Newbie expansion software help

Yikes! I need expansion software help. Can someone tell me how Instant Text works? Do I need to enter words into the program to in order to use it? I have downloaded a free trial of ShortHand for Windows, but it doesn't come with very many words. How does a newbie MT use expansion software if it doesn't have any words in the glossary?

Sorry, I know this is very basic. Unfortunately my MT program has not covered this, and I'm not trying to figure it out!

Thanks in advance!

• Newbie expansion software help - kittykat
  • If you need a glossary for IT...sm - Lyndia
    • Will this glossary transfer to the ESP feature in EXText? - by
  • Have you read the IT website?? - Amanda
    • Yes, I have read through - kittykat
      • Yes, in a nutshell - Amanda
        • Thank you for explaining *sm* - kittykat
          • I didn't know either when I was in school :o) SM - Amanda
            • I'm glad to know I'm not the only one *sm* - kittykat

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why pay for anything, right?

Except that is AGAINST THE LAW!!!

formula looks like, but if you can open it up in Notepad and manipulate the formula to look like this, tp=the patient, then you can import them into EXText.  I don't have my EXText in front of me so this is from rough memory.  Once you have your expansions in the above formula, save them in Notepad on your desktop.  In EXtext click on Options, Import file from Text(?), in the drop down box click on Desktop, click on your saved list, put an = sign in the delimiter box, click on Ok or import or whatever the next step is (lol...told you it was from rough memory).  Once these are imported you'll need to save your ESP list.  It is really simple to import once you have your expansions in the right formula.  I'll check back here in a little bit and answer any questions I can.  I'll be working tonight and may be able to give better step-by-step instructions once I have the actual program up and running.

CW

Here is my macro that will import your expansions into MSWord.  Your list needs to be in the following format for this macro to work:

tp=the patient

copd=COPD

chf=CHF

There needs to be a hard return at the end of each entry.  If you have any expansions that contain an equal sign or a hard return, you will need to enter those into your autocorrect manually.  Here is the macro:

Sub Add2AutoCorrectList()
Dim AddName, AddValue As String
Dim W, C, A, L, Y, T, N As Long
Dim CountWords As Boolean
Selection.WholeStory: Selection.Collapse
N = ActiveDocument.Words.Count: C = 0: A = 0: T = 0
ScreenUpdating = False
While N > 0
x = Selection.MoveEndUntil(cset:=("=), Count:=wdForward)
    If x = 0 Then
        End
    End If
Selection.MoveEndUntil cset:=("=), Count:=wdForward
AddName = Trim(Selection.Text)
L = Selection.Words.Count
With Selection
    .Delete: .Delete
    .MoveEndUntil cset:=Chr$(13), Count:=wdForward
End With
AddValue = Trim(Selection.Text)
Y = Selection.Words.Count
AutoCorrect.Entries.Add (AddName), Value:=(AddValue)
Selection.Delete , Count:=2
T = L + 2
N = N - T
C = C + 1
A = A + 1
If N < 1000 Then
ScreenUpdating = True
N = ActiveDocument.Words.Count
End If

If A = 100 Then
Application.ScreenRefresh
'ScreenUpdating = True
StatusBar = N & " " & C & " " & " entries processed!"
A = 0
End If
Wend

  
End Sub

One word of warning:  When I posted a line counting macro here some time ago, I could not get a quote mark in the code to post, so the macro as posted would not work, and I had to followup with a post explaining how to correct that.  This macro is a bit more complicated than the other one was, and although I will look at the code as soon as this posts, if it doesn't come through perfectly, and you don't understand my corrections, you can e-mail and I will send it to you.

Also, I wrote a companion macro that will list your autocorrect into a document so that you can import it into another computer or just keep it as a backup in case you lose your normal.dot.

i glanced at the main responses to your post, not all of them.  But i disagree to an extent with what you've been told.  I have 30 yr experience, for however much weight you want to ascribe to that.

You've heard that practice makes perfect.  That is not really true.  Practicing things CORRECTLY "makes perfect".  You can do something over and over and over, but if it's done wrong, you are not improving your game.

Depending on how much the paycheck is an issue, you may wish to find another job before quitting this one.  But the longer you do things wrong, the more disservice you are doing to yourself.  It's also hard to break established habits.

This is all said assuming you are sure you are being steered in the wrong direction, ie, these directions go against good MT training and/or against the BOS in important ways. 

I have no doubt that some companies hire poor or inexperienced QA personnel, contrary to another posters comment. 

My suggestion is to look for another job.  It may take a little time and be a little frustrating, but what you gain by starting off with good QA and building a good foundation, cannot be found in the situation you describe.  Part of the good foundation is on-the-job experience.

Believe in yourself, make sure your premise is correct, and then do what is right for the long-term.   e/m me if you wish.

It is not rigors, it is boogers...as in "green boogers..."

And no, not a newbie by far...10+ years!

Re-read my post.  Said it is possible.  Also said that I am older and have older docs.  Have also done EMR.  There is a need -- just need to find your niche.  As I deposit my checks I will remember "It is possible" though not everyone believes.