Thank you SO MUCH for adding this digital discussion!!!

I'm trying to leave a national and start out on my own, not too far away from retirement age. There's sooo much I don't understand.

I wanted to offer digital service and was looking at the Transcription Gear set of tools. It's the only one I saw with an 800 number for dictating. I just keep getting so confused about the different parts and which is required with what--such as GearPlayer, GearXport, idigital, etc.

I've been reading on the Medword.com page, but keep running into stuff that confuses me. For instance, if I set up using SoftClan e-cryptor, can I work for a doc who uses a different digital system? Will I still need to rent an FTP mail box somewhere on the internet?

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Which company do you have internet access with. Example, AOL, cox, RR, etc?

GTE or Verizon. My normal e-mail address ends in @gte.net. I have a cable modem.

Thanks SO MUCH for taking time to respond! I'll be checking back frequently.

Does this company provide you with personal webspace? If so, it is not necessary for you to purchase FTP space, unless you plan to use more space than you are allocated by the current company. Generally, the company that you work for has an FTP site that you can use. I would not purchase and FTP software until you have established with a company. You may have to use the same software that they are using or they can provide you with the encryption key(s).

Dear mt-greenville,

Thanks for the lifeline here! I will go find out if any personal web space comes with my internet connection. Sounds as if you're saying space is all that's needed, huh? Not any particular kind of space for parking encrypted files?

I've been working for national companies for over 3 years and am just now deciding to strike out on my own. All I need is one or two doctors to keep me busy part time.

I wanted to offer an 800 number for them to dictate into, so I could avoid compatibility issues with any digital hand-held that they might be using. I don't know if I would have to buy the same software they use in order to decrypt their sound files and re-encrypt the finished reports. It's all so confusing.

Again, thanks so much for the help!

Hello from Virginia. I am new here so as not to bore everyone with redundant questions does anyone have advice as to where I can search to find out exactly how digital works. I have been doing transcription for seven plus years and want my docs to convert to digital - for instance who pays for what, etc., etc., etc. Love this website. Keep up the good work!

Hi,

Here's a link from the AAMT website you might be interested in:

http://www.aamt.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=60

Grandma Ruthie, you don't have to use FTP for digital voice file transfer. You can use a TASP like www.metroscript.com and all you have to do is have the doc upload the voice files to their website and then you download the voice files from the website. It's really no more difficult than using this message board.

I gave up on trying to use FTP and I've never looked back! Good luck!