| If you want to get work from home as a general | | | | The second is audio playback software, or Express |
| transcriptionist, you'll need a combination of hardware | | | | Scribe, which is the most widely used and it's free. |
| peripherals and software programs, and all are really | | | | Express Scribe will enable you to listen to the digital |
| necessities to starting your new transcription business. | | | | audio files you need to transcribe. It's like having a |
| Even if you just want to do this for a hobby or | | | | transcriber unit inside your computer. |
| supplemental income, or you're between jobs, you | | | | If you need to record webcasts or podcasts from the |
| need to have the right equipment to get the job done | | | | Internet before you transcribe them, Audacity is a very |
| right. But by being a savvy shopper, however, you | | | | powerful and free software download for recording |
| can find some great bargains so you won't have to | | | | and editing digital audio files. |
| have a large amount of money on hand. And since | | | | Headset & Foot Pedal |
| you're going to be self-employed as an independent | | | | In order to keep your typing speed up while having |
| contractor, any money you spend to get started is | | | | good clarity and quality on your digital file playbacks, |
| business expense tax write-off when you file your | | | | you'll need to get a good headset to help block out |
| income taxes. | | | | any background noises, and foot pedal so you can |
| Up-to-date Computer System | | | | keep your fingers on the keyboard. |
| You need to make sure your computer is capable of | | | | While a lot of beginning transcriptionists simply use the |
| handling some added software and peripherals and | | | | Hot Keys to control Express Scribe, most eventually |
| won't be crashing every time you start a new | | | | invest in a foot pedal and immediately see an increase |
| program. If your household is like most today, and with | | | | in their typing speed and a lot less typos. |
| the prices of new computers staying within a | | | | And enough can't be said for a good pair of |
| reasonable cost, you may not need to invest in | | | | noise-canceling earphones for improving the quality and |
| upgrading your current computer or buying a new one. | | | | clarity of audio files while at the same time blocking out |
| If you're not sure if you need to upgrade your system | | | | some unnecessary background noise. If you share |
| or not, check out what the software requirements are | | | | an office or have small children at home, a good |
| first, then update your computer or invest in a newer | | | | headset can save you a lot of headaches. |
| one to make sure it will run the software without a | | | | Keep in mind that when you start looking for computer |
| problem. | | | | upgrades, software and peripherals, you don't have to |
| Software Programs | | | | pay a small fortune in order to get quality. You can |
| There are a couple of software programs you're | | | | save a great deal of money by looking for good used |
| going to need. One of them is word processing | | | | or refurbished items on auction sites, like eBay or |
| software, such as, Microsoft Word or Open Office. | | | | Amazon. You can find some great deals on |
| This software allows you to type transcriptions into | | | | craigslist.org too. Or look in your local newspaper for |
| document forms that can be saved and sent back to | | | | ads about office and estate auctions. |
| clients. | | | | |