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Resources on this page cover the computer, the Internet, website accessibility, and a combination of these for the blind user.
The Elder Geek on Windows XP is a large site with lots of information on computer troubleshooting for Windows XP. Beware that many of the links that you may click on, actually open in new browser windows. This is important if you have a pop up blocker enabled, since you likely won't be able to view the pages, unless you use the programs pass-through key (usually the Control key).
Do you have question or problems with Windows XP Service Pack 2? Or, do you have software that is not working properly after you have installed SP2? If so, read on for some helpful resources.
The following pages are taken directly from Microsoft.com:
Do you have questions about Windows XP Service Pack 2? Check out Kim Komando's SP 2 FAQ page. If you don't see your question, then check back often. You can read all about SP2 on Windows XP.com.
On 5/10/2004, I had to reinstall Windows on my system, and later that day, I realized that I had gotten the Sasser worm. Though this worm doesn't cause any internal damage to your system, or none that I've noticed so far, it does, once you get online, starts a count down clock that restarts your system after 60 seconds. It also prevents you from going to any websites, and makes your system perform very sluggishly. You don't want this worm. Note that this worm only affects computers with Windows 2000 or XP. If you have another version of Windows, you still might be affected, but you won't have all the trouble that someone with 2000 or XP will have.
So why am I telling you this? Because, like it or not, these are very real possibilities in this day and age, of having your system crash, having to reinstall Windows, or getting a worm or virus. All of my data on my main hard drive was wiped out when I reinstalled Windows. It might take months to get back all of what I had, including favorites, documents, settings, etc. Thankfully, I had stored downloaded programs and other files on my secondary drive, otherwise, I would have to download all of those executables and zip files for programs again.
There are some simple steps you can take to prevent any of these things from happening to you, or at least to limit the inconvenience if any of them do.
Keep your system running well with the security and enhancement software suggestions below. Note though that the software may or may not be accessible to the blind user. You will just have to try it and see what works best for you.
The Gibson Research Corporation (GRC) site is all about protecting your data and keeping your computer secure. You will find lots of information on these topics, and much more. You can also run the "Shields Up" test to see just how vulnerable your computer is on the Internet. This tes is completely safe and your information won't be published to anyone anywhere.
System Info is a site I came across which can help explain what the entries in your Start Up list are, in MS Config. Note: if you don't know what something is even after you check its abbreviation on this site, then don't uncheck it. You could cause damage to your computer. In fact, I would recommend consulting at least one person (even I had to do this for some entries), before taking action. However, this site can help you take this action. Check it out.
Crucial.com sells RAM for your computer. If your system is not running like it should, or if you have to constantly restart it, a lack of RAM, or of the right amount of RAM, may be the problem. Check with your computer guru (everyone has one), to be sure. This site only sells RAM. If you don't know what kind of RAM your computer takes, then you can use the site's tools to check. Also, you are highly advised to call your computer's manufacturer, or the place you bought your computer from, to see what kind of RAM your computer has, and how much you can have installed on your system. Increased RAM can make the difference betweena frustrating machine that may have you pulling your hair out, and a pleasant computer experience.
New Egg has a wide variety of computer related hardware and accessories that you can order online. Whether you want a USB hub, some CDRW's, or even another hard drive, they can deliver. I even know someone who built their entire system from New Egg products. One notable thing though: they only accept orders online, but if you're a seasoned online shopper, this may not be any big deal. So check them out and boost your system's power or add some much desired accessories.
Easy Cleaner 1.7 is a freeware program that can help you clean up all that clutter on your hard drive, like extra entries in your registry (which you should backup before changing), duplicate files on your disk, and more. If you use Windows XP, be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions area on this site for special instructions. I've used this program before and it does work wonders, if nothing else, to speed up the time it takes your computer to start. Incidentally, you can hear a review of Easy Cleaner on the Main Menu archives page. Go to the Media page and look for the Main Menu link, then search for Easy Cleaner.
Email and virus hoaxes make up a large portion of daily Internet traffic. Learn which emails and viruses are fake by going to either Hoax Busters, or Symantec's Hoax Page.
If you're tired of those darn pop-up ads that slow your web surfing, then check out two freeware or shareware pop-up ad stoppers. I haven't tried these myself, so I can't say how accessible these are for the blind or low vision user, but I do recommend everyone have some way to stop these annoying ads. Take my word for it, it makes your Net surfing so much more enjoyable, :)
Add Subtract and
Panic Ware's Pop-up Stopper
Another way to keep your computer safe and secure is by stopping it from being infected by viruses and other threats. The new Norton Antivirus 2004 protects against viruses, trogen horses, worms, in instant messenging conversations, and new in this version, spyware and keystroke loggers. Go to the site and learn more about the best antivirus solution to date, in my opinion.
If you can't afford the purchase of an antivirus software package, then here are several freeware solutions that can scan your system and components from the WWW:
If you need more protection than Norton's Antivirus software, then you might check out Norton Internet Security 2004. this new version not only includes the antivirus software mentioned above, but also: a personal firewall, parental controls, anti-spam fighting tools to help keep that spam from your email Inbox, and more. Whether you're on a high speed or dial-up connection, you really should look into this amazing and top-notch security software for your ssystem.
Check for spyware before downloading that cool new program by going to Spy Checker. On this site, you can type in the name of a program, hit the "check for spyware" button, and it will give you a report of whether the software has spyware that installs with it. By doing this, you can help keep your system clean by stopping the spyware from even entering, instead of having to clean up the mess later.
If you use Gmail and need help with certain features or want to learn what you can do with it, then check out the Gmail Help Center. Note that much of the instruction here is provided for the standard Gmail view. If you use the Basic HTML view, then instructions may be different. Check the help pages for more information.
If you use Gmail and are tired of using the Standard view, or you want a simpler interface than the Basic HTML view provides, then try using Gmail Mobile.
With the release of the Macintosh version 10.4, or the "Tiger" operating system, Apple has included a screen reader available in every Macintosh. This is an awesome step to further accessibility in a mainstream package. Mac Visionaries is a company that seeks to provide more information about this screen reader, called Voice Over. If you own a Mac or want to learn more about how Voice Over works, then read or download the Voice Over manual in either PDF or MP3 formats.
An effort has been made to get the Voice over getting started material available to as many people in a variety of formats. Voice Over is the screen reading software built into Macintosh versions 10.4 and above. With the release of the Leopard update for the Mac, Voice Over is even more useful. Read more about the Voice Over for Leopard Getting Started material, available in Daisy files, MP3 audio, contracted Braille, and other formats.
Many people have the new Sandisk U3 USB flash drives which have software on them that starts each time you plug the drive into your computer. The problem is that this software prevents you from moving and copying files to your computer from the drive. It in essence takes over the machine while you sit and wait for it to finish. If you're tired of waiting, then check out the U3 Launchpad Removal Tool. You can download and run this tool to remove that annoying software. Note that you must have the drive plugged into your computer before you run the removal software.
On 4/19/07, the New York Times had an article in their Technology section called, Moving Day for that Vista Machine, which talks about moving your files from the old to the new computer. Many people will likely face this situation at one time or another as we upgrade to Windows Vista, so check out this article for some handy tips on ways you can move all those files.
Paul Thurrott is a professional geek, having a Windows SuperSite, which includes information on all things Microsoft, including Windows, Xbox, an more. He has written a review of Windows Vista and a review of Office 2007. These reviews are very detailed and extensive. He has just started the Office 2007 review, so check back regularly for content. I found his review of Vista particularly interesting, especially parts 2 and 5.
Blind Geek Zone is a site that has tons of information, audio reviews, podcasts, demonstrations of programs, and much more.
With Internet Explorer 7 out, I thought it appropriate to offer the keyboard lover's guide to IE 7. This information was taken from the IE Blog.
Probably the biggest news at the 2006 NFB national convention was the Kurzweil-NFB Reader. This is a small, hand-held device that blind people can use for reading the mail, things around the house, and more. Find out more about the new K-NFB Reader on this page.
For those interested in the Nokia 6682 cell phone, you can get a bundled package deal from Let's Talk at a really good price, for new customers and contract extensions. Though the prices change daily, I got my 6682 for about $270, with taxes, and that included the phone and some accessories. And the best part, you get the phone in around 2-3 days after ordering.
Here's other information on accessible cell phones and their software:
For those with a Pocket PC note taker, like the PAC Mate or other device, check out the Pocket PC Freeware site. There are lots of other categories for add-ons you can get for your PPC device, but I've found two of the Today plugins to be most helpful: the Task Plus and Calendar Plus plugins. Note: if you're using a PAC Mate, remember that not all software is garranteed to be totally accessible. However, if it doesn't work, then just uninstall it and try something else. After all, that's something that we have over the HumanWare note takers, :) Have fun.
I have used an email program called Eudora. I have talked with several blind people that said its very blind friendly, and I agree. Personally, what sets Eudora apart from other email programs is an easier setup of filtering mail. There are other things as well though, like improved security and handling of attachments. Check it out for yourself. You can use either the "sponsored" or paid version; both work equally well. And, probably the best part, JAWS doesn't read any of the ads in the sponsored version.
Frontier Computing is a site loaded with lots of computer tips, many of which are for blind and low vision users. You can also buy products, read information for people with learning disabilities, and get other information on this site.
Access Watch is a cool website that has come to my attention. As the name implies, it keeps track of various pieces of access technology and other things as well. Check them out.
Google, my favorite search site, has put out a tool which you might find really helpful. It is their Google Desktop Search, where you can search your computer for particular files in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and for chat conversations and saved web pages, and more. Note that Google does not collect any of your personal information. Check it out at Google Desktop Search.
The CSUN's Conference on Technology and People with Disabilities happens every March in L.A., CA. This conference is a gathering place for those concerned with technology and people with disabilities. Visit their site and read about past and upcoming conferences, as well as retrieve the appropriate forms to attend the next conference. Note though that these forms are not usually available till December or January.
If you weren't able to visit the exhibit hall at the CSUN conference of 2005, or if you want to relive some memories, then check out the CSUN Exhibit Hall Webcast put on jointly by OcuSource.com, Audio Tips, and Talking Communities. There are several archive files for each day of exhibits, from March 17-19. This is a very cool service that all three sites helped put together. Hopefully, there will be similar efforts made in the future.
Catch up with many key events from CSUN in 2005, with the CSUN 2005 Audio Blog provided by ACB Radio and recorded by Marlaina Lieberg.
The Trace Research and Development Center, at the University of Wisconscin, is a group concerned with access to technology for people with disabilities. Check them out.
Are you confused by the many different file extensions and types, like .doc, .exe, .zip, .kwt., etc? Go to an explanation of file extensions and what types of files they work with.
Serotek has a number of different products that all seem to blend together to make the blind or low vision person's life easier, such as System Access (a screen reader), the S.A. Mobile Network (an online community with many different activities and tools), and more. Serotek is one company in the Assistive Technology industry that have been innovators, since they have figured out how to put a small software package on the market that's not as complicated as JAWS or Window Eyes, and that allows someone to use a computer with ease. Check out their site, read their frequently asked questions, and try their products for yourself.
S.A. to go is a beta product from Serotek that lets you use a web based screen reader, or put it on your USB U3 thumb drive. There's no indication on when this beta will end, but try the product and see how easy system access is. Note that when you are finished, and you unload the product, there will be no trace of it on your system.
JAWS for Windows, a screen reading program for the blind. This program is designed with the blind user in mind. JAWS, or Job Access with Speech, for Windows (JFW), is a screen access program or a screen reader. A screen reader is a piece of software that reads the screen to a blind or low vision user, and allows them to navigate using the keyboard to perform everyday tasks. Some of the capabilities of a screen reader, or JFW, are, but are not limited to: creating a document in a word processor, such as Microsoft Word; creating a Power Point presentation, that is both informational and appealing to a sighted user; composing, editing, and sending an email message, and more. In fact, I'm using JFW right now to write this web page, and I use it daily to have fun and to get work done. This site has everything you would ever want to know about JAWS, including technical support notes, updates, news about the company (Freedom Scientific), and much more.
The Windows XP Settings with JFW page on Freedom Scientific's website tells what settings need to be adjusted in order for Windows XP Home or Pro to work properly with JFW. If you have recently obtained Windows XP and are having trouble, or want to configure your new system, check this page out. It might make your computer time more enjoyable.
Connect Outloud, from Freedom Scientific is yet another screen reader that is available for a blind or low vision person. Connect Outloud provides web access with Internet Explorer, email access with Outlook Express, and limited word processing with WordPad.
The JFW Lite page has lots of information for the JFW user, including: programs and scripts you can download for JFW, or just download the programs (many are ones you might like), helpful hints for JFW, and much more.
NonVisual Desktop Access is an open-source screen reader. On this site, you can download updates, listen to an audio demonstration, and more.
The Kim Komando Show. This is a weekly broadcasted radio show that's heard all over the U.S. Kim talks about all things computers and technology, and she's good about breaking down tech terms into laymen's terms. If a station in your local area does not carry this show, or even if it does, you can sign up to receive any of her daily emails, which include:
Do you think that a keyboard is where you hang your keys? Or,
that cookies and java are what you buy at Starbucks? Then go to
and find out what
their computer meanings are.
The technology page for the National Federation of the Blind
This is the technology page for the National Federation of the Blind. They have lots of technology related news, information on how a blind person can check email by telephone, Guideline for Making Your Website Accessible (referenced below), and much more.
Winamp for the Blind. Yes, the Winamp for the Blind website is back! Jammin' Jerry is hosting it on his site (read more about him on the Fun page, in the Friends Websites list), and though he doesn't have much on the site yet, he is open to any additions you might have. So what are you waiting for? Check out the new home for Winamp for the Blind.
CNet. This page would not be complete if I didn't have a link for CNet. This site has news and reviews for many types of computer hardware and software. There's also lots of other information on it as well relating to the computer. CNet is the number one place to turn to if you want to find out more about that digital camera you want, or how that latest antivirus program matches up against competitors. Its even a great place to read user and professional reviews about the tdigital camera or that antivirus software.
Listed here are places that you can get computer tutorials to learn more about how to use mainstream programs with your adaptive software. Many of the sites offer tutorials on slow or normal speed cassette, some offer tutorials on CD and some electronically. Check with the respective site to see what they have. Also, some sites allow you to place orders online for their tutorials.
Jonathan Mosen has started making audio tutorials again. Check out his tutorials, available in MP3 downloadable format, so far Speaking of Skype and Get Going with Google. Both of these tutorials start from buying/installing the software, and end with intermediate and advanced features and tips that will please the most discriminating user. Check them out.
If you are seeking more in-depth training than a tutorial can give, then check out these sites, some of which offer online distance learning classes:
The following are resources for teachers and trainers:
Granted, this particular resource may not be interesting to the average person, but its a big help to blind webmasters. I found this while surfing one day. I wanted to know the various RGB Color Codes. The entire page is one big table, but it lists any code you could imagine, along with its hexadecimal value and description. Check it out!
I am using another FTP program, FTP Voyager, which I'm liking very much. Its not free, but you get a lot with your purchase. Go to the site and read more about this cool tool. You can hear a review of FTP Voyager on the Main Menu archives, linked elsewhere on this site, on the 19 June, 2000, show.
Front Page Express (1.73 MB), is another free HTML editing/creating program. It should be noted this program is no longer supported by Microsoft, however a big thank you goes out to the kind soul that gave me this URL to download the program from. This is one of the great things of the Web; if something disappears in one place, it will likely pop up somewhere else. Anyway, if you are using a screen reader, such as JFW, you will need to do the find or search page command when the page comes up, for "Front Page Express", or something along those lines, without the quotes of course. You mayy have to search for it several times before you actually get to the download link. Once there, read the instructions below the link carefully. They will tell how to download and install the program. If you don't have a way of doing this with your screen access program, they have been insertted here for your convenience:
If you have problems with Front Page Express, then you can go to a listing of common problems from the Microsoft website.
Arachnophilia 4.0 is a free, HTML editing/creation program that is accessible to the blind. If you are looking for a good web page/site creation program, and one where you will not have to learn all those possibly confusing codes, then this might be the thing for you. I haven't used this program myself, but I hear that it is very accessible and works very well in designing pages. One other note: although at the top of the page, it will try to get you to download version 5 of this program, near the bottom of the page you will find links and information for downloading the accessible 4.0 version.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This site has dozens of pages on designing your website, so that it abides by the standards that the W3C has put in place. It also has information about making your site accessible to people with disabilities. Personally, I find this site confusing in it sorganization, but if I failed to include it hear, I would probably hear from someone. Nonetheless, you may find it helpful.
Web Monkey. This site is much simpler to understand in its organization, and how it presents design concepts. If you feel overwhelmed by HTML and just want to learn the simple stuff, such as how to make your basic title, header, and paragraph tags, then this site has what you need. It also presents intermediate and advanced concepts of web design, such as JavaScript and some programming. I have found it to be a continual resource for checking the codes, learning new concepts in a nontechnical manner, and overall keeping me informed.
Equal Access to Speech and Information (EASI). This website offers courses that one can take to learn web design and making sites accessible to the disabled, along with information and webcasts about making other types of technology accessible.
Macromedia: makers of multimedia software for your computer and the Internet. Normally, I would not have this site on my website, because, until March or April of 2002, Macromedia's Flash player and other programs were inaccessible to the blind. However, Macromedia, along with another major screen reader manufacturer, GW Micro, makers of Window Eyes, have released accessible versions of Flash, Dreamweaver, and other Macromedia programs. JAWS for Windows versions 4.5 and later, support flash and other Macromedia content. I expect that the other, more minor but nonetheless used, screen readers will follow. Macromedia have also released an accessible version of their Macromedia Contribute software, which helps the non-designer update web pages in a flash.
The Teddy Center for the Blind is a fairly new site to the Web, but it has a lot of useful information on it, including resources for blind programmers, Linux users, manuals, and much more.
BlindProgramming.com has information primarily for the blind programmer. On this site, you will find information on different programming languages, such as: C/C++, JAVA, HTML, Basic, and much more. It also has a list that you can subscribe to where you can ask questions and get answers from programmers who are blind.
Are you looking for a web hosting service and get confused, as I often do, by all the different web hosting providers and their services? Then Find My Host, might be a solution. This site allows you to do searches for providers and customize those searches so that you get the host that you want or it will let you narrow the choices. It also has great resources that explain what web hosting is and why it is needed, plus many other things as well. Check it out.
FTP Explorer, is an accessible FTP client software package, free for the taking. It has an interface very similar to Windows Explorer, so its easy to pick up and use, and there is no special scripting needed to use it with a screen reader. It could be said that FTP Explorer works right after installation, which is good to see with mainstream software. Also, it has many features that other FTP software packages do not have.
My thanks to the people and sites that have helped me compile these resources.
The following resources provide articles and instructions on how to make your Web site more accessible for blind and disabled Internet surfers. Note that the ASSIST with Windows Tutorial Web site contains examples of readable and inaccessible Web page elements. Hope you find this information benefitial.
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