I have always wanted voice recognition for my PC, so a few months ago decided to go out and buy it. I bought Dragon Naturally Speaking 5.

To install it on to your PC, all you have to do is put the CD in your hard drive and follow the on screen instructions.

When you first start using it, you have to train it for your voice. TO do this you choose a few stories to read from like Charlie and the chocolate factory, a sci-fi one and a few others. This takes about 10 minutes to read. The words are highlighted once you have read them and it understands them. Once you have done this you are ready to start using voice recognition.

At first when I was reading out the story I felt a bit silly. You soon get used to it though.

It's best if your the only one in the room whilst using it, as it picks up noises really easily, and then it starts making it's own words up for you.

You need to read slowly and clearly or it will not understand what you have said.

Minimum system requirements to use this software are:-
Windows 98/2000/ME or windows NT4.0
266 mhz processor
150mb free disc space
sound card
CD Rom
Speakers

Sometime's when you say a word, it may get it wrong, so you can tell the voice recognition to delete the last word. If it is still doing it wrong, you can train it to get that word right and it will always get it right then.

You can use voice recognition for many things like:-
Microsoft word
emails
chat
and many more things.

I mainly use it for e-mails, writing letters and chat rooms/instant messenger. You can also use it to open up programs too, which is really good.

It's so easy to use and fun as well.

I bought it from Game for £29.99. I have also seen it in Electronic Boutique too for the same price. It's definitely worth the money.

You get a free headset/microphone in the box, with a book of what to do and one with words of what to say.

Other members of your family can use it too, but they need to train it for there own voice. Both me and my husband use it.

The only downside to it is that it picks up noises really easy so starts writing anything.

I would recommend anyone to get a voice recognition.

Recommended: Yes