Wizard makes your screen easier to read
Editor’s note: Susan Daffron has joined The Spokesman-Review’s roster of contributors. Her column will appear regularly on the Technology page, providing plain-English tips on getting more from your computer. Feel free to e-mail your computing questions to her at sdaffron@ logicalexpressions.com, or visit www.logicaltips.com to read her archived columns.
Although I try not to think about it, every day I’m getting just a little bit older. In fact, a few weeks ago, I bought reading glasses at Staples. I’m still at the lowest magnification, but it was a sobering experience to realize that my eyes aren’t what they once were.
Realistically, computer users have many different abilities, and over the years Microsoft has incorporated more accessibility options into Windows.
To access the options, you need to run the Accessibility Wizard. You run it by choosing Start|Programs|Accessories| Accessibility|Accessibility Wizard.
If you don’t find the wizard, it may not be installed. The wizard was installed on my computer, but you can opt not to install it when you load Windows. So if you don’t find the wizard, you can easily add it in. Choose Start|Settings|Control Panel and double-click Add or Remove Programs. On the left side, click Add/Remove Windows Components. Click Accessories and Utilities and then click the Details button. Make sure there is a checkmark next to the Accessibility Wizard. You will probably need to put your original Windows CD into the drive so Windows can retrieve it.
When you run the wizard, you can select larger type or use the Magnifier program, which enlarges part of your screen much like holding a big magnifying glass over your monitor. I found the Magnifier takes a little getting used to, but if you need it to see your computer, it’s worth taking some time to figure it out.
Another accessibility program is called Narrator, which is a text-to-speech program that can read menu commands and dialog box options. Although it’s not as sophisticated as a commercial screen reader, it does come with Windows, which is handy if you are using someone else’s computer.
The onscreen keyboard is another accessibility program that’s designed for people with limited mobility. As the name suggests, a keyboard appears on your screen and you click to type. As with the Narrator, the program isn’t as full-featured as other dedicated accessibility software, but it’s great in a pinch.
Susan Daffron is the president of Logical Expressions, Inc. ( www.logicalexpressions.com) a Sandpoint-based company that offers graphic design, writing, Web, and programming services.