Text-To-Speech softwares can read text files in format of .txt and .doc with natural voices.
The Text-To-Speech voice engine on Vista is Microsoft Anna, and Microsoft Sam on the Windows XP, Microsoft Anna on vista speaks more clearly.
You can find what voice engines have been installed on the computer by following Control Panel->Speech->Speech Properties->Text To Speech tab->Voice selection drop down window. The voice of Microsoft Sam has been installed by default on Windows XP, and Microsoft Anna on Vista. You can install other voices too.
The Microsoft's narrator and
panopreter are 2 freewares. Panopreter is an easy-to-use tool which reads files, typed words and converts files into wave and mp3 files. Both are useful tools. If you don't like to sit at the table looking at the computer screen for a long time, you can try to use these softwares. Or if you are learning languages, the Text-To-Speech softwares are good assistants.
Text-To-Speech freewares.
Linear Mode
