What equipment is needed to be a
Home-based Freelance Transcriber?
Basic equipment:
A computer, internet connection and mobile phone.
Software to transcribe MP3 audio files:
Express Scribe (http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/).
Express Scribe is a free download that is available for
your computer.
This software uses what are known as ‘hot keys’ (your
keyboards F keys) to rewind, fast forward, stop or play the audio. Some people
are fine using just these keys but other people find transcribing easier to do
with the use of a foot pedal. You can use a foot pedal with the Express Scribe
software. You just have to make sure it’s one that is compatible with the
software. The website where you get the Express Scribe software gives you the
option of purchasing a foot pedal if you choose to do so. It’s a personal
preference as to whether you use the foot pedal or not.
MS Word
A word processing program will also be needed. If you do
not have a Microsoft Office edition, you can download Open Office for free.
Once you have your basic equipment and the software, you
are ready to receive transcription jobs from us. To apply, click on How to Apply
Comfortable Headphones are important
for transcription
There are many types of headphones out there for you to
choose from. They will all have different pros and cons about them.
For some extra money, you can have your quality of sound
improved. For ear bud headphones, you can get a clip on type that will fit over
the ear like a pair of glasses.
The design of headphones has improved and became more
comfortable. They will now usually stay where you intend for them to be. You
should beware that some of the headphones out there are not going to fit. We
all do not have the same size of head and it is important to make sure that you
get a snug and comfortable fit.
If you do not want to deal with the wires from headphones
draped all around you, then you may want to think about wireless headphones. It
does not matter if you want smaller or more in fashion, you need to make sure
that your headphones are right for you and your needs. You need to be
comfortable and they should also fit your budget as well.
You should make sure that your headphones sit perfectly on
your ear for the maximum comfort. It is up to you to decide what is going to
work for you and your audio needs.
You should always make sure that they are comfortable
before you purchase them. Many of the headphones will have leatherette type
material on them to cover the plastic for the hotter weather. Some have velvet
pads to take care of this problem as well. Some of the portable headphone sets
will have the ear bud type of headphones. These are not very comfortable and
fall out sometimes. You may want to think about trying out a few types before
you make your final decision.
Typing Tests and Practice
While typing speed is not the most important transcription
skill, but we do require minimum typing speeds. Additionally, the faster you
can type, the more money you can usually make, although money made with any
given transcription job is greatly affected by audio quality, the type of
material being transcribed and your familiarity with that material (and how
much research is necessary if you are not familiar with the material).
Here are some of the free typing test and/or practice
websites that you could try out. The more you practice, the more accurate the
results will be.
