware you may not want. Such a download may appear on your computer like this: Firefox Installer.dmg. Delete the download and return to the main site where you will find a direct link to the developer's website. Use that link from which to download the software.

     

    To avoid such downloads from MU just create a free membership account. Log into your account prior to using the site. This will avoid the installer wrappers and downloading adware or malware. I continue to use their site without any problems.

     

    If you prefer not to create a membership account then note that on the download page under the price box will be the link to the developer’s site. Use that link and download the software directly from the developer circumventing the use of MU altogether.

     

    You may be sent warnings from sone users that warns that the site is “dangerous.” In fact my list of adware tools has no links to MU. His warning is an exaggeration and it is false. Learn the facts. You merely need to use the site intelligently. Support the site but do so wisely - establish a free or paid membership to avoid problems with malware. Don’t pay attention to other users who warn you away with hyperbole and rhetorical insults.