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How much to invest in transcription equipment? - Undecided

Posted: Jan 14, 2010

I would like to pick up a part-time job transcribing at home, with the hope of eventually working full-time at home. I've looked at job ads online, but it seems a lot of them won't allow Windows Vista, Windows 7 or even Microsoft Office 2007. I have a laptop with Windows 7 and Microsoft office 2007 plus I have free Wi-Fi Internet at my apartment complex. I also have a desktop computer with Windows XP but I have only MS office 2007 and my computer cannot connect to the free Wi-FI. I would have to buy Internet service. Does anyone have advice about how much equipment I should invest in to transcribe at home? It doesn't make sense to downgrade, does it? I see that some companies even ask for a C-phone. I do have a foot pedal and a few Stedmans books.

equipment - questions

[ In Reply To ..]
Do you plan to work as an IC or an employee?

Don't know much about the equipment you would need as an IC, but as an employee, it would depend on what company you work for, and they would more than likely supply the software they use. I would not purchase a C-phone unless it is absolutely necessary. Some foot pedals do not work with all software, so that would depend on your company also. Seems most companies still prefer the Windows XP and Windows (not sure about Windows 7 though as it is new).

I assume that you have completed an MT training course either online or at a community college.

Employee Status - Undecided

[ In Reply To ..]
I think I would prefer employee but would accept IC, as long as there is some flexibility with the hours. I've have graduated from an MT program and have been working as a FT employee on site for about 5 years and I really would like to transition to working at home. My desktop computer has Windows XP but it does not have internet service on it. I use my laptop forthe Free Wi-Fi service, and so I wonder if I should spend the money to have internet service connected.

Wifi - annuder mt

[ In Reply To ..]
As the poster above stated, most companies and their platforms will only run on Windows XP. As far as the wi-fi connection is concerned, if several people are sharing the same connection, that is not considered a secure site. What I would suggest doing is getting either a DSL or cable connection and you could then have your own wireless router with a secure connection. That way, no one can tap into it without them having the password to do so. HTH

Thanks for all advice - Undecided

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks everyone! I will consider getting some type of internet service. I just don't want to spend money into having this service and then I'm still having trouble finding work. I really would like to transition to working at home. I know being onsite has some pluses, but my job doesn't offer the opportunity to work at home and my my coworkers do not "complete" me.

My advice - wait until you receive a job offer - I was stupid

[ In Reply To ..]
Stupid me, I thought I'd invest in the equipment to go IC PT. I researched what employers typically want; full of enthusiastic zeal I bought a used PC; I bought copies of Word 2003 and 2007 (since its about a 50/50 split on which they want), Steadmans Spellchecker: I bought a USB footpedal, I even bought a used C-phone from ebay. I was READY! Guess what - months later, still applying, no job offers. Nobody is impressed that I went and bought what they require in advance, it gives me no clout at all. If and when I ever am able to obtain a PT IC position, then I can sell the C-phone if I don't need it, but I'll be stuck with the cost of the software forever. Meanwhile, if I apply for anything that requires something I don't have, I'll just state that I'm willing to purchase it IF and when offered a job. Don't be stupid like me - research the products and the cost, but don't waste your money on hope and buy anything in advance.

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