Are you ready to talk to your computer?  How about implementing a speech recognition for your company.  Speech technology strategies will soon be used along side or in replacement for typing on a keyboard when navigating around a computer or sharing folders on a network. 

You might have heard about Dragon software or other software that will type for you.  The exhibit, SpeechTek 2007, goes beyond that to open you up to a speech technology support environment for your business or computer network.  Speakers will show how speech recognition, audio search, and dialog management may be used to share documents on a server, search for pictures by title, open up contacts in a database, on many other rich features. 

One main benefit of speech computer solutions is being able to multi-task more.  By voicing commands, the computer user is able to use his hands for other tasks, such as jotting down notes, making phone calls, and typing on the keyboard for other commands.  Also, voice commands will allow productivity for those who are unable to type or see the monitor well.

This event runs from August 21-22, 2007 at the New York Marriot Marquis.  You may pre-register at the Marriot Marquis on August 19 - 20 or pick up your tickets during the show.

What is open source software?  It is free software made available for using as is or to amend and use as needed.  In essence, it is code that is made available to anyone who wants to copy, modify, and use it.  Besides open source being free, it is a cool way to have software evolve by users changing the code over time to watch collaboration turn simple code into a highly useful software.   It is software for the people by the people!  Okay, that was a tad dramatic - but for those who are able to support software or are technology efficient, this is a great way to configure software to your exact preferences.

Even if you’re not a coder or technical specialist, you may just use the open source software for free.  Here are a few great links to useful software:

• Open Office - the free alternative to Microsoft Office.  It works well, and may even read Microsoft Office files by performing some importing/exporting steps.
• ClamWin - Need antivirus support for your computer?  Remove viruses fast with this free virus removal software.
• Gimp - Don’t let the name fool you!  This is a very efficient image editing software.  Try Gimp first before spending hundreds of dollars on Photoshop.  You might be pleasantly surprised with its features.
• 7-Zip - Not happy with the low compression from WinZip or Windows XP?  Try 7-Zip for its high compression rate.  Your e-mail attachments will have a better chance of being sent.
• Firefox - This Internet browser has become a household name lately.  This alternative to Internet Explorer is free and fast when browsing web sites.
• FileZilla - Need an FTP client and/or server.  Try FileZilla for good technical support of your website.

Need directions for your summer trip?  What about weather or the score of the Yankees or Mets game?  Picking up someone at the airport and want the gate and arrival status?

You can text Google from your cell phone at 466453 for practically anything! 

Here’s a full list of what you may search for:

• local
• weather
• glossary
• travel
• sports
• movies
• stocks
• directions
• maps
• zip codes
• flights
• area codes
• airlines & airports
• products
• Q & A
• web snippets
• translation
• currency conversion
• calculator
• help

How do you do it?  First, text 466453.  Then, for directions just enter the starting and ending locations (i.e. manhattan to hamptons).  For weather, simply type in “weather stamford, connecticut” or any other city.  For flight info, punch in your flight # and airline for up to the minute flight and gate status.

The info comes to your cell phone in 3 seconds.  It beats trying to figure out some technical computer support method to get info.  Typically, a computer service way, such as Mapquest or Expedia, has you enter details that may be texted or emailed to you.  Now, you can eliminate the computer request step and simply get necessary info from your cell on the fly.

It is inevitable that your computer will have some type of mishap in the course of its life.  Do you have a good new york computer repair shop to count on when disaster strikes.  In our busy city lives, it is easy to get tied up with the hustle and bustle of rushing to work, escaping to the gym, and planning weekend activities.  Are you ready if your laptop and desktop fail to turn on? 

Nowadays, we rely on our computer more than ever.  Our computers allow us to plan our busy schedules, access contacts and a world of information on the Internet, and keep in communication by email and IM chats.  We recommend to ensure your busy schedules are kept afloat by having that critical computer repair number on hand in case of emergency.  If you don’t have this critical number, here are the characteristics you should look for in the ideal nyc computer repair company:

• Good reviews on the Internet - it’s always good to get non-biased reviews from customers
• Reasonable upfront rates - you should always ask for an estimate and exact cost if possible
• Timely - Same-day service is great if possible.  You want to have your baby back asap!
• Experienced - Your technical support team should be experienced and certified in your repair.
• Warranty - A warranty or open communication is encouraged for identical future issues and questions
• Good customer service - Look for a place where people answer you right away - quick service means quick turn-around time.
• Long hours - A manhattan computer repair company that is open throughout the week and weekend is helpful so you can drop off and pick up your computer on your schedule
• Caring - It might sound hokey, but you will get better service with techs who care about technology and customers.

Please take the above factors into consideration when choosing a top technical support company.