Voice activation of functions on a network such as the Internet are accomplished using a speech recognition system running synchronously with standard desktop-based Internet functions. This synchronous operation allows voice-based control to be exercised for all operations on the Internet. System functions are based on a unique combination of a local web browser, a remotely-located speech/web server, and control links between a web browser and a speech/web server. The control links provide a mechanism for controlling a speech server from a web page and a mechanism for driving both the local, as well as a remote, web browser.