FAQs & more info

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

ARIA - Your Personal Secretary

Since most blind people know Braille they can now have excess to computers having a Perkins Braille keyboard.  They can type any letter, document or text in braille, which is translated to English text, and since it has a speech feedback they can listen to the same, edit it to perfection and a printout can be taken when connected to a Braille embosser  or standard printer.  One can also connect it to a standard desktop PC and transfer data to and fro offering immense amount of flexibility. 

ARIA which is developed by our principal Robotron Pty. Ltd., Australia has a number of features as explained below:

 

  1. Time Format allows the setting of 12 or 24 hours time format. 

  2. Date Format allows the date format to be set from Day-Month-Year (DD-MM-YY), Month-Day-Year (MM-DD-YY) or Year-Month-Day (YY-MM-DD) formats.

  1. Printer Type allows you to select from a choice of printer drivers.

  2. Time Out Automatic Shut Down allows a choice of time from 5 minutes to 60 minutes for automatic shut down. 

  3. Custom Dictionary allows a user-defined Dictionary file to be selected for use with the Spell Checker.

Cut deletes a block of text from an open file and writes it to the Clipboard.

Copy copies a piece of text from an open file to the Clipboard.

Paste inserts a copy of the text from Clipboard into a Word Processor document.

Copy Record places an entire Diary or Telephone Directory record in the Clipboard for later retrieval into a Word Processor document.

 

Technical Specifications

Dimensions  220 x 100 x 27 mm
Weight      550 grams
Keyboard 6 Braille keys, spacebar, 8 function keys, 5 cursor keys

Synthesized  Speech Output                 

Parametric frequency domain, based on a DSP-simulated human vocal tract model
Processor 80 C188 (CPU), ADSP2105 (DS
Memory 1 MB non-volatile RAM      2 MB FlashROM                (4 MB FlashROM for special versions)                

 

Memory Card PCMCIA type (1 slot)
Operating system ROM- based DOS 6.0 compatible
External Ports Printer Port, Serial Port, Headphone connector

 

Power Internal rechargeable (NiCd) battery
Power adaptor 100-250 VAC/9VDC 1.5A (regulated)

                           

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Parrot Voice Mate  

Presenting the Talking Diary Parrot Voice Mate Specially Designed for the Blind, Visually Handicapped or persons with Low Vision or Visually impaired. It fits comfortably into your shirt pocket or purse, yet it features a robust set of functions designed to make you independent.

 

A small wonder which does it all! Comes with new features

Parrot Voice Mate has a side click button, a function selector, a microphone and a speaker with feed back in English but works in any Indian language and does not require learning of your voice.

 

Phone Book: Store and Retrieve by your Voice up to 300 names. Each name can be associated to 6 Phone numbers (Regular, Work, Home, Cellular, Fax, others) and an address. Voice Mate dials automatically your numbers from any Touch-Tone phone.

 

Voice notepad: Records by your Voice your memos or anything that occurs to you and you don't want to forget. Full Digital Dictaphone functions (Fast Forward and Rewind, Pause, Insert, Replace, Delete)

 

Appointment Book: Records and checks your daily Meetings and Engagements by Voice. Voice  Controls your information (time and date) by listening to them. 

Dictate the purpose and place, key in the time and date. It has a reminder alarm which can be set to remind you of your appointments.  

 

Clock: It talks and has all the functions of a musical traveling alarm clock with speaking alarm. Date and time in European and US format.

 

Calculator: Complete Operators and percentage talking calculator. Foreign Currencies converter. Voice Mate Calculator has 13 digits including decimal point and announces each keystroke and the results of calculations.

 

Telephone assistance: Wherever you are, use the prefix to obtain outside line or the international dialing.

 

Control panel: To modify initial settings as digital volume, stand by duration, accessibility level, pin code...

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

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Frequently Asked Questions on JAWS Screen Reading Software

 

Q1: Why is JAWS the most blind user-friendly Talking software?  

 

JAWS is most blind user-friendly for the following reasons

 

Q2: What is the configuration of the computer system needed?

 

To use JAWS for Windows  you need:

A personal Computer that will run the WIN95/98/ Me/ XP Home OR, Windows 2000/ XP Professional/  Windows NT 4.0 which means you must have atleast a Pentium with 32 MB RAM or higher, 2.1 GB hard disk or higher, multi media kit that is a CD-ROM with 128 bit sound card and speakers.

 

Q3: How many authorization keys are supplied?

 

The JAWS software package comes with 5 authorization keys. In the event of any loss of keys due to corruption of a hard disk or accidental deletion, the user can contact us at us at support@brailleworldindia.com or write to support@hj.com

JAWS also allows the user to uninstall the authorization key and re-install the same in another computer. 

 

Q4: Is the price quoted by Karishma Enterprises, the same as quoted by Freedom Scientific Inc.?

 

YES! The prices are the same as quoted by Freedom Scientific and no addition is made by us and are inclusive of international airfreight/ courier charges.

 

Q5: How long would it take to receive the package?

 

The delivery of the original software package would be received by you through courier within 2 weeks from the date of the payment made by you to us.

 

Q6: Is there any customs duty payable?

   

No. as per the present Custom Tariff in India computer software  for the blind is exempt from customs duty.

 

Q7: What happens if we have any problems?

 

In the event of any difficulty faced by you in the use of the software you may contact us or the technical support team of Freedom Scientific directly at support@hj.com and they would be glad to assist you. You can also join the JAWSlite which is an open forum for all JAWS users who can place there problems on this list by sending an Email and you would receive solutions or suggestions from other users, thus creating an interaction between all JAWS users worldwide.

 

Q8: What are the basic features of JAWS Screen Reading software?

 

The JAWS Screen Reading software has a number of special features making it the most demanded and user-friendly Screen Reading software by the blind worldwide. We list below details of the same.

 

JAWS Help System

The process of learning new computer systems and applications that run on those operating systems just got a lot easier with JAWS for Windows. Most new users of JAWS find it intuitive and easy to master. However, JAWS also furnishes a fully developed help facility that is always available with the touch of your keyboard. You can access JAWS help through the JAWS Help menu or directly from your keyboard.

 

Hot Key Help

Press INSERT+H to get instant help for the JAWS hot keys or Windows short cut keys available in the current dialog window.

 

Screen Sensitive Help

Press INSERT+F1 to hear a description of the current focus or position you are in and also JAWS prompts you with guidance of what to do Next i.e. If you are a beginner or learning computers and get stuck or do not know what to do, by pressing INSERT + F1 in the keyboard JAWS software shows you the way.

 

Keyboard Help Mode

Press INSERT+1 to enter Keyboard Help mode and with each keystroke you hear a description of its function with a brief synopsis.

 

Online Help

Lets you have instant access to all JAWS for Windows help including the user manuals and other printable documentation provided for your reference purposes

 

JFW Configuration Capabilities

You can customize any of the JAWS for Windows standard settings for the current application or across all applications. JFW comes with various utility managers to help you accomplish this.

 

Keyboard Manager

This manager lets you browse and change JAWS keys for any application or all applications. Each key assignment is accompanied by a description of its function.

 

Graphics Labeler

This manager lets you give meaningful names to the graphics displayed on your screen and help you to recognize graphics on your screen.

 

Dictionary Manager

This manager lets you store special pronunciations for the current application or across all applications by changing default pronunciations to words or phrases.

 

Configuration Manager

This manager lets JAWS for Windows give you the utmost flexibility to "hear" the screen in a personally tailored manner. You can change the way things are spoken and how much is spoken; change the verbosity, screen echo, graphics verbosity, punctuation, and numbers.

 

Frame Manager

This manager lets you create screen boundaries and then have that area monitored for automatic reading of all, highlighted or no text. You can assign a frame to a key so that you can read the area on demand. This feature is available on an application basis or across all applications.

 

Script Manager

This manager lets you modify JFW standard scripts or create your own to accommodate even the most difficult, non-standard Windows applications.

 

Easy Speech Guided Self-Installation by the Blind

New installation is now easier than ever. Just insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive and leave the installation to us. In a few minutes, JAWS for Windows will install on your computer. Not only will the installation be easier, but also right from the moment it starts, your computer will talk. The installation is interactive, giving you the information you need, immediately, verbally, without having to second-guess the installation process.

 

Q9: What do the tutorial cassettes teach?

 

The tutorial cassettes help the visually impaired computer user to get a basic foundation of JAWS and also the Windows environment. 

The tutorials come in a pack of audio cassettes for step by step learning by the blind. 

The tape set guides you right from installing to using JFW independently. 

Tapes include actual samples of what you will hear as you perform various JFW operations.

 

Q10: If I am a beginner to computers can I learn to operate the computer with JAWS?

 

Yes. With the help of tutorial cassettes supplied along with the JAWS software package you can learn to operate the computer independently. However it is recommended to also take tuitions or coaching classes for learning MS Office and Internet or alternatively you can also purchase Tutorial cassettes separately available from us for Word, Excel, Power Point, Internet Explorer, etc.

 

Q11: As a blind person can I install JAWS independently?

 

Yes, unique feature of JAWS is that it assists a blind person to independently install the software due to its speech guided installation support. Just insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive and leave the installation to JAWS. In a few minutes, JAWS for Windows will install on your computer. Not only will the installation be easier, but also right from the moment it starts, your computer will talk. The installation is interactive, giving you the information you need, immediately, verbally, without having to worry about the installation process.

 

Q12: Can I access the internet or send  Emails independently with the help of JAWS?

 

Yes, You certainly can. JAWS is the most user friendly software for Internet access by a visually impaired person. In fact, JAWS reads the HTML script by converting it into a text format as if it was a text document. It also provides a number of help options and easy browsing support from link to link and identification of topics.

Now one can also send and receive email messages without any sighted help with the help of JAWS either in Internet Explorer or in Netscape.  

 

Q13: If I have to upgrade the software what do I do?

Freedom Scientific offers a Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA) at an additional cost for single users. The SMA entitles the purchaser to 2 chargeable upgrades as soon as they are released..

 

Q14: Can I Purchase the software jointly with another blind person?

 

The registered user of a single user license (there can be only one registered user) may install the software on up to five computers personally owned by the registered user.  In other words, if the software is installed on a machine, the registered owner must be the legal owner of the computer. Additionally, only one person may use the software at any given time. The five keys on an authorization disk are not provided so that five different people may utilize the software.  The additional keys are provided in case a key is lost due to corruption of the hard disk or accidental deletion .

 

Q15: Is there a possibility of getting a discount as a blind person/ institution?

 

It is not possible for our principals Freedom Scientific to offer any discounts since the development cost of such software is very high and has to be covered over a spread of a very small market of visually impaired users only.  Our principals, Freedom Scientific realize that pricing is an issue in developing countries.  They are very concerned about this issue as well and are working to make this technology available to as many people as possible.

 

Q16: Can we place our order directly to Freedom Scientific Inc., USA?

 

Our principals Freedom Scientific neither sell nor support directly their products outside the United States and Canada.  You will need to arrange all purchases through us as their authorized dealer for India and neighbouring countries. Dealing with an Authorized Freedom Scientific dealer can provide access to other blindness and low vision products.  It can provide training and support that is much closer to you, the end user since we have extensive experience with setting up and configuring their products.  

To order you may contact us at sales@brailleworldindia.com.

 

Q17: Can I do computer programming with JAWS?

 

For advanced computing, JAWS has proved to be the ultimate solution for blind users. It allows one to customize scripts and also supports programs like Visual Basic, etc., A script manual is now offered free of charge which can be downloaded by users from the Freedom Scientific website anytime.

 

WHAT'S NEW IN JAWS 4.0 ?

Reading in Say All without Line Pauses

Now Includes a Rewind Feature

Updated User Interface

INSERT+F1 Messages now on Screen

How about your own personal Tutor while learning Windows?

Access Key Announcement

All your Voice Options in just two Dialogs!

The all new HTML Help

Adjusting Verbosity Settings just got easier!

How about Switching Synthesizers on the Fly?

How many items in the current Tree View level?

Selecting Text just got more user friendly!

Interested in test driving Microsoft's Office XP?

Acrobat Reader 5 just got faster and easier!

Prompt Creator makes it easier than ever to customize!

FRAME Viewer Makes Customizing JAWS Easier than Ever!

Braille Settings from the Main JAWS Window

On the Fly Braille Settings

Define Structured Mode

Braille Markings has really come to Life!

What's new for JAWS 4.0 in Power Point?

Incredible Excel Support in Speech and Braille!

Smart Tags in Word XP

All New Laptop Keyboard Layout

Completely New Basic Training Tapes!

 

Reading in Say All without Line Pauses
JAWS 4.0 now includes Say All without pausing at the end of each line. The setting is included in the Configuration Manager under Text Processing. This setting is the new default and makes reading smoother by only pausing at punctuation while using Say All.

Now Includes a Rewind Feature
For several years now, JAWS has provided a way to skip ahead during Say All. While this has been a great feature, we have had many requests to provide a rewind also. The wait is over!
During a Say All, INSERT+DOWN ARROW, you can now skip forward by line with the RIGHT SHIFT and then skip back just as easily with the LEFT SHIFT. Tap the SHIFT key 5 or 6 times and jump back 5 or 6 lines without interrupting the reading. Set your Text Processing to Sentence or Paragraph and the SHIFT key will move you forward or back by those increments as well. Not only does JAWS let you increase or decrease your speech rate on the fly while reading, it is the first screen reader to let you Fast Forward or Rewind in all applications.

Updated User Interface
The JAWS Interface has been updated with user friendly changes. There is a new Menu called Options, which replaces File and Voices. In the Options menu, you will find dialog choices including Basics, Voices, Braille Options, and the Exit choice. The Basics Dialog contains the new Tutor and Access Keys options. See below for further information on these new exciting features. As in any of the JAWS dialogs, just a quick tour through the dialog and INSERT+F1 can provide you a quick overview of what it's is for and how it works.

INSERT+F1 Messages now on Screen
Since the first release of JAWS, Trainers and users alike have praised the INSERT+F1 help. No matter where you are, simply ask JAWS for help and it speaks a message. Now in 4.0, JAWS presents this message on screen for easy and detailed review with both Speech and Braille.
When you finish reading a message, choose the link in the message to review the list of JAWS hot keys on screen. Press ESC at anytime to dismiss the help messages and continue where you left off. Trainers, users, and now even sighted users trying to learn JAWS and Windows from the keyboard will love this feature.
This new Virtual Viewer used with INSERT+F1 is fantastic in Excel where Charts and other objects are brought to life on the screen for both Speech and Braille users.

How about your own Personal Tutor while learning Windows?
JAWS now offers Tutor mode to provide Keystrokes and quick navigation tips as you move through Windows applications. On by default, the Tutor is found in the new Basics Dialog. When you are comfortable with basic navigation commands, turn it off or set it to custom messages only and hear just the messages you or your trainer provided for extra help in a particular application.

See Prompt Creator/Modifier for information on Creating Custom Tutor Messages.

Access Key Announcement
Now as you move through Windows and your favorite programs, you will be learning the access keys that help you quickly navigate and activate the controls and menus. You can specify to hear all access keys, or choose to hear them in either menus or Dialog boxes only. Determine the level of Access Keys you wish to hear in the new Basics Dialog.

If you have turned off your Tutor or Access Keys, then need just a quick review in a menu or dialog, press INSERT+TAB. You will get a review of the information where you are located and JAWS will tell you Tutor messages and Access Keys that apply in that location.

All your Voice Options in just two Dialogs!
Now in the Options Menu, you will find a dialog to make global adjustments to all voices or a separate dialog where you make all the individual voice adjustments. You will find an apply button in the individual voices dialog so you can modify one voice after another without having to revisit the menus.

The All new HTML Help
The JAWS help system is now moved into the modern day of HTML. Easy to navigate and reads like a web page in Internet Explorer. Go to Help Topics and give it a try. There are even complete glossary and Index options that are really helpful for those trainers and new comers who don't have time to read everything. JAWS 4.0 is setting a new standard for online Help!

Adjusting Verbosity Settings just got easier!
In JAWS 4.0, the INSERT+V dialog now tells you the state of each item as you move through the list of application specific settings. Press SPACEBAR to switch states as always and then just press ENTER to return to your application.

How about Switching Synthesizers on the Fly?
If you have more than one synthesizer, JAWS 4.0 now let's you pop up a list box using
CTRL+INSERT+S that contains all the Synthesizers you installed. Arrow through the list and press ENTER and it continues with your new synthesizer without missing a beat.

How many items in the current Tree View level?
As you move through Tree Views such as Windows Explorer, Windows Help, or your favorite Email package, JAWS 4.0 automatically announces the number of items found in the newly opened folder or book. As you navigate up and down in the tree view, you will always be kept informed of your position within the list!

Selecting Text just got more user friendly!
Selecting text is much more intuitive. When you select or unselect by characters and words, it says selected after telling you the character or word. This makes it much quicker to select text and confirms what you have selected as you move within a line or sentence.

On the other hand, if you are selecting by line, paragraph, or page, you will be reminded that you are selecting, and then hear the information that was selected. Either way you try it, you will find it faster and it will help avoid costly mistakes while editing.

Interested in test driving Microsoft's Office XP?
JAWS 4.0 now brings all the power and features to access Office 97 and 2000 to Office XP. You will also love the automatic Smart tag notification as you navigate a Word document and the ability to quickly access the Context menu of the Smart Tag with CTRL+SHIFT+S on the fly. Not sure where the Smart Tags are located? Try ALT+SHIFT+S for a list and then press ENTER to instantly jump to the location. Don't overlook this new Office Suite and the power of JAWS to meet the challenge.

Acrobat Reader 5 just got faster and easier!
We are making continual improvements to Adobe Acrobat Reader 5 and in JAWS 4.0, it is now working much faster. You will find that PDF documents load 10 times faster than in JAWS 3.71. As you navigate forms in Adobe Acrobat Reader 5, you will find JAWS doing a very good job at reading the prompts and letting you fill in the information as if you were using an HTML form in Internet Explorer. If MSAA is built into the form, it can now be read using INSERT+TAB or you can choose to use MSAA by default in forms from the JAWS INSERT+V dialog. Don't miss the demonstration of this feature on the What's New Audio CD that ships with the JAWS 4.0 SMA packages!

Prompt Creator makes it easier than ever to customize!
Anyone can now modify a control's prompt in speech and Braille. If JAWS does not recognize or find a prompt, or maybe it says the wrong thing, fix it on the fly without scripting!

Choose "Prompt Create" from the INSERT+F2 dialog or just press CTRL+INSERT+TAB. The Prompt Creator opens and you can type in a modified or new spoken prompt. Press ENTER and choose a different Braille prompt that takes up less room on your notetaker or Display. And if that is not enough, how about your own custom tutor message to help teach the user what to do! Never before has it been so quick and easy. Don't Miss the demonstration on the What's new Audio CD.

FRAME Viewer Makes Customizing JAWS Easier than Ever!
Frame Viewer is one of the most significant new features in JAWS 4.0. This tool is designed to help customize how JAWS reacts and works with various applications. While Scripting has become a valuable tool in customizing JAWS, its potential benefit has often been limited by the Scripting knowledge and skills of those attempting to do the customization work. With the introduction of Frame Viewer, we are confident that great numbers of individuals will quickly become experts at customizing JAWS for many situations in School, at home, and on the job.

Within Frame Viewer, frames are now visible on the screen. TAB between active frames, press the APPLICATIONS key to access the frame's properties and other features, or even drag the borders of the frame with a mouse. Regardless of the users skill in the use of JAWS, Frame Viewer will create opportunities for vast numbers of individuals to become experts at gaining access to poorly designed applications.

Braille Settings from the Main JAWS Window
The New Braille Options dialog now lets users change port and parity settings or even add additional displays for JAWS. This new dialog also gives users a quick way to get into the advanced settings of the Configuration Manager to explore and set up further options mentioned below.

On the Fly Braille Settings
Press CTRL+INSERT+B to open the Adjust Braille Options dialog. The most frequently used Braille options are all listed. Just move to a setting and press SPACEBAR to temporarily toggle the setting. Forgot the Braille Keystroke to Toggle a Braille Feature on or off? Now you will find all the items quickly and easily in a single list.

Define Structured Mode
For years now, JAWS users with Braille Displays have benefited from information that JAWS has sent, depending on the application, and area within the application you are located in at any given moment. With the release of 4.0, you are given the opportunity to customize the information, along with the order of the information being sent to the display, for the first time, without opening a script file. Easily modify how a List box is represented, or how a Scroll Bar symbol is displayed. In programs such as Excel, you can now determine which information, and in what order, you would like it sent to your display. You can even determine how this will vary from one spreadsheet to the next. This feature let's you decide if the contents of the cell appear first, or if you see the column or row headings followed by cell contents and row total.

Braille Markings has really come to Life!
JAWS 4.0 now offers you the opportunity to identify many attributes including colors that will be indicated with dots 7 and 8 as you navigate. What's really great in JAWS now is that you can find out which attributes are being displayed, no matter how many there might be at a particular location. For example, if you had text that was bold, underline, and italic and you set these attributes as marked in Braille, just switch to attribute display and have each attribute shown in rotation on your display.

What's new for JAWS 4.0 in Power Point?
JAWS 4.0 is taking Power Point to a new level. Whether you are designing or presenting, JAWS is opening up new opportunities. During a Slide Show, press CTRL+SHIFT+N and read your presenters notes in Braille as the audience sees your slides. With a click of a cursor routing key on the display, draw the audiences attention to one of your bullet points with one of the Power Point Screen Pointers. Setting the standard, JAWS continues to provide access to the most popular tools being used in Schools and business today.

Incredible Excel Support in Speech and Braille!
We have added many great new features that make Excel and JAWS even more powerful. Read the visible part of the current row with INSERT+UP ARROW, or read the visible part of the current column with CTRL+INSERT+UP ARROW. Read the part of the row to the left of the current cell, or the part of the row to the right of it. Read the part of the column above the current cell or the part of the column below it. And if you have row or column titles set, these are read as well!

Never lose your place again! If you move to a monitor cell with CTRL+SHIFT+M, quickly move back to where you were at with CTRL+SHIFT+APOSTROPHE.

Why reconfigure settings for each spreadsheet? JAWS now provides a choice between exact or best match for the spreadsheet settings you use. So if you fill out an Excel report each week and all that changes in the title is the date, select best match from the INSERT+V verbosity dialog, and your settings for row and column titles and monitor cells are used each time.

Braille is better! JAWS 4.0 now provides several Braille modes in the Verbosity dialog to make Excel work for you. Display spreadsheet information as you always have, or switch to Row Mode and display up to nine cells in the current row around the current cell. Switch to Column Mode and view up to nine cells in the current column surrounding the current cell. This provides you information that is hard to beat with speech!
Most impressive of all is how Excel Charts and Graphs now come to life on a Braille Display for the first time with the JAWS INSERT+F1 and the new Virtual Viewer. While these objects are still considered totally inaccessible by all other screen readers, JAWS 4.0 users are communicating directly with these objects and accessing information beyond compare.

Smart Tags in Word XP
Smart Tags make it easier for you to complete tasks with many steps to them. Just select the Smart Tag you need and Word does the rest. And JAWS is right there to provide you access to this exciting new feature.
Move your cursor over a Smart Tag and JAWS announces it. Press ALT+CTRL+S and a context menu with options specific to the Smart Tag is opened. Select the option you need and that's all there is to it.
If you know there are Smart Tags in your document, but aren't sure just where they are at, just press ALT+SHIFT+S and they are all listed. Select the one you need and you are moved to it. Then press ALT+CTRL+S to open the context menu for the Smart Tag.

All New Laptop Keyboard Layout
For years, JAWS has provided a command set optimized for use with Laptop systems. Now, we have taken this to a new level! JAWS 4.0 includes a full Laptop keyboard layout substituting the CAPS LOCK key in many commands that used to use the ALT key or INSERT. This makes it far easier to quickly access all JAWS features - without moving your hands off those typing keys. Even if you don't have a laptop, this keyboard layout may suit all your needs!

Completely New Basic Training Tapes!
As JAWS has grown and developed over the years, Freedom Scientific has continually provided the best in support for both current and new users of this exciting screen reader. With JAWS 4.0, the Basic Training Tapes have been totally rewritten and recorded. Learn about JAWS, Windows, and how to take advantage of the other types of help we provide to make your experiences with JAWS as useful as possible.

 

What's New in JAWS 4.01

New Features
Improvements
Fixes
 

New Features

Windows XP Home and Professional Support

Freedom Scientific continues our tradition of providing unparalleled support for all Microsoft operating systems with the introduction of support for Windows XP! If you currently have JAWS 4.0 Standard (supporting Windows 9x/Me), the JAWS 4.01 update gives you support for Windows XP Home as well. If you have JAWS 4.0 Professional (supporting Windows NT/2000), both XP Home and XP Professional versions of this exciting new operating system are supported in JAWS 4.01.

Support for Windows XP Help Balloons

JAWS now supports Windows XP style Tool tips and help balloons.

Colors Higher than 256 in Windows NT, 2000, and XP

JAWS for Windows now provides support for display color depths above 256 colors in all versions of Windows. 16 bit, 24 bit, and 32 bit color depths are supported.

Automatically Disable Windows Effects

In JAWS 4.01, Windows visual effects that are less than optimal for screen readers are automatically disabled when JAWS starts, and are enabled again when JAWS is closed. These effects are visual features, such as animated menus and selection fade within Windows XP.

The Windows System Parameters dialog is in the JAWS application window, under Options, Basics. Use this dialog to specify which items JAWS disables. We recommend you allow JAWS to disable these features, or manually disable them in the Windows Control Panel.

There is a Windows System Parameters option that is not checked by default, Ignore Colors on Web Pages. Check this item to automatically check the Internet Explorer setting under Tools, Internet Options, Accessibility. This Internet Explorer setting causes Internet Explorer to ignore background colors and images on web pages, resulting in the pages loading faster, and providing greater accessibility for people with low vision. If you check the item in the JAWS application window, under Basics, Windows System Parameters, JAWS will automatically enable this Internet Explorer feature when started, and disable it again when closed. This improves performance on web pages that use repeating images for backgrounds.
 

Announce and Move through HTML Headings

JAWS now supports navigation of web pages by headings in Internet Explorer 5.x and 6, and in Microsoft HTML help systems. JAWS recognizes headings at levels 1 through 6. IN HTML, headings are used to indicate the start of sections and subsections of a page. When used hierarchically by the author of the page, the level of the heading provides information about how a specific section relates to the page as a whole. When viewing all headings on a page, if the headings are used properly, the hierarchy of the heading levels indicates how the page is structured. This makes it easier to find information and understand the relationships within the information.

After installing JAWS 4.01, view the effective use of headings in the following locations:
 

  •  Throughout the JAWS help system
  •  The JAWS 4.01 What's New Announcement
  •  http://www.w3.org
  •  http://www.lighthouse.org/

Press CTRL+INSERT+ENTER To move to the next heading, or press CTRL+INSERT+SHIFT+ENTER to move to the previous heading. Press INSERT+F6 to list all headings on the page, select a heading in the list, and press ENTER to move to it on the page.

In the User Agent Accessibility Guidelines (http://www.w3.org/TR/UAAG10/guidelines.html), the World Wide Web Consortium recommends "user agents" provide navigation based on structural elements in a document. Freedom Scientific continues to strive toward the goals of these guidelines by providing features that aid in quick and easy navigation on the World Wide Web.

Support for HTML Long Description Attribute

JAWS now supports the "Longdesc" attribute in HTML within Internet Explorer 5.x and 6. The "Longdesc" attribute allows a long description of graphics to be provided on a separate page. The "Longdesc" attribute contains the address of the descriptive page. After reading any Alt text for the graphic, JAWS announces there is a long description and the address of the page. Just press ENTER to open the page containing the long description in a new window.

Access keys in HTML

JAWS now announces access keys assigned to HTML elements using the HTML "Accesskey" attribute. Access keys let you move directly to an item such as a link or form control. Access keys are used within the JAWS help system to provide quick access to the Back and Next links within most topics, which make it easy to move through the help system. Visit http://www.afb.org/ to see effective use of access keys on a web site.

Mouse Over Effects

HTML allows the author of a page to set an "Onmouseover" event for most HTML elements to run specified code such as JavaScript or Visual Basic Script when the mouse is moved over the HTML element. Often this is used to momentarily display text or graphics or links. JAWS now recognizes the "Onmouseover" event, and if it is set to display text or links as part of the page, JAWS provides access to that information. In some cases, links may not be announced as links, but you can still press ENTER to follow them.

Click Almost Anything

Press ENTER on almost any item on a web page to simulate a left mouse click on that item. HTML allows the author of a page to set an "Onclick" event for most HTML elements to run specified code such as JavaScript or Visual Basic Script when clicked with the left mouse button. Now with JAWS, you can access items that are set up in this manner. Just move to the item and press ENTER.

Note: Links and form fields still function the same as in previous versions of JAWS.

Dynamically Edit HTML Text

The "Contenteditable" attribute is used within Internet Explorer 5.5 and newer to make almost any text dynamically editable. JAWS now supports this attribute. If the attribute is set to true for an element of text, just press ENTER to enter Forms mode, edit the text, and press NUM PAD PLUS to activate the Virtual cursor again.

Internet Explorer and TAB

When you press TAB in Internet Explorer, not only are you moved through links and form controls, now JAWS also moves you through items that use the HTML "Tabindex" attribute. However, at this time, the TAB order specified by the "Tabindex" attribute is not always preserved.
 

New Braille Positioning Option

This new setting determines how the content of the Braille display is updated when the active cursor is moved outside the area currently displayed. The Minimal setting repositions the display the minimum number of cells in order to ensure that the active cursor is visible. The Fixed setting always repositions the display so the active cursor is in the same cell as before the positioning occurred.

Report Battery Level on Laptops

JAWS 4.01 provides you quick access to information about your portable computer's battery life. On laptop computers, just press CAPS LOCK+SHIFT+B to hear the current battery level.

We wish to extend special thanks to our good friend and long time JAWS User Stephen Dawes from Calgary, Canada for this great feature! Stephen's contribution is a testimony to why this product just keeps getting better.

Quickly View Contents of System Tray

If you need to verify the contents of the Windows System Tray, just press CTRL+SHIFT+F11. The information displays in the Virtual Viewer where you can easily review it, or select it and copy it to the clipboard.

This is another feature brought to you through the courtesy of Stephen Dawes of Calgary Canada, and we wish to again thank him for his kind contributions.
 

Improvements

Arrow Keys for Say All Fast Forward and Rewind

During a Say All, you can now use LEFT ARROW to rewind and RIGHT ARROW to fast forward through your document. The SHIFT keys are still available for fast forward and rewind as well, if you prefer to use them.

Disable Shift Keys for Say All Fast Forward and Rewind

If you require the Windows Sticky Key feature, which is enabled by pressing a SHIFT key quickly five times, you can turn off use of the SHIFT keys for rewind and fast forward. Disable use of the SHIFT keys for Say All's rewind and fast forward in Configuration Manager, Keyboard Options, in the Default configuration file.

Braille is Faster

Braille is now much more responsive than in JAWS 4.0. When navigating from a Braille display, or moving the PC and JAWS cursors, notice quick, sharp responses to your commands, and speech remains very fast and responsive as well!

Improved Text Attribute Marking in Braille

The Braille Toggle Marking command is used with most supported Braille displays to cycle through the text attributes that are marked in Braille (such as bold, italic, highlight, underline). This command now displays a list of all text attributes. Just move through the list, and use SPACEBAR to specify the attributes you want marked on your display. This makes it much easier to specify that multiple text attributes are to be marked in Braille.

Improved Braille in Lists

We have improved our Braille support so the entire text of items in list boxes and tree views are displayed in Braille, even if the text is not fully visible on the screen.

Screen Text or MSAA for List Views

Now you can choose to hear either the on screen text or information provided by MSAA (Microsoft Active Accessibility) within list views, such as on the Windows Desktop. The on screen text is provided by default. When JAWS relies on MSAA to speak list views, the entire text of the selected item is spoken even if it is not visibly displayed. After speaking this text, JAWS speaks the size, type and date information automatically. You may find this option beneficial when using Braille on the desktop, as icons with two or more lines of text are completely displayed on the Braille line. To enable this option, check the "Rely on MSAA for List Views" check box within the Advanced Options dialog in Configuration Manager. This check box is only available in the default configuration file.

Next Non Linked Text in Web Pages

The command to move to the next instance of text that is not a link, INSERT+ENTER, has been improved and is now far more reliable.

Improved HTML Table Support

When using ALT+CTRL plus the arrow keys to move through a table in a web page, JAWS attempts to identify and announce the content of table cells used for row and column headings. JAWS is now far better at finding these table headings. If HTML is not used to specify the cells to be used, JAWS will use either table cells using the TH element, or the leftmost/topmost complete column/row in the table.

Internet Explorer Organize Favorites Dialog

We have added functionality for the Organize Favorites dialog in Internet Explorer 5.x and 6, making it far more accessible.

Virtual Cursor Location When Returning to a Page

When you return to a page in Internet Explorer, using the back or forward commands, or when using ALT+TAB to switch between open applications, the Virtual PC cursor far more frequently returns to its last location on the page.

Select by Page in HTML

When using the virtual cursor, such as in Internet Explorer 5.x and 6 or in the JAWS help system, now use SHIFT+PAGE DOWN or SHIFT+PAGE UP to select a page at a time. And you can specify how many lines are treated as a "page" in Configuration Manager, HTML Options.

New HTML Text Link Verbosity Default

JAWS allows you to determine if, when you encounter a text link on a web page, you wish to hear the text displayed on the screen, any Alt or Title attribute information for the link, or the longest piece of information. Previously, by default, JAWS spoke any Alt or Title attribute information, and only spoke the text displayed on screen if no Alt or Title attribute information was present. Now, by default, JAWS speaks the on screen text.

HTML Page information Displays in Virtual Viewer

When you press INSERT+F1 while at the top of a web page or JAWS help topic, JAWS provides you information about the current page or topic. And now this information is displayed in the Virtual Viewer for easy review with speech or Braille. In addition to detailing what is found on the page, JAWS provides navigation information to make it easier to find what you want on the World Wide Web.

Improved Word Outline View Support

We have enhanced our support for Word's Outline View. The Word commands to move sections within the document, ALT+SHIFT+UP ARROW and ALT+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW, are now supported. To use these commands, press ALT+V, O to enter Outline view. Press ALT+SHIFT plus 1 through 7 to view headings to the corresponding level. Locate the heading for the section you wish to move and press ALT+SHIFT+UP ARROW or ALT+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW to move the section up or down within the document. All text and subsections contained in that section are also moved.

Word Font Information now Displays in Virtual Viewer

In Microsoft Word, when you press INSERT+F for font and formatting information, this information can now be displayed in the Virtual Viewer. This feature is off by default for quick review of font and formatting information. To turn on this feature, open the Adjust JAWS Verbosity dialog (INSERT+V), move to Font in Virtual Viewer, and press SPACEBAR to toggle the setting.

This makes it easy to verify you are using the formatting features you intend, and possible to review this information when necessary.

Improved Support for Protected Word Forms

When working in protected Word forms, JAWS no longer announces the distance from the left margin each time you TAB to a new form field. JAWS also now reads F1 Help text set up for form controls when you press F1 to display the help message. F1 Help text is a great way for authors of protected Word forms to provide comprehensive information for specific form fields.

Improved Reading of Tables in Word with Say All

When you use Say All, INSERT+DOWN ARROW, to read a document in Word, and the document contains tables, JAWS now reads these tables very well. JAWS announces the beginning and end of each table. JAWS reads each table row by row, announcing each row number before reading it.

Improved Handling of Protected Word Documents

JAWS 4.01 provides improved support for protected Word documents, based on the level of protection applied. Previously, when a document was protected, it was not possible to read by word, sentence or paragraph.

In JAWS 4.01, if the document protection is allow revision only, all of the JAWS features are available.
If the document protection is "allow comments only" or "form fields only" you can now read by word, sentence, or paragraph. Language detection is not available and does not appear in the JAWS Verbosity dialog. The JAWS verbosity items: Title Reading, Set Title Row, Set Title Column, and Clear Title Definition are not available and do not appear in the JAWS Verbosity dialog. The Tables option, which allows the detection of tables, is still available and functional. The contents of the current table cell, along with column and row coordinates are spoken when navigating a table.

When form field protection is applied, the only navigable portion of the document is that portion which can be edited or is unprotected: the fields to be completed.

List Spelling Errors in Word

We have changed the command to list spelling errors to ALT+SHIFT+L.

WordPerfect Enhancements

In a WordPerfect document, JAWS now detects the following:

Frame Viewer Improvements

We have improved frames support in several areas to make them easier to use, configure, and troubleshoot.

Easily change Validation Rule Text

Now it's even easier to change the text of the information your frames compare with information from your applications. If this information is not found in your application, your frame is not active, so it's important to be able to change it when needed. From the Validation Rules page of your frame's properties, just move to the rule you want to change in the list, and press F2 to edit the value assigned to it.

Add Multiple Actions to Events

JAWS 4.01 makes it easier to add multiple actions to frame events without having to recreate the same event over and over. Events are things that happen in your applications. Actions are assigned to them so they take place whenever the event occurs. Frames are often most effective when one event causes several things to happen.

In JAWS 4.01, just create an event as normal. After you have set it up and added your first action, TAB past the Finish button and press SPACEBAR on the Add Another Action button. Add as many actions as you need.
 

Frames List Defaults to Application

In JAWS 4.01, the Frames list shows all application frames by default. The Frames list is a convenient way to work with your frames, and it is the only way to access frames that are not currently active in your application. Previously, only active frames were listed by default. Now, all frames are listed so it is easier to troubleshoot frames that are not functioning as you expected.

Restrict the JAWS Cursor to a Frame

It is often helpful to restrict the JAWS or Invisible cursor to the current application, or even the current window within an application. Now, restrict the JAWS cursor to a frame you have created. This makes it easier for you to limit what the JAWS cursor reads to only the information you need. Just press INSERT+R to cycle through the options for restricting the JAWS or Invisible cursor.

Braille Displays and Screen Savers

In JAWS 4.01, we have changed Braille support so that when navigating with the virtual cursor using a Braille display, the screen saver does not come on, provided you press a Braille key within the time-out period.

Braille Viewer Improvements

A new option in the Braille Viewer system tray menu allows you to unlock the Braille Viewer from the desktop. This means that the desktop does not change shape to accommodate the Braille Viewer. When the setting is changed, the Braille Viewer is positioned at the top of the screen.

When unlocked, the Braille Viewer can be moved up and down the desktop, and when the mouse is released, it moves back to the correct position. When unlocked, the Braille Viewer is "always on top," even if it is not the active window.
 

JAWS Version Information now Displays in Virtual Viewer

In JAWS 4.01, when you move to the JAWS application window and press CTRL+INSERT+V for version information, this information is listed in the Virtual Viewer where you can review it, or even copy it into a document. In addition to listing the current version of JAWS, other useful information is also displayed, such as your serial number and the speech synthesizers and Braille displays that are currently installed.

Eloquence Now Pauses for Colons

The Eloquence for JAWS software speech synthesizer now pauses briefly for colons to provide a more natural sounding reading experience.

Verbosity Options are now Alphabetized

We have rearranged the Configuration Manager, Verbosity Options settings in alphabetic order to make it easier to find the settings you wish to change.

Improved Support for Windows Calculator

We have improved JAWS functionality in the Calculator in all versions of Windows.

Lotus Notes Support

We have improved JAWS support for Lotus Notes.

Improved PDF Support

We have improved JAWS functionality within Adobe Acrobat Reader, providing improved support for reading PDF files.

TaxAct 2001

We have updated JAWS support for TaxAct to include TaxAct 2001.
 

Fixes

PCAnywhere and JAWS Installation

JAWS Can now be installed on systems running Windows NT 4.0, 2000, and XP without first removing PCAnywhere.

Say Line in Word with Text Selected

In JAWS 4.0, if you used the Say Line command, INSERT+UP ARROW, on a line where text was selected in Microsoft Word, after reading the line, JAWS would also read the selected text. In JAWS 4.01, only the current line is read when you use the Say Line command in Word.

Quattro Pro 10 Menus

JAWS 4.0 did not properly read the menus in Quattro Pro 10. JAWS 4.01 now works well in these menus.

Duplicate Frame Names

In JAWS 4.0, Frame Viewer permitted multiple frames to have the same name. JAWS 4.01 prevents this from occurring.

Word Documents with % Symbol and Say All

Word documents containing the % symbol could cause Say All, INSERT+DOWN ARROW, to fail in JAWS 4.0. This has been corrected in JAWS 4.01.

Word Borders and Shading Dialog

JAWS now reports the value in the Width control in the Borders and Shading dialog as you use the arrow keys to adjust the setting.

Word Font Dialog

Several controls in the Word Font dialog that previously did not announce new values as they were changed now properly speak this information.

Better Word Font Size Reporting

Previously if text with multiple point sizes was selected and the Say Font command, INSERT+F, was used, the point size was reported as 9999999. JAWS now reports "mixed point size" when this occurs.
 

Internet 6 Reported Incorrectly

The command, Script File Name, INSERT+Q, when used in Internet Explorer 6, now reports the correct information.

Frame Viewer and Old Frame Files

The validation rules in frame files from older versions of JAWS are now properly converted to the new Frame Viewer format.

Eudora Title Not Read

The title of the Eudora application is now announced before JAWS starts to read email messages.

Windows Date and Time

In the Date and Time applet in Control Panel, the hours minutes and seconds are now announced as they are being changed.

Braille No Active Window Message

We have changed the message received on a Braille display when there is no active window. Braille displays will now state, "Press routing button to go to Desktop."

Minimize All Applications and Sticky Keys

We have removed the INSERT+F6 command for minimizing all applications. This keystroke would occasionally cause sticky ALT and Windows Keys in some operating systems. We recommend using WINDOWS KEY+M to minimize all applications. If you do not have a WINDOWS KEY on your keyboard, press CTRL+ESC, ALT+M to minimize all applications.

Eudora Set to Say All by Lines with Pauses

We have set the Say All by setting to lines with pauses for Eudora so that when a Say All is stopped, the cursor is located closer to where the Say All was stopped.

Tree Views Reporting Blank

We have corrected a problem where in some tree view controls items were announced as "blank."

Frames and JAWS Screen Echo

Frames now correctly honor JAWS screen echo settings.

Braille Information from Frames not Cleared

When frame information is displayed in Braille, and ALT+TAB is pressed, the Braille display now properly updates.

Verbosity Position Information and Tree Views

The Configuration Manager Verbosity Options setting for position information is now honored within tree view controls.

Verbosity Options Select not Honored

The Configuration Manager Verbosity Options Select setting is now honored. This setting determines if JAWS announces when text is selected.

Start Menu and Tutor Message

The tutor message and access key are now spoken after opening the Start Menu when Programs is the top item within the Start Menu.

Pause/Break Key Disabled

In JAWS 4.0, the Pause/Break key could not be assigned to commands, was misreported as "num lock," and was disabled in some applications while JAWS was running. All these issues have been fixed in JAWS 4.01.

16 Bit Applications in Windows NT 4

JAWS settings for 16 bit applications within Windows NT 4 now load correctly.

Portable Systems with the SIS 630/730 Display Chipset

JAWS now functions correctly on portable computers that use the SIS 630/730 display chipset.

MSN Messenger

The automatic message reading features provided by JAWS now work in MSN Messenger 4.5.

Image Map Links with Virtual Cursor Off

Image map links are now recognized when the Virtual PC Cursor is off.

Sluggish Performance in Internet Explorer Menus

In Internet Explorer 5.x and 6, menus no longer respond sluggishly when large web pages are loaded.

Word XP and Announce Comment Command

The JAWS Announce Comment command, ALT+SHIFT+APOSTROPHE, now works in Word XP.

WordPerfect 10 Registry Entry

The WordPerfect 10 Registry key imported by JAWS with CTRL + INSERT+ SHIFT + I now works on all systems to make WordPerfect 10 accessible.

Clock Displayed Twice

The clock on the Windows taskbar is no longer displayed twice in Braille while using structured mode.

Braille in Lists

Items in lists views are now correctly reporting their state when not selected.

Dialogs in Office Applications

Moving through some dialogs in Office applications no longer results in information being spoken that is not relevant to the dialog. This issue only occurred when Automatically Start JAWS was used.

Windows XP Control Panel and Category View

In Windows XP Control Panel, when using Category View, buttons and links now read properly.

Deleting Items in Windows Explorer

JAWS no longer says "Y" when you press the DELETE key in Windows Explorer.

Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP

The Focus to First Field and Focus to Last Field commands, CTRL+INSERT+HOME and CTRL+INSERT+END, now work in Internet Explorer 6 within Windows XP.

Virtual Viewer and Braille

When you press INSERT+F1 for help on a control, Braille displays now properly display the information within the Virtual Viewer help message.

Word XP and Prompt Creator

If you use Prompt Creator to customize control prompts within Word XP, JAWS no longer speaks the prompt twice.

Performance in Internet Explorer

Performance within Internet Explorer should no longer be sluggish.

Delay when Closing Word

You will no longer notice a delay when closing Word within Windows XP on computers with very fast processors.
 

Braille Displays with Virtual Cursor

While using structured mode on a Braille display, information will now update as you navigate with the Virtual PC cursor activated.
 

 

 

   

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More Information about MAGic

 

Frequently Asked Questions On WinBraille

 

An Innovative Software simplifying production of braille in any language.

   

Q: What is WinBraille system?

 

Win Braille is a revolutionary software developed by our principals Index Braille Sweden. It is a braille editor cum translation software designed for Index Braille embossers which simplifies production of braille in any language. It takes advantage of the windows platform and opens the possibility to edit user defined braille codes. WinBraille works on all Windows platforms, 95, 98, NT, 2000.

 

Q: How does it work?

 

Install WinBraille on your computer and start embossing immediately. It is that simple. It works with all the models of Index embossers. All you have to do is enter the text you wish to produce in braille directly in the windows editor you use regularly like MS Word 97, word pad, etc, edit the same and by just giving the print command the same would be automatically translated and embossed on the Index Braille Printer. Word, Word Perfect, Outlook or other Windows compatible programs, all work with WinBraille. Use your favourite word processor as your braille editor. Emboss with your normal print icon. It is as easy as printing with a normal printer.

 

Q: Is WinBraille expensive?

 

Not at all! in fact it is actually free of cost for all Index users. Each Index embosser now will include a free copy of the WinBraille braille editor.

 

Q: Can we use it with all Braille Printers?

 

WinBraille supports all Index embossers manufactured after 1988 (Index Basic, Domino, Everest, Basic-D/S and 4 x 4 Pro)

 

Q: What are the benefits of WinBraille?

 

WinBraille provides a number of benefits such as:

   

Q: Can it produce graphics?

 

No, Not in this present version of WinBraille, but Index is already working on it and it would be soon possible to produce braille graphics with Index braille embossers in the upgraded version at a later date.

 

Q: Can we emboss and print braille text directly from the internet?

 

Yes, When you find a page interesting on the Internet, you can emboss it directly without leaving your normal browser. Simply click on the print icon and the information will be embossed on your Index Braille Printer. Pictures and other information which cannot be produced in braille will be excluded.

 

Q: Is the installation process difficult?

 

No, The installation procedure is similar to the installation of any Windows program. This will set-up a user profile in WinBraille. The profile defines for example, the Index embosser, communication port, page format, page numbering and braille translation tables. Several profiles can be defined and changed at any time within WinBraille.

 

Q: If we have a problem in using the same, what do we do?

 

WinBraille is the platform for Index internet support to customers. Within WinBraille you can for example, post your problem to our website for immediate technical support, upgrade to the latest WinBraille version, get new braille translation files, upgrade your Index embosser to the latest firmware or contact us we being their  authorized distributors for India  and we shall be glad to assist you.

 

Q: How do we get a copy of the WinBraille Software?

 

If you are already an existing customer of Index Braille Printers you may contact us at support@brailleworldindia.com OR download the same from Indexbraille's website www.indexbraille.com

 

Q: What do we have to do to setup our own braille production unit?

 

All you need to do is install a computer and an Index Braille printer of your choice from any of their models that is. Basic D, Everest or 4X4 Professional.

 

Frequently Asked Questions on setting up your own braille production