Editorial Review

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 (Preferred Edition) gives small business users and PC user the power to create documents, reports, e-mails and more -- all by speaking! Over three times faster than typing, and amazingly accurate, NaturallySpeaking 9 translates your voice dictations into Microsoft Word and Excel, Corel WordPerfect, and virtually all Windows-based applications. You can even dictate into a handheld device when you're away from your PC, or use a Bluetooth microphone. It's never been easier to use -- no script reading required, so you can get started right away!Read more

Features

• The new Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 speech engine is up to 20% more accurate than version 8
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 is up to 99% accurate, and often more accurate than typing. Dragon NaturallySpeaking never makes a spelling mistake, and it actually gets smarter the more you use it
• Most people speak over 120 words per minute, but type less than 40 words a minute. Dragon NaturallySpeaking lets you create letters and e-mails about three times faster than typing by hand.
• You'll be dictating letters, e-mails and surfing the web by voice right away! No script reading required to get started. Includes a full set of on-screen tutorials, and a Nuance approved free noise-canceling microphone.
• Use your voice to dictate, edit and control applications like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Corel WordPerfect.

Reviews (13)

Bring on the patches
This product does not work with internet applications as advertised.There are multiple inconsistencies in the way it handles commands, or in its ability to carry out the commands at all.My computer exceeds the minimum requirements of this program.Additionally, I am unable to check for updates to the program as I get 'error 13003: not registered' even though I have registered twice now.I'm actually typing this review with the keyboard because of problems in IE and Firefox.They also charge money for support.Dictation for other purposes works very well, I just wish it did everything it was advertised to do.

Awesome
I'm dictating my review right now.I just started using the program today, yet I'm already comfortable with dictation.I'm surprised at how readily the program recognizes even obscure words.My only advice is to check your system requirements and make sure you have adequate RAM prior to purchasing(I had to purchase more for my computer).I'm sure once I'm accustomed to using the program, I will love it even more.

Has turned out to be a time-saver
Years ago, I had version 4 of this program and faithfully did all the training exercises---however, I discovered they were mostly exercises in frustration and eventually gave up.I too had heard that advancements in speech recognition had been made for this version, and warily bought it from Amazon.With just a little training, it was up to about 75% accuracy---much better than the 30% of version 4, but still room for improvement.The microphone that comes with the program produces a horrible clamping sensation on the side of your head, so I bought the Plantronics DSP 400 recommended in the hardward compatibility listings on Nuance's website.After using this new (much more comfortable) headset, the accuracy increased to about 90% by my estimation.I am in the process of dictating a novel from a longhand manuscript, and the time saved by using this program is well worth it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 (Standard Edition) gives small business users and PC enthusiasts the power to create documents, reports, e-mails and more -- all by speaking! Over three times faster than typing, and amazingly accurate, NaturallySpeaking 9 translates your voice dictations into Microsoft Word and Excel, Corel WordPerfect, and virtually all Windows-based applications. It's never been easier to use -- with no script reading required, you can get started right away!Read more

Features

• Over three times faster than typing, and up to 99% accurate
• Edit and control just about any Windows-based application, including Mozilla and Firefox, with voice commands
• Built-in Nothing But Speech technology filters out "ums" and "ahs" and other conversational fillers
• Lets you navigate web pages by speaking the URLs and links

Reviews (11)

Rebate Deception
The Dragon Naturally Speaking is a good product which works as advertised. One of the reasons I purchased the program from Amazon was that they were offering a rebate of $44. I downloaded the rebate form and did exactly as instructed. When Naturally Speaking Standard Edition arrived I noticed the UPC Code on the box looked different from the picture on the rebate form. However since I had ordered the program from Amazon and downloaded the accompanying rebate form, I thought, this company is honorable and will stand by their word. I was wrong. I got a notice saying that they were refusing my rebate application. I half-way expected this sort of ruse, but I was very disappointed by this deceptive process. I'm a faithful Amazon customer, but I'll never believe a rebate offer again.

Effort Saver!
I am a transcriptionist from home, and with two children (one of which just started school), I needed a way to cut down on the time it was taking me to transcribe.
Accurate, easy to learn, a life saver
I have tried the voice recognition software that comes with the Microsoft Office XP and after training it and giving it a run-through it just produced too many errors.So I had given up on the voice recognition for my computer a couple of years ago.
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Features

• CD-ROM
• Start up any program in your Start menu by speaking
• Appointment reminders read the details of your appointment aloud to you
• Use your voice to select your music by album, artist or genre
• Place phone calls by name or by number
• Incoming calls are announced by name or number

Reviews (19)

Very useful software
You can do many things without using the pen or the keyboard. I would like more commands were added to this software. Something bad is you can not use the hadsfree button of your PDA phone as the Voice Command Button.

Excellent product, but lacks few features
This is an excellent product by Microsoft.This software recognizes any kind of english accent very easily.I use a Cingular 8125 pocket pc and dialing is a pain in this pocket pc without such a tool as you will mostly need the stylus to dial which is not at all practical while driving.
Pretty good. Amazing program
I wanted this for the safety. Driving down the road and looking for a phone number is just crazy. Voice Command solves that problem. Just mention who you want to all and keep on going. There are some times when it struggles with name recognition. Arnold Schwarzeneger would be a tough one but it generally gets it right. Works with every name in the address book, tells you when you have appointments, can be used to start software programs, and probably some more stuff I haven't figured out yet. ... Read more

Features

• ActiveX Shield thwarts drive-by downloads and blocks potential spyware threats that use ActiveX components to disguise their installation on your computer.
• Spy Communication Shield prevents further spyware infection by blocking incoming and outgoing communication to web sites known to host potential spyware threats and disables spyware programs’ ability to re-install during removal.
• BHO Shield blocks the installation of Browser Helper Objects – a small program that runs automatically every time a user opens an Internet browser and has the capability to track website activity or install a toolbar or add-on without your consent.
• IE Security Shield prevents spyware from adding website entries to your Internet Explorer security settings – which could lead to unwanted downloads and put your personal data at risk.
• Includes 1 Year Subscription of Version Upgrades.

Reviews (55)

WORKS FOR ME
IT does slow your computer down a little, but I would rather have that then have a software not catch it. I am very happy with Webroot's products. I also have used Window Washer for over 10 years.I have tested Lava-Soft SE, Norton,& Zone Alarms anti-spy programs. Seems they all catch something the other ones missed. But Spy sweeper has caught the most serious ones.

Two Problems
My OS is Windows XP Pro SP2.
Terrible
I have been using Spysweeper for years and liked it.No more.I have a older machine that runs well.Until I put 5.0 on it.This is a case of the cure being worse than the disease!ONLY consider this if you are running over a gig of memory at above 2 GHz.Probably need a dual core and a huge L2 cache with RAID 0 twin hard drives, too.Even then, once you up-grade to VISTA (Spring '07 (?!)) forget about it!SO if you spent $2000+ on a box this spring or $1500+ on a box this summer you might want to consider this POC. (Be sure to ask Webroot about VISTA compatibility).
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Features

• CD-ROM
• Access, send, and receive e-mail messages from multiple accounts -- including work, personal or Web-based accounts
• Outlook 2003's Reading Pane, now on the right side of the screen, displays twice as much content, with reduced scrolling
• Group messages by date, size, conversation, subject, importance or other criteria for easy retrieval
• Quick Flags let you flag messages by priority or time sensitivity
• New Navigation Pane easily accesses Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Folders, Shortcuts and Journal

Reviews (27)

Upgraded and happy
Outlook 2003 was a huge difference from my previous version.It is very user friendly if you just install and get going.I purchased an Outlook book to help me get going, and it was great.
Great Management Tool
We're a small business that decided to buy this product after tyring it out (see the Microsoft website for a free download trial).It has streamlined our e-mail and contact management.
email
Also it keeps requesting a security password in my email.This is obsurd.Especially if it's my own home computer. ... Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• Top Selling Speech Solution For Mac OS X
• Dictate into any application
• Control your Mac with your Voice
• Easy to Use - just Talk!
• Supported Microphone Required

Reviews (2)

iListen
This is a great asset to our business. PC-based software using Virtual PC was not doing the trick. This is GREAT

iListen review for the Alaska Apple Users' Group

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Features

• The new Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 speech engine is up to 20% more accurate than version 8
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 is up to 99% accurate, and often more accurate than typing. Dragon NaturallySpeaking never makes a spelling mistake, and it actually gets smarter the more you use it
• Most people speak over 120 words per minute, but type less than 40 words a minute. Dragon NaturallySpeaking lets you create letters and e-mails about three times faster than typing by hand
• You'll be dictating letters, e-mails and surfing the web by voice right away! No script reading required to get started. Includes a full set of on-screen tutorials, and a Nuance approved free noise-canceling microphone
• Use your voice to dictate, edit and control applications like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Corel WordPerfect

Reviews (4)

Horsepower needed; results assured
This product needs horsepower!Don't buy it unless you have a newer processor and at least a gig of ram.Best excuse I can think of to please your gaming children while being purely rational.
Superb performance for the most part, but poor support must be considered.
I was impressed with Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8, but version 9 isvastly improved in terms of speech recognition. Version 8 was excellent; perhaps in the 95% range. Version 9 comes very close to 100% right out of the box, without any special training.
Marked Improvement Over version 8
DNS 9 is significantly better than the previous version. Certain words that DNS 8 had trouble with and which it could never really easily understand are understood very quickly by DNS 9. For example, "thus" was interpreted as "DOS" the first time I said it in DNS 9, but after correcting it, the next time I said "thus" the program understood it. DNS 8 never was able to understand my "thus". Also, the program understood "Broyhill" the second time I said it.
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Features

• CD-ROM
• Filters unwanted email messages in any POP3-compliant email program
• Integrates with Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, and Eudora
• Intelligent filtering engine learns what is and isn't spam
• Ad blocking speeds Web page download times and reduces screen clutter
• LiveUpdate automatically checks for new protection updates

Reviews (22)

Garbage
As a user of this and other Norton products and as a tech-support professional, I must tell you that the bad reviews are true. I used to be a big fan of Norton products until recently.
Junk - Symantec should be ashamed
Search for Amazon item number 10099566 to see an overwhelming number of bad reviews of Norton AntiSpam 2004.They didn't improve the product much in the 2005 version.It is really disgusting that Symantec has leveraged the Norton brand, formerly known for quality, with the cynical money grab that is Norton AntiSpam.Absolute junk software, with comically bad support.I hope to see a class action lawsuit against Symantec for selling this product that they certainly know is defective in a myriad of ways.

Not worth Buying
I purchased the Norton Internet Security with the Norton Antispam hoping that it would eventualy solve my ever increasing amounts of spam in my inbox
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Editorial Review

WinFax Pro 10.0 shatters the idea of truth in advertising. The currentversion of the king suite of faxing software has many of the user-friendlyfeatures that have made WinFax Pro the de facto fax application. However, itsbox copy makes a few promises the software can't keep, so buyers beware: ifyou're running Windows XP or Office XP (or both), you're looking for trouble ifyou purchase this otherwise excellent program. Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• Send or forward faxes that feature high-quality images
• Merge documents from multiple sources into a single fax, with just a mouse-click
• Add signatures & logos to outgoing faxes
• Send a fax to an entire workgroup without needing multiple fax lines or modems
• Send a faxed message as an e-mail attachment

Reviews (55)

Here's how to fix the problem with Winfax and Outlook 2003
I spoke with Symantec tech support today about resolving the problem with Winfax and Outlook 2003. Basically what was happening was everytime I closed Outlook 2003, I would get an error message that Outlook needed to shut down. When I clicked on "Send this error report to Microsoft" it sent a message back to me identifying Winfax as the culprit. It had a link to Symantec's website with an article on the issue with Outlook 2003. I then contacted tech support and after several days and repeated phone calls (I kept getting transfered and promised to be called back), I spoke to someone who told me how to fix the problem. Go to Start then Control Panel. Then click on the link the Mail icon. Then delete the Winfax Logs listed in the menu. The tech rep told me that Outlook was searching for non-existent winfax logs and that's what was causing the error message. After I did this the problem was fixed and Winfax is working fine with my Windows XP sp2 and Outlook 2003. This solution may save you time and $ because they wanted to charge me $10 but after sweet talking them they waived the charge. I suggested they put this solution on their website but I think they really want you to call them and pay for help. Other than the above issue, I have used Winfax for years and found the software to be of great use to my home-based business. It does exactly as it was described to do.
No longer being sold
WinFax PRO has been discontinued by Symantec. Do not purchase this software unless you are willing to use a discontinued software package.

This product will make you hate life
Winfax Pro has caused me more headaches than any other single piece of software.It is buggy and slow and crashes at the drop of a hat.As far as I can tell, it is essentially unmaintained by Symantec; I don't think they actually plan on fixing any of the many major bugs, and are just milking this old, old codebase for as long as suckers continue to pay good money for it.Beware! ... Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• Organizes names, addresses, and other contact information
• Print labels, envelopes, address books, and post cards
• Import database files; easy data entry; sort and filter
• Keep contact records; eliminate duplicate records
• Send personalized emails; new mail-design wizard

Reviews (1)

My Mail List and Address Book
I am highly pleased with this product.It is so easy to organize your addresses and the items you can produce from this software is amazing.I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an easy creative way to store and print-out their addresses & mail lists. B.Godwin ... Read more

Editorial Review

The IRISCard Pro Business Card Scanner is the most popular multilingual business card scanning solution and is ideal for individuals and both large and small companies. By quickly and easily scanning your business cards, the IRISCard Pro can help you keep a record of all important contacts. Convenient and versatile, it synchronizes with Pocket PCs and Palm devices, as well as Outlook and Outlook Express. To help keep you organized, the IRISCard Pro features a one-touch export button so you can send your contacts to your favorite electronic address book after scanning them.Read more

Features

• Album View ¿ multicard display to quickly visualize cards scanned in or single card display to easily add notes or additional information
• Batch OCR ¿ recognize entire batches of business cards
• Windows version is enhanced with a database and useful sort, search and selection tools to increase your daily contact management
• Synchronization with Palm and Pocket PC
• Digitize your 4x6 pictures with up to 600 dpi resolution much more ergonomically than regular flatbed scanners

Reviews (3)

unrealiable - keep looking
Iris has loads of experience developing OCR software so I'd hoped for something better.
IRISCard Pro Business Card Scanner review
I've got functionality as expected - to scan business cards and arrange it. Recognition usually is not a problem, even in Russian, but sometimes (about 20% of cases) software cannot understand field's purpose. I have to spend 30 seconds for card scanning and about 2 minutes for additional check and final approval.
This Product Changed My Life!
I was swimming in business cards and felt constantly disorganized.I knew I needed a business card scanner and I shopped and compared every make, model, and brand before deciding on the IRIS CardPro.The CardPro is so easy to use.I love that it saves the actual image of the cards in my Outlook Contact folder.I am organized and can see the top of my desk again.This product changed my life! ... Read more

Features

• Recognizes up to 3.15 inches per second and 1,000 characters per second
• Recognizes up to 55 different languages
• 7 User Interface languages ¿ English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German and Dutch
• Reads text and numbers, including text on colored backgrounds
• Powered by the USB port so there is no need for an external power supply

Features

• CD-ROM
• Speech recognition software for dictating, editing, and controlling applications
• Surf the Web and access information by speaking URLs and links
• Teach software to recognize your voice in as few as 5 minutes
• Nothing But Speech technology eliminates "ums" and "ahs" from dictation
• Free high-quality headset microphone with noise canceling technology included

Reviews (40)

Forget it.
I will never buy another product from this manufacturer. I have a legal copy of this program, and on the weekend my motherboard died. I had to buy a new board then reinstall all my software, and when I got to DNS8 it told me I'd registered too many times and I had to buy a new copy.
It sort of works
G'day,
Finally voice recognition that works in normal, noisy environments.
I have been aware of NaturallySpeaking for over 15 years.We initially utilized this software to assist people with severe disabilities such as cerebral palsy to be able to have basic commands understood.More recently five years ago I bought edition 4.0.I found it to be frustrating when ever there was any background noise so I basically quit using it.When I saw the 8.0 being advertised as the voice recognition software specifically for a small business atmosphere, I thought I would try it one more time.Being a slow typist it has truly changed my life for the better.Only 45 minutes were required to set up the speech-recognition files when the occasional mistakes occur during dictation if you correct those and change those right at that time, I never see that same misunderstanding happening again.I have recommended it to two friends who are buying it.It really does allow you to sit back in your chair relax, drink your coffee and dictate reports, answer e-mail or whenever it is you might need to do.I can't think of any $70 expenditure that has given me so much back in such a short time.I almost always have my headset on when I'm in front of the computer because anything that involves typing or entering data I used the DragonDictate to do. ... Read more

Features

• Susteen
• Cell DataPilot Bluetooth Kit

Reviews (1)

Doesn't work!
The product doesn't work with a Motorola E815.I spent over 2 hours on the phone with Susteen tech support, and they couldn't get it to work.They gave up, and wouldn't even let me return it.
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Editorial Review

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Medical 9 enables healthcare professionals to complete clinical notes instantly and at a fraction of the cost of manual transcription. Each physician that uses Dragon NaturallySpeaking Medical 9 can save tens of thousands of dollars per year! Its never been faster or easier to use, and its amazingly accurate - up to 30% more accurate than the prior release. Use with any Microsoft Office application, or any Windows based Electronic Medical Records solution. Packaged with 14 pre-configured medical specialty vocabularies, and allows you to create other custom vocabularies to maximize recognition accuracy. Includes tools for network deployments, such as support for Citrix thin clients. Dragon NaturallySpeaking Medical 9 means lower costs and better patient care! ... Read more

Features

• AMAZINGLY ACCURATE! - The new Dragon NaturallySpeaking Medical 9 speech engine is up to 30% more accurate than version 8 - up to 99%.
• REDUCE OR ELIMINATE MANUAL TRANSCRIPTION - With Dragon NaturallySpeaking Medical 9, you can save tens of thousands of dollars per physician every year!
• FASTER THAN TYPING! - Most people speak over 120 words per minute, but type less than 40 words a minute. Dragon NaturallySpeaking lets you create letters, reports and e-mails about three times faster than typing by hand!
• SO EASY TO USE! - Youll be dictating to your PC right away! No script reading required to get started. We even include a full set of on-screen tutorials, and a Nuance approved noise-canceling microphone.
• USE WITH ANY WINDOWS PROGRAM! - Use your voice to dictate, edit and control virtually any Windows application, including the full Microsoft Office Suite, Corel® WordPerfect®, and any Electronic Medical Records application.

Reviews (1)

medical version not strictly necessary for doctors
I am dictating using the preferred version of Dragon 9.0.I was curious as to whether the huge price difference between the preferred version and the medical version was warranted.So far, as a specialist surgeon, I have not found that the additional cost for the medical version would have been money well spent.I recommend that you carefully consider whether you need to spend the extra 900 to $1000 for the medical version.What you are getting is some network operability features, and a very expensive medical vocabulary.The preferred version seems to do extremely well with standard medical words, and the few terms that I use that it does not recognize I can quickly train.Unless you have network or management needs that the preferred version will not allow, get the preferred version, skip the medical version.
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Editorial Review

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 (Standard Edition) gives small business users and PC enthusiasts the power to create documents, reports, e-mails and more -- all by speaking! Over three times faster than typing, and amazingly accurate, NaturallySpeaking 9 translates your voice dictations into Microsoft Word and Excel, Corel WordPerfect, and virtually all Windows-based applications. It's never been easier to use -- with no script reading required, you can get started right away!Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• Extended support for new applications
• Support for Non-standard Edit Controls such as Select-And-Say
• Work in Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect
• When dictating casual writing, you don't have to say period and comma
• Windows XP or 2000 (sp4)

Editorial Review

Readiris Pro 11 is one of the most powerful and accurate OCR solutions designed for home and professional users. When you need to convert any paper, PDF or image documents into digital files that you can edit, share and save, Readiris Pro 11 will do it all. It retypes scanned documents and image files and converts PDF files in editable text, maintaining the original layout and offering an unprecedented speed and OCR accuracy. A powerful productivity booster for flatbed scanners, "all-in-one" devices, and digital cameras, Readiris Pro can revolutionize the way you scan and convert documents.