Eric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org (Eric Bohlman) (07/18/90)
Index Number: 9187
DB> Current equipment includes:
DB>
DB> * 14 MHz AT clone with 512K RAM, one 30 meg HD, 1.2 meg floppy
He'll need more memory and probably a larger HD. A lot of database-type
applications won't run in 512K even without a speech TSR
DB> * Softvert 3.2 from Telesensory Systems Inc.
DB> * Enable Reader V4.0
Look into several other speech packages like Flipper, Vocal-Eyes, Provox. I
believe Vocal-Eyes can load into expanded memory.
DB> * DECtalk V2.0 speech synthesizer
Not really the best choice. The speech is quite natural, but once he gets
used to it he'll find that he really wants faster speech even if it means
sacrificing naturalness.
He might want to post a message in the Fidonet LAW and CONSULT echoes
regarding the availability of integrated law office packages.
--
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Internet: Eric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.orgAnn.Parsons@f204.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Parsons) (07/18/90)
Index Number: 9208 Hi Dick, Dunnow if I can be helpful, but here follow my comments. >" I have received a letter from a gentleman who for professional >"reasons prefers not to be identified. He is a blind attorney just >"beginning private practice who is attempting for financial reasons >"(his practice isn't yet generating a great deal of revenue) to >"minimize his dependence on readers and other sighted assistance. >" >" He is looking for software and hardware which will assist him >"in running a computerized law practice. A list of what he already >"has follows below; any suggestions as to its enhancement, expansion >"or improvment will be appreciated. >" >" His proposed method of use is to use the OCR to read incoming >"mail; to store each client's file on a separate 1.2 meg floppy >"using the DB system to keep track of it all. Sounds good, but he'd need at least the names and addresses on the hard drive. >" Software needed includes something to keep track of time and >"charges and to provide billing for various clients and projects. You might try Quicken3. I can geck the address for you. Will send it under a separate file. >"Time scale may vary from one client to another, and depend on the >"type of activity performed. Flat charges (to recoup of phone calls, >"travel, filing fees, etc.) will need to be entered. Software to >"handle books, generate and address bills, etc. is also needed. The >"usual assortment of communications, mailmerge, spell checking and >"other software *all speech synthesizer compatible* is required. I'd stick with one word processor on the hd, and change it if he needed to do so. The only time he'd need to do that is if he's going to send stuff to clients on disk. He can do that in ASCII. >" Current equipment includes: >" >" * 14 MHz AT clone with 512K RAM, one 30 meg HD, 1.2 meg floppy Need a modem, preferably 2400 Baud. >" * DOS 3.2 >" * Softvert 3.2 from Telesensory Systems Inc. Flipper would serve him better I think, or maybe Jaws. Soft Vert is not noted for its ability to work with as many programs as will Flipper from Omnychron or Jaws. >" * Enable Reader V4.0 (((((SCRAP THAT'UN!!!!!!!!))))) The only thing it's good for is for programmers who know what they are doing to get into something they can't get to any other way. Tell him to sell it or junk it! Phaw, it's the lousist thing going s-l-o-w!!!!!!! >" * Wordstar 3.3 and Word Perfect 4.2 These are good word processors. Keep 'em they're also the most widely used. >" * DECtalk V2.0 speech synthesizer Well, if he has dectalk he needs to use something which is as new and as wizzy as it is, that's why I suggested Flipper or Jaws. Dealing with Telesensory Systems that charges %10 of the cost of its items for any repair is rediculous. >" * Dest Corp OCR scanner and Textpac V 2.0 software used with it >" for character recognition. Interfaces available for Wordstar, >" Word Perfect, Multimate, Microsoft Word and Wordwond. >" * Corporate Retriever, a full text database retrieval system Don't kknow anything about the above, but sounds good to me. >" * printer Ok, good, only missing a modem and procomm or procomm+. Hope these comments have been helpful. Take care, see you on-line. Ann P. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!260!204!Ann.Parsons Internet: Ann.Parsons@f204.n260.z1.fidonet.org