I am a quadriplegic and originally purchased Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Professional for its ability to command WindowsXP, to dictate using Microsoft Word, navigate the internet using Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox, and to type messages during my IM sessions using AOL Instant Messenger. Although the program worked as promised for a time, as soon as Internet Explorer, Firefox and AIM came out with software version updates Dragon failed to function to spec. It still dictates in Word, and its native Dragon Pad. It does not do so consistently with my browsers, IE7 Firefox 2 or AIM 6.5. I was hoping there would be service updates as the products it is supposed to function with evolved, but that hasn't been the case. I am using a state of the art headset and my system far exceeds the suggested system requirements for the program. I dictated this comment in Dragon Pad and had my attendant cut and paste it onto Amazon.

...i thought it was because I wasn't using Microsoft applications that I was having so much difficulty using Dragon but I've just observed the same behaviour within Microsoft applications!it frequently interprets the dictated text correctly (I can tell, since it's displayed in its status box), but does not perform the associated command or action. It even regularly types built-in command-text rather than executing the command!and no matter how many times I "train" it to learn certain words, these are misinterpreted.I'd go so far as to say this has aggravated my RSI since it requires so much training (and only runs on Windows, where i'm a UNIX user).Oh, and did I mention that it's a memory hog, regularly freezing my laptop, which exceeds its system requirements?!

I have used this version for a couple of years. It is faster and more accurate than previous versions that I have used. This version transcribes phrases rather than words - so you don't have to talk slowly word by word. But this adds errors in the "little words" that don't even sound similar.The Pro version adds features I like in creating custom words or phrases (scientific names in a specific font and in italics).Use a USB headset. It makes a major difference in recognition accuracy. I prefer Andrea NC -181VM USB. NC= noise canceling. It processes the sounds before sending to the computer, which creates better recognition accuracy.Dragon has a good product that I use everyday. Each Version has improved recognition. Version 9 made the greatest difference in ease of use and recognition accuracy.

I will definitely NOT buy this product. I refuse to be RIPPED OFF $10 for EACH AND EVERY time you e-maill or call customer service. This is totally ludicrous, and the support service should be included with the purchase of the product. Apparent Nuance Dragon Naturally Speaking is trying to squeeze every nickle and dime out of their customers. I refuse to by any product by a company that will do that to their customers. I think this is about the ONLY company that charges for their support. Try to find an alternative voice recognition software company who will support their product free of charge. SHAME ON YOU, NUANCE DRAGON NATURALLY SPEAKING.

Theoretically (when considering the advertised functionality) this is a magnificent programme. However, in practice things can be quite different.I have used this software in three different versions (7, 9, 9.5) on three different operating systems on five different computers and have always had many problems with bugs, ranging from annoying to dramatic (making the software completely unusable). When something doesn't work, it can be quite hard to solve the problem because the error messages often don't a lot, if you get an error message at all.I must say: I would not want to miss the software, if only because it is the only speech recognition software that can process Dutch as far as I know, so I have to depend on it. But I do think the software is in need of quite some improvement in terms of maturity (absence of bugs) and analysability (being able to find the source of problems, when there are any). Over the years, until now, I have not seen any progress in this respect.

Terribly disappointing, giving no background, but lots of how-to. Odd odd rituals that don't correspond to anything!! The author seems to be in her own little world.