Perhaps one of the most beneficial lessons I've learned throughout this whole ordeal is the importance of supportive software. Two pieces of software that have profoundly increased my ability to retain some normality are the following:
1. Dragon Naturally Speaking
2. Dwell Click
Dragon Naturally Speaking will allow you to resume your long bursts of typing. It is a wonderful tool that has allowed me to bridge the gap between RSI and normality. I highly recommend this software, and I use it daily. One caveat to using the software, make sure you invest in a good mic. When using the mic, make sure that is no more than an inch or two away from your mouth. Do not get one of those boom stick mics that sits on your desk. You are going to need a headset mic.
Also keep in mind that your voice comes from a muscle just like anything else. It is prone getting hurt. The software needs training when you first install it but after a bit of training anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, you will notice dramatic speech recognition accuracy!
One other important caveat while using Dragon Naturally Speaking, make sure the room you are using Dragon Naturally Speaking has an appropriate humidity level. If your throat tends to get dry very easily then the humidity in that particular room you are using your software in is not conducive. Go and buy a humidifier and put it in that room. Having low humidity in a room will lead to a dry scratchy throat. A dry scratchy throat will lead to injury. So keep a lukewarm or better yet, hot cup of tea with you at all times while using talk and type software to maintain a high moisture level in your throat and mouth. For around $100, this software is truly invaluable. Click here to learn more about Dragon Naturally Speaking.
While Dragon Naturally Speaking is an amazing piece of software let's explore Dwell Click! It is an incredible piece of software that takes the manual motion of clicking a mouse and turns it into a logical rule. This software is a must-have for anyone suffering from RSI! This software is absolutely free, and it is by far the most useful thing I have done to date to help with my RSI! You simply install the program, and it will initiate a left click whenever your mouse cursor stops moving. It takes a bit to get used to, but it is well worth the time spent. Follow the link and read about Dwell Click. It is very easy to learn and even easier to use!
A third piece of software that is for a bit more advanced computer user is called Macro Express. This software allows the user to create custom macros designed around repetitive tasks on the computer. Click here to learn more about Macro Express.
Because the software has so many settings and can do so many things it is beyond the scope of this post. I encourage you to learn about it and possibly give the free trial a chance!
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