[Ham-Computers] Re Used But New Software

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

Hi All,

I have a number of software programs that I purchased new, but have never 
installed. Several are not even opened! I can not call them "new", but then 
again, nor can I call them "used"! So I will just use NOS and call it good.

I have a copy of the Dragon Naturally Speaking, the Prefered Edition, with 
manuals, headphones etc. I noticed on TV that the 'Special Edition" is 
selling for $100 plus shipping/handeling. The last I knew, Naturally 
Speaking came in three versions; basic, prefered and deluxe. The better the 
version, the greater vocabulary that it has. The accuracy level is said to 
be 99%, but I find that difficult to believe. Just the same, it is an 
excellent speech recognition package that allows the user to dictate 
letters, e-mail and documents of almost any kind.

There is also the Dragon Dictate package, which is more or less a voice 
recognition command system for the computer. Where Naturally Speaking is a 
supurb word processing program, Dragon Dictate allows the user to instruct 
the computer verbally to do e-mail or word processing or a spread sheet or 
whatever. The two programs together allow the user almost total hands free 
computer operation!

I do not know if Dragon Dictate is still being sold as stand alone software 
or not. However, it is included on one of the CDS with my Naturally Speaking 
package! Since my package is not opened, I can not confirm this, but I was 
told it is called by a name other than Dragon Dictate on the CD! I guess it 
is a bonus they don't want to advertise, makes sense, would cut down on 
direct sales of Dragon Dictate.

What is this package worth gentlemen?

I also have the game "You Don't Know Jack", expert edition. The best version 
they made. If you are not familiar with it, go do some reading about it. 
Funny! Definitely for teenagers and adults.

I have a number of other programs, but I am not sure if there is any market 
for NOS, as well as used, software. Is there?

I also have screen reading software that I paid over $400+ for that some 
legally or totally blind person might be able to use. I do have one speech 
synthesizer card called the "Sounding Board" by G.W. Micro that sold new for 
$400. It works with either Windows or DOS, but does need the one slot not 
available on newer machines. Which is it, the PCI or ISA?

I also have an external speech synthesizer called the "Accent SA" that I 
paid $800 for. It connects to COM#1 as a serial device. It has a wall 
adapter and rechargeable internal battery. I have the original manual. It 
has eighteen speech speed rates! It is by far the most rapid response of any 
synthesizer, just touch a key and it is being spoken. Absolutely no 
hesitation, either when speaking or when the interupt key is touched. This 
will also work with either Windows or DOS.

Need a talking USA Atlas? I have one! The "Atlas Speaks" software package 
that I paid $600 for. It has four CDS, each one contains a highly detailed 
map of one quarter of the United States. This is like a GPS, tactile 
version! You can get directions right to the desired locations front steps.

If any of you need any of this, or know of someone who might, please contact 
me. Thanks.

Duane, W8DBF

Duane Fischer, W8DBF/WPE8CXO
dfischer at usol.com
HHI: Halligan's Hallicrafters International
http://www.w9wze.net
HHRP: Historic Halligan Radio Project
hhrp.w9wze.net