Well, it's mid 2002 and I still can't say to my computer "Open the pod bay doors HAL" and expect any sort of useful response. A bit like the film...

I don't have a microphone, or voice recognition software, but I still wonder, with my computer how well would my computer understand voice commands?

I understand the best software is currently Scansoft's Naturally Speaking, but what microphone should I get?

The first PC I tried this on was a Pentium 500MHz. I spent 3 hours training it and could only close open windows afterwards, but it showed me a glimpse of things to come.

I have also recently lost the use of my right hand temporarily and now can't use my PC even moderately well. Both my mouse and trackball are right handed devices.

I can just imagine it now:

Me: "Computer, engage electro-magnetic utilising audio entertainment software, NOW!"

Computer: "Open Winamp?".

Me: "Affirmative, open Winamp, maximum output. Engage.".

Computer: (whispers) "Twat".