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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Vista so far so good

Posted By: Tracy on 2007-10-11
In Reply to:

I just got a new computer with Vista last night. My Inscribe platform works fine with it.


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    You can switch Vista to XP, but then you can't switch it back to Vista is what
    I understand.  I've known several MTs dump Vista and they didn't have any issues. 
    Vista

    Hi Tera,  I know what you mean.  I have been looking on and off for 2 1/2 years.  One thing then another.  It's the computer or not passing employment test.  I haven't tried Focus yet.


    I wish you good luck with everything.


    Take care,


    Barbara


    Vista vs. XP
    I am starting a new job, and I need to have XP for it to be compatible with the transcription platform. I am wondering, is this the case most of the time for transcription work, or are there a lot of MTs using Vista? My options at this point are either pay to have my Vista wiped off my brand new laptop and pay to have someone install XP (which may or may not function with all the bells and whistles on this thing), buy an older XP computer, use my old outdated dinosaur computer that has XP on it already, or trade my new laptop for a business class one that has preinstalled XP with the option to upgrade to vista. I don't want to do any of these, and no matter which one I choose, it will be expensive (with the exception of using my dinosaur). So, what I am wondering is this: Do most MTs have to use XP? Are there many platforms/companies which run fine on Vista? Am I wasting my time an money downgrading, or will this be something that I will need anyways? Any information on this subject is appreciated.  
    getting rid of vista
    Unfortunately, I already tried this (took it to a place to have Vista removed and replaced with XP), and they screwed up my computer, long story...Anyways, I have been researching it for 2 days now, and this model of computer has issues with XP, because they do not make the drivers for it. I appreciate your input anyways. I guess you sort of answered my question anyways, that in general, Vista is often unacceptable for the MT world.
    Vista vs. XP
    InfraWare works on VISTA. An ASP will continue to develop as Microsoft does if it is cutting edge technology.
    Change Vista To XP

    Has anyone bought a Vista and then had the operating system changed to XP because you found out that Vista was not compatible with the MT world.  Was it O.K. ?  I am such an idit LOL ! 


    Thanks for your help!


    Barb


    computer without vista
    I purchased a new dell laptop about 6 months ago and was able to get it with Windows XP. I would also recommend if you go that route that you elect to have Word 2003 rather than the newer Word 2007 installed on it as it is getting very difficult to find Word 2003 anymore and it is very expensive.

    Shelley
    vista and word
    Bring the computer back if you can and have them install windows XP....I have found that 99.9% of companies are non-vista compatible. Also, try to get Word 2003...most companies want that are not once again not compatible with Word 2007.
    First step is get rid of Vista -
    NM
    Vista versus XP

    I recently started working for another company and the computer tech is EXTREMELY knowledgeable when it comes to platforms and such.  I was informed that Vista is basically another version of Windows ME which, most people know, was a HORRID version of Windows and Microsoft is planning on coming out with yet another operating system early next year. 


    I have also done internet research and there are posts regarding the fact that you can partition your hard drive to where you can have both XP and Vista running on the computer, however, in my opinion, that is best handled by an expert and not something that anyone should attempt on their own without extensive computer knowledge. 


    Right now, I would say your best bet would be to try to find a computer with XP on it as far as a laptop, or if you can hold out, stick with the dinosaur for a bit longer.  Also, it may help to get registry fix programs etc, many of which are free and extremely good programs and might help to optimize the older computer in terms of speed, etc.


     


     


    I have both Vista and XP pro on my desktop. sm
    The people I got my new computer from said that the big thing with Vista vs XP is that with Vista you need LOTS more RAM or something like that.

    Our computer came with Vista pre-installed but because we got more speed and a major amount of memory and a video card with its own RAM, he was able to put XP pro on with Vista. I am not tech-savvy at all, so I was more than happy to have them do it.

    Another place you might want to try is www.komando.com She ROCKS!!! She is my major source for questions etc.

    If you can, use your old computer. It might be slow, but as long as it gets your job done, that's what counts. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
    who hires new grads with vista?
    I am a new grad looking for an at home position.  I was accepted with a company, but they are not compatible with Vista.  Does anyone know of another ?  Thanks!
    I don't have Vista, but usualy you need to unzip the
    program first.  I use winzip, don't know if Vista has something built in, but go to the help section and type in unzip files and see if that helps. 
    Vista/XP word 07/2000?

    Hello,


    Can anyone tell me which operation system is best for MTs and also which word 2000 - 2007 which one is best.  I would appreciate anyone to settle my confusion!  I have Vista and ready to take it back to the store to have XP put on it.  What do you think.


    Thanks,


    TT


    You can still get a VISTA-free computer
    from Tiger Direct if you ask. At least I got one not too long ago.
    I use Vista just fine with Bayscribe..nm
    xx
    Need help opening a compressed file with Vista
    I received a test from a company and it is a compressed file. I have Vista and have been unable to uncompress(unzip) the files. It says the folder is empty. I emailed the HR department and they said that they have received several test back already so they know the folder is not empty. Does anyone know how to uncompress a file with Vista?
    Any mentor programs that requir Vista

    I have Vista and cant' find a Mentor program that is compatable with Vista.  Can anyone help?


    BT


    Good. The lab book was a good choice.
    Be sure you look through each book when you get it. Put tabs on sections you will want to refer to quickly. I know my lab book (not Stedman's) has all kinds of extra sections. I think my next purchase would be the cardiac book. Then neuro or OB-GYN after that, depending on which you are getting more of in your work.
    that's good to know
    At least there's a little hope for me
    Good for you!! - nm
    .
    Good for you!
    .
    I know a good MT when I see one - regardless of
    credentials, school or references. One run through the grammar screening knocks most of 'em right out of the ballpark...
    good for you, 10/cpl is good
    /
    That is good
    That is great to hear that someone else was exactly where I am now. Where did you land your first job, not the MTSO, the other one?
    I do not think I am TOO GOOD.
    companies that pay these low wages are taking advantage of new MTs that don't know their value yet. The MTs that received this offer had all spent thousands of dollars and a lot of time learning to become an MT. I just don't know why anyone would sell themselves short for 5 cpl ($10 an hour is generous by the way as most new MTs won't get to 200 lph). As I said, there are companies out there that pay better. If you are trying to help, steer the newbies to these companies, not the companies that have a reputation for not respecting their MTs. If you take the time, do your research, and graduate from a good school, you should have no problem finding a good job. I had 4 offers before I even got my final score. My first company paid 7 cpl and after 6 months, I took on my own client making just about double that.
    good to know!! Thank you!
    good to know!! Thank you!
    Good For You!

    My late Mother did the same thing.  We didn't do homeschooling, but she did it all and did it exceptionally well.  She was brilliant but never acted like it.  She was a taxi to more than the 6 kids in our family.  She taught piano, voice, directed the church choir, wrote plays (we were in them), was busy in RNC fund-raising, and on and on. 


    We just called her "Mother."


    So good luck to you.  It really warms my heart to hear stories like yours.  As for the MT thing, it sounds like you could teach yourself.  That's what I did.


    Good luck!

    Appy anywhere and everywhere.  There are a lot of companies who say they require at least 2 years experience, but you would be surprised at how many will give someone who has just graduated a chance.  If you pass their test they will hire you, 2 years or not.  I know from experience.  I graduated last year and I applied to every ad that had a 2 year minimum, before I graduated. I got hired 1 week before I graduated, and I have been working ever since.  Good Luck!     


    Nothing is good for a newbie.
    Ya, I think I won't take the job because it may be a little difficult. That's real smart.
    I have not heard anything good about it.
    If you are looking for a quality MT education, the gold standard training comes from Andrews and M-Tec. Some graduates of Career Step have had good luck in finding and keeping employment also. The top schools turn out job-ready MTs. Employers are eager to hire them. The cheaper schools do not turn out graduates that employers are eager to hire.
    What do you consider a good living?

    I'm thinking of work from my house instead of the office, changing careers.


    a good living
    Sounds like you are quite successful. Please share with me what is involved in actually earning this level of income. Have you been at it for a long time? How many hours/week do you work? Thanks. I'm strongly considering MT but I hear such variables on the pay.
    good point

    Knowing that pay=production can be a great motivator, especially if you are working for a company that provides consistent work flow and good HR relations.


    Thanks for your input.


    Good point!
    Peggy, what excellent advice! I had not heard it put that way, and after thinking about it, I know you're right! thanks for opening my eyes to think "bigger".... better to be excellent, and more "employable", than to be somewhat limiting. I do plan to study in such a way as to be excellent! That's just the way I'm "built"! :) thanks again for your post.... -Anne (amh) :)
    This is a good start for you (sm)
    In light of the fact that you are new, this is an excellent rate of pay with a reasonable (generous, really) production requirement, even though you may not be able to meet it at first.

    Add 20-25% to it for the benefits and you'll be making more on the lines of $13.08. As an on-site employee you will not have to pay self-employment tax or overhead.

    When people scoff at this rate of pay, remember that everyone starting out in a new career field starts at the bottom. You have to work your way up. As an MT, your value lies in your ability to produce quantity work while maintaining high quality. Newbies aren't able to produce much while maintaining quality.

    The incentive pay makes this better, and if it has good benefits, then you're doing well.

    The most important thing about this job is that it will give you experience. You NEED that experience. If you can get it while being paid hourly, so much the better.

    Unless someone scoffing at this can produce a job for you which pays better, do not listen to them.

    If you do not have a job and you need a job, you are in no position to be turning one down because it doesn't pay top dollar. Take this job and do your best with it.




    Yes, this is still a good field!

    Hey Porr - Welcome!  First of all, you have come one of the most negative MT sites on the internet.  If you are easily discouraged or depressed, I would advise you NOT to come to this site.  I have been an MT for over 30 years and every time I come to this board, I leave so dejected, I wonder if I have wasted my life doing MT.  I have finally realized that this board drags me down, so I don't come here very often.  The people who do come on here legitimately, come to relieve their frustrations, get advice, vent about work situations, etc.... we are not all this stressed out all the time   But there are a lot of really good people on here, too, and you can get a lot of valuable knowledge, you just have to learn who the "trolls" are and ignore them (easier said than done at times!)  The MT world is undergoing a lot of changes these days.  A lot of work is being sent offshore and now they have the voice recognition platform that they are working on.  The nationals make you feel very unappreciated, but I have worked for doctors, hospitals, clinics and had my own service for a while, and there are a lot of people out there who will appreciate your skills, just not the large nationals.  Stay away from them until you are more seasoned, then, if you feel like tackling one of them, I say go for it.  They have their negatives, but you will gain valuable knowledge and you will be able to get a job just about anywhere with one of the nationals on your resume. 


    This is a great field, just keep your nose to the grindstone and stay away from negative websites ().  Do not let the comments you read here sway you one way or the other.  I find this to be a personally rewarding field to work in.  I hope that you do, too!  Hang in there and don't give up! 


    Good luck!

    You can't give up hope if this is the field you want to work in.  I had been doing my job for 17 years and needed something new.  I did a lot of research and liked the opportunites that being an MT provided.  I'm sure it would not be for everybody, but I love what I do and have great docs to transcribe for.  Plus, perhaps more important, it is an ongoing learning process.  I like to stay challenged and this job certainly does that.  Good luck to you!! 


    Good point..lol
    nm
    another good response!!!
    nm
    Good schools??

    How do you determine what is a good reputable school and which one is a waste of money & time?


    Thank you!


    The Good Schools
    Andrews and M-Tec. Career Step is also considered to be a good school. Andrews and M-Tec are the gold standard, the Harvard and Yale, of MT training. Their graduates have no difficulty finding work because employers know those schools turn out job-ready MTs.
    It has good advice.
    Good luck!
    Is this a good field to go into?

    Does this line of work have a future?  Is it a good field to go into?  I welcome your opinions.


    Good News
    Finally, some good news for a change!!
    That is pretty good.
    That is a lot better than what I am making. I am making only 3.0 cents per line independent contractor status, which is ridiculous. This should be a crime to pay an MT this low of a rate. I am currently in the process of looking for a new job.
    Is this a good start
    I've heard Sten-Tel is a good starting company, is that true? I need to gain experience. I recently finished up an internship, but need 1-2 yr experience to be able to work in clinics or hospitals in my area. So I thought if I could work online at home PT or FT(I need to make around $400/mo to pay all my bills) for a year, then I could start applying again at the hospitals... anyone have any good leads?
    Good advice. LOL!!!!! nm
    .
    I agree! Good for you!
    with a mother's day out program for a few hours a week if you feel your child needs social interaction. That is someting I would do for your child if you felt they really needed it, but not for you though. I agree, and I have worked daycare years ago. You really are not the one raising your child if they are there all day. You feed them, bathe them, and put them to bed. The struggles in life and how you handle them are what make you, you... and your child is watching every move you make and will one day likely repeat them. Us moms only have one chance, we have to make it count! I am glad you made this decison and you sure won't regret it!
    good question..
    i was told it takes at least 2-3 years to really feel comfortable. its been about 5 now for me, and although i feel pretty comfortable (except for ops), i still consider myself a newbie, plus i am the baby of my company as far as experience, and i still have a lot more to learn.

    on the good side (for me), there are 2 others whom i work with, who have 19 and 18 years, but, because they chose to cherry pick, they didnt qualify to work at home because they were not comfortable doing a lot of things they should have been comfortable with by now.

    you may consider yourself a newbie, but motivation, initiation, and all that other good stuff can put you ahead of others.

    good luck
    GOOD POINT
    I'm glad that this was brought up. I have often wondered myself. What encourages me is that there is always something new to learn. Even the MTs who have been in this for years admits it themselves.

    I am still a newbie but being an IC helps a lot in learning different areas in this field. I am thankful that my contact "feeds" me work from a new field gradually when she thinks that I am already catching on with the one she gave me prior. I say "catching on" because I can get comfortable with surgery and here comes a new case with totally different words that I need to research on.

    Just like a former professor of mine said - "the more you know, the more you realize that there is still much to learn."