2-3 TECHNOLOGY FACILITATES INFORMATION REPORTING

A new style of software program written for the latest PC Windows operating systems enables almost every steno machine, with the ability to attach to a PC, to write directly into any application running on a Windows 95/ 98 and Windows NT desktop or notebook PC at school, work or home. The principle is the same as a realtime CAT system. The steno strokes are translated as they are written, using a stored dictionary, and the resulting English text is input directly into the selected PC application. Not only can the reporters write text, they can also use steno strokes to send commands to the operating system or the application.

Information Reporting works just like a PC with a keyboard attached: the text is input to the selected window. You can switch between windows with a single steno stroke. Information Reporting requires software that runs with Windows 95/98 and NT because that is what Government Departments and Corporate America uses. Windows NT is especially important in cases where the information is sensitive, such as in police and medical work. Windows NT is a more secure operating system used by many security conscious organizations. Old DOS-based transcription software will be unusable in most businesses today.

Gigatron Software Corporation has pioneered information reporting software for the latest PCs. Their OPEN Write 32 is one of the most popular products in use today.