Do you take minutes?

If so, do you record them and then type them. Do you use a transcribing machine? If so, how do they work?
I write the highlights of the meeting and then go back to the tape to get anything I missed. I don't know shorthand.
Is using a transcriber easier?
Thanks!
Nicci

Im working as a Personal Secretary and I also have a concern with taking minutes for Management meetings.

I passed shorthand very well but in Botswana they speak more of our language then english so to write and translate to english takes time so i tend not to use it when taking minutes.

I havent used the tape nor transcriber, i dont know if the tape can work because my Management team has 35 members.

Please help as I camt meet my objective of holding at least 4 meetings in a year.