BS: computer advice for transcriptionist

Subject: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 04:04 PM

Happy Cyber Monday...I am asking for my sister who is going to start an at-home transcription job, hopefully on the up and up, and she is not able to get the software running. She has done transcription from home for some time, and her computer must be getting quite old by now. I told her I would help her with either technical help or a new computer..but it had to meet several requirements, first among them not being a Dell.

I don[t know the exact software..but I know the computer must be very reliable, and under $500. It should have a good amount of memory. She does like to do genealogy, photos etc., but I think she should do those on her old computer and save new one for job.

What are the best medium-priced computers for this? Stability is the prime consideration and dependability. I should have heard of the name and techicians should be able to work easily on it. Refurbished is a possibility iwth warranty. Thanks. mg

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: Becca72
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 04:07 PM

Many at-home transcription companies require use of a separate computer for anything personal so she may want to double check with the new employer before she dumps the old computer...
While I have been a transcriptionist for almost a decade, I work in-house at a local hospital and don't have any information on price range for a new(er) computer for her, unfortunately.

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: artbrooks
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 04:46 PM

Laptop or desktop, mg?

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 04:49 PM

definitely desktop..I presume she has the peripherals...mg

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 05:55 PM

If the program resists loading on the existing computer it's more likely that it's intended to run on a later (or earlier) operating system than what your friend has. The critical thing you need to know is what OS is needed.

Nearly any "low cost" Windows computer you will buy easily now will come with Windows 7 preinstalled, but some sellers may still offer ones with Vista. Despite what Microsoft wants you to believe it is still possible, with some extra searching, to find new or refurbished computers with WinXP, but you need to find out what operating system you need to run the program that's required. You may have a choice, with some programs, but cross-compatibility is a lot less realistic than is claimed by some.

Fewer mainstream makers are offering really cheap desktop machines now than a year or so ago, with the advertised prices from the ones who flood me with email "buy now or die" advertisements starting generally around $700 - $800 (US). You'll need to look closely at what you're getting to be sure of meeting your specific requirements, but offers of "free upgrades" for RAM and HD size are often available even for the minimally priced ones.

Most of the mainstream sellers also offer refurbished machines that may be at significantly lower prices, if you can find what you want on their web sites.

We've had no problems with a $500 desktop (Vista) purchased from a "local builder" about a year ago, but that builder actually is a member of a national chain (Ribbit) with some reputation. Curiously, their stores here don't accept credit cards or personal checks, so we had to run to the bank for cash; but that was (for us at the time) a minor inconvenience. Truly "local" shops that offer to build you one can quite easily build the equal of what the major makers offer, even if they do store their spare parts under the kitchen sink; but they can also build junk and it's often not easy to find out which reputation they've established - and whether they'll still be around when you need support.

The first and primary problem is to identify and what OS versions the required program is intended to run on.

John

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: artbrooks
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 07:37 PM

Top 3 budget desktops per Dec. issue of PC World are the Gateway SX2840-01 ($559), HP Compaq 6005 Pro ($899) and the Acer Aspire M3400 ($600). On the other hand, you can get an HP Compaq Presario CQ5600F from Amazon for $330.

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 10:21 PM

I didn't immediately find the Amazon listing, but the Compaq Presario CQ5600F is currently shown direct from HP with (apparently) Win7 premium 64 bit, 2GB SDRAM, light scribe DVD burner, and a 500 GB hard drive with free shipping, for $299 - after an "instant rebate" of $50. Of course it's "for a limited time only," but that's pretty much the rule at most of the manufacturers. I didn't see mention of any "productivity software" but if the old computer is going away some of what's on it might be portable to the new machine(?).

This would likely be a good buy if Win7 is an appropriate OS for the program that needs to run on it.

Gateway and Acer also are frequently mentioned as leaders in the "budget desktop" listings, and either is likely to be satisfactory if all the details are appropriate. although the prices quoted are a little over the "less than $500" requested.

John

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: Thompson
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 10:25 AM

mg, what about suggesting to your sister, first off, that she email the company that makes the transcription software, and ask them what their software's ideal requirements are?

Then she can get better advice on what computer she needs. The people in the software company may even be able to help with suggestions.

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 11:35 PM

As per JiKs suggestions, but I personally recently went for a laptop (with Win 7) - the difference in price for a laptop vs a simple desktop, that usually comes complete with monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc, the effective price difference was negligible, and the speed upgrade was noticeable.

The only hassle may be the screen - if you have an old small CRT (tube type), you can get 22-23 inch LCD monitors, and even similar HD TVs that will work well as a monitor for not much, if you don't want to use the existing monitor. Especially if you get one of those cheaper laptops with a 10 inch screen...

Also the laptop Keyboard may not be as well liked, so you can just plug in your existing keyboard & mouse for familiarity.

For relatively little money, you also can get a KVM gadget that allow you to use the same monitor & Keyboard & mouse on both machines, and switch between them.

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 06:56 PM

A just-received newsletter points to a fairly new HP release that might be of interest, particularly if someone needs a new computer and monitor. This unit is an "all-in-1" desktop that has the computer sort of "built into" the monitor base.

A common objection to this type of set up is that there's little access to the innards for modifications or updates, but the claim is made that the hard drive is a standard desktop model and is easily accessible, and that RAM also can be readily upgraded - probably the most likely upgrades or maintenance issues most people would see. The 500GB HD and 3GB RAM are likely to meet most peoples real needs without modification.

Not quite in the "under $500" range, but close at $530 from HP or a few bucks more elsewhere.

HP Omni 100 if anyone's interested.

NOT a recommendation, but it looked like it might be of interest.

John

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 08:40 PM

Thanks..she thinks she got the software to work. In the meantime, if anyone knows of any leads for at-home legal or voc rehab transcription..and she could pick up medical fairly easily I think...at least the more routine ones..let me know. mg

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 09:06 PM

IF the job IS legit.

The employer WILL supply the hardware AND software necessary.

I believe your sister just got scammed, slammed, no-thank-you mamme.

Surprised they did not sell her "certificated training" and 200,000 envelopes.

So Sorry,
Gargoyle

Every USA newspaper, is required to post a warning above employment adds with a number to call for violations.

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 11:29 PM

I hope not. I am concerned of course..but would love to do a couple of hours of medical transcription a day, which I am good at...we'll see how this goes...I think she should also set up her own business...then she could hire me..not vise versa though. mg

Subject: RE: BS: computer advice for transcriptionist
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 05:21 PM

Since the US Chambers of Commerce and Better Business Bureaus have been urging their Republicrat friends to avoid creating any jobs "until we get rid of Obama" (marginally confirmed but in some cases likely credible reports) it has been reliably reported that Temporary Employment Agencies have been doing a "booming business."

There should be a number of established agencies with verifiable reputations and credentials with whom one might work who will properly "vet" places who have transcription tasks that need doing, and who are equipped to negotiate part-time work when appropriate.

Many of these agencies offer insurance and 401k/IRA savings plans that can be of value, although you usually have to work for some time with an agency to qualify for the plans.

"Temp workers" frequently spend long periods in a single job, so it's not just a here-one-day-and-there-the-next sort of thing in most cases, although short term assignments usually exist for those who prefer that. "Work at home" jobs with the Agencies are a little less plentiful, but some agencies do specialize in that kind of arrangement.

"Job shopping," which often means working from your home for companies with whom you sign your own contract often begins with working as a "Temp" under a contract with an agency long enough to meet the people to negotiate with at a few companies before "going independent." These contract jobs generally are shorter term, for specific projects, so you have to "beat the bushes" regularly to keep new jobs on tap, and you have to know which bushes to beat - which you may learn by working with a few companies as an Agency Temp.

John