A home transcription business allows the person to work from home while providing a much-needed service to businesses by transcribing their audio files. Home transcription can be medical or legal and may include transcribing doctor's notes, conferences, phone calls or other important audio files. In order to get started in home transcription, you need certain basic equipment.
Hardware
One must have an up-to-date computer containing certain minimum requirements. Your computer should have at least 256 MB RAM, a 20 GB hard disk and a CPU (central processing unit) at a speed of no less than 2.2 GHz. You will also need a foot pedal and headphones. A foot pedal is a machine that allows you to control the playback of the audio file with your foot so you can keep both hands free to type. Headphones are necessary to hear the files distinctly.
Software
Medical transcriptionists will need a medical dictionary software program. For any type of transcription, it is advisable to obtain the latest version of Microsoft Office so you can send your completed documents in the format that your client prefers. You can also use Open Office instead of Microsoft Office. It is a free version of the software that is completely compatible with Microsoft Office and saves you this expense. You should also invest in line-counter software. This software automatically counts the lines of your finished product, and since you charge per line, this calculation can be entered on your invoice to your clients.
Playback Software
Although a foot pedal is the best way to do transcription since it speeds up the process by leaving you hands free, there are also software programs such as Express Scribe that connect to your Word program and allow you to control the speed of the playback with hot keys on your computer. Simply download Express Scribe (it is free) and then use it to open the audio files you receive. You will be able to stop, start, slow down, speed up and normal play just by touching a key on your keyboard while you type.
Transcriber Machine
Some clients may have audio files available on tapes. Instead of being able to send you these files over the Internet, you may have to go to your client's office and pick up the tapes. You can then use any cassette recorder to play them back to transcribe them, but a transcriber machine gives you more control over the playback. The transcriber machine provides controls to stop, start, speed up and slow down the tape as well as allowing you to choose functions such as advancing the tape to a preset place that the dictator provided. Consider buying this machine if a large part of your work will be local work where you pick up audio cassette tape files.
Other Equipment
You should consider investing in a fax machine, since your clients may need to fax instructions to you or you may need to fax an invoice to your clients. You can invest in an all-in-one fax, copier, printer and scanner to be completely prepared for any needs your clients may have. If your client wants the finished product printed out and mailed, you will have the printer available.
Tags: audio files, your clients, foot pedal, Microsoft Office, your client, clients have, Express Scribe
