Speak Online: 3 Ways to Control Your Computer and Internet Activity Using Your Voice

For most computer users, the idea of voice-controlled browsing and text input is a little far fetched and futuristic. While technology has advanced dramatically over the past two decades, our modern computers just aren't read to calculate and process human voice. They're simply not powerful, or at lest they aren't in the minds of most computer users.

The reality is quite surprising – voice control and speech-powered computing has actually been a fairly achievable process for several years. In fact, it's been a reality for the last five, with several software packages serving this exact need. Despite seeming futuristic and implausible, most home PCs have been capable of using speech-based control and browsing software for quite some time.

These three solutions can help you make hands-free browsing a reality. Whether you'd like to sit back and relax while at your PC or simply enjoy computing that doesn't lead to carpal tunnel, a quick look at these three solutions could reveal a useful hands-free computing strategy. Whether you're a Mac or PC user, these software options have got you almost completely covered.

1. Use Microsoft's free Windows Speech Recognition Macros package.

How much does it cost to make your computer hands free? Absolutely nothing. Microsoft has its own hands-free application for Windows – Windows Speech Recognition Macros – available free online, and it's a must-have for serious Windows 7 gurus.

While the application itself is far from advanced, it allows users to set up simple loop and function-based macros for controlling their computer through speech. The software is designed to improve accessibility for disabled users, and therefore isn't quite as advanced as other options. However, it's a worthwhile start for computer users aiming to give their wrists, fingers, and keyboard a rest.

2. Use Dragon Naturally Speaking or other voice recognition software.

Dragon Naturally Speaking is the Rolls Royce of voice control applications. Designed with power users in mind, the software is ideal for dictating information, controlling simple work applications, and speeding up your workflow. Users can input custom words and phrases for voice-to-text word dictation, or simply use the software's thorough built-in dictionary to save time during installation.

While Dragon Naturally Speaking can take several weeks to configure fully, it's a powerful choice for those looking to save time when dictating information or writing word documents. A variety of packages are available, with some priced for executive users and others designed for the home.

3. Use a Mac? Install and configure the built-in Speech Recognition tool.

Are you a Mac user? Don't feel left out – there are a variety of applications for Mac that replicate, or often improve on the functionality offered in Windows. The best choice is Speech Recognition – a simple application that's been included in every edition of Mac OS X since 10.4.

Speech Recognition gives users the ability to create voice-based cues and triggers for their software and hardware. Triggers can be based on key words and phrases, and can control almost anything. Is it too time consuming to manually shut down your Mac? Use Speech Recognition to configure your own voice-activated shutdown trigger, or even a simple cue for putting your Mac to sleep.