Workaround for no MS Word SR capabilities

I downloaded OxygenOffice cuz it was free.

Sadly there was no Speech-to-text capability.

I downloaded a trial version of SpeechVibe. It used a TON of processing power...even when the mic is "asleep". I've got a 1.8 Ghz w/ 512MB of RAM. I didn't really feel like fryin' my new PC, so I got deleted it.

I downloaded IE 7 and noticed that the language bar automatically pops up. (Which is annoying; if anyone can tell me how to stop that, please tell me).

On the language bar, if you click on the down arrow -> settings, there's an advanced tab. Click the first check box that says:
"Extend support of advanced text services to all programs"

This will allow you to use the basic commands of the speech engine and enter dictation into OxygenOffice!!!
http://www.majorgeeks.com/OxygenOffice_Professional_d5340.html
Unfortunately you can't use the more advanced commands like "scratch that" which deletes the last word recognized. To see which commands you can use, click on the help icon in the language bar then click the search tab. Type "basic input commands". Those listed under that heading are the only commands you can use. But it sure beats opening that wallet.

ENJOY!!!

 

Right clicking on the bar should give you the option to close it. or remove the program through the control panel add remove programs. There is also some regedit work you can do to turn it off...