Vocola 3 works with Windows Speech Recognition (WSR), a free component of Windows Vista and Windows 7. WSR is a good recognition engine, with comparable speed and accuracy to Dragon NaturallySpeaking (DNS). While WSR lacks some of the polish and documentation of DNS, it is eminently usable. Vocola addresses some important limitations of WSR; in particular it supports dictation to any application.

Vocola 3.1 is the latest version. See what's new for details.

Vocola 3 does not work with Dragon NaturallySpeaking; see Vocola 2.

Quick start guide

New to WSR?

If you've never used Windows Speech Recognition it's a good idea to spend some time getting used to it before starting with Vocola.

1. Open "Windows Help and Support", search for "Speech", and browse the topics.
2. Go through WSR training, and practice dictating.
3. Learn to use some of WSR's built-in commands.

Familiar with WSR but new to Vocola?

If you're familiar with Windows Speech Recognition but new to Vocola:

1. Install Vocola.
2. Learn how to open Command Files by voice.
3. Read Keystroke Commands, and try creating some commands.
4. Steal some of the Sample Commands.
5. Read about Vocola Dictation.

Familiar with Vocola 2 but new to Vocola 3?

If you've used Vocola 2 but not Vocola 3:

1. Read about what's new in Vocola 3. Changes include:
   • The Function Library.
   • A graphical interface including the Options Panel, Log Window, and Dictation Shortcuts Dialog.
   • The ability to call .NET Extension Functions directly from commands.
   ... and many others.
2. Read about Vocola Dictation.
3. Install Vocola.
4. Convert your command files.