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Computer Security and the Internet

Ani-virus

AVg 7.5 for home users download from http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5#avg-anti-virus-free

Computer Access and Training, also some special linkls

Computers can be a communications aid for the Visually Impaired. Assisted by specialist software tools (details below) which can speak to you and enlarge displays. You can write letters, reports, books, memoirs etc, keep financial and other records, access CD ROM information, browse the internet and send electronic mail amongst other things. For instance there is now a worldwide blind persons radio service only on the internet at www.acbradio.orgsponsored by the American Council for the Blind.

It is very IMPORTANT that if you are buying new equipment that you get the proper advice applicable to your personal needs. In particular a large monitor (screen) is essential for the partially sighted. Usually a 21" (nominal size) is the minimum, certain peripherals are also sensible. If you cannot touch type then large keyboard stickers or an overlay could be a help.

Specialist software can magnify parts of the screen and/or read text to you, called screen readers and screen magnifiers, these tools are the main way in which a V.I. can use a computer. Many work with most applications and help gain access to things like e-mail and the internet, although some web sites defy such help! Again it is important that you seek advice on those products, as all have pro's and cons. In particular some will refuse to work with certain screen settings which other applications may demand. Some products and agents are listed below.

Also some software can take dictation and perform spoken computing commands, but they do usually require a lot of training and difficulties can arise when running at the same time as other background software such as magnifiers. By using a flatbed scanner, printed documents (of the scanner size) can be read to you in one or several stages.

If you are new to the technology you will need learning help.

Some technical guidance and limited demonstrations are available, by appointment, from Newcastle Job Centre Disability Unit (0191) 220 8985.

MostLocal Voluntary Organisations provide free training on suitable equipment - give them a ring.

Various educational centres run computer courses with specialist software.

Newcastle College, Rye Hill (0191) 200 4397

Ability Centre, Lynwood Business Park ( 0191) 273 3233

Computer Courses on Cassette Tape: DAWN 4 tapes on Computing for Beginners for the Blind for Win 95 or 98 and any! screen reader.

2002 'Windows XP explained', guide and screen diagrams for VI;s by Dr Sarah Morley £15 in LP, tape and Braille from RNIBcustomer servicesor Email cservice@rnib.org.uk

Book on floppy: 'Accessing the Internet from the keyboard the Windows way.' John Wilson, 2000. Available for sale (cost £10) on floppy disk or by e-mail transfer from John Wilson. Telephone 0113-257 5957. (not seen)

More HELP!

RNIB Hi Tech Unit: 01733 37 0777

RNIB Computer Volunteers: 0845 6042341

RNIB Resource Centre: 0171 388 1266

Foundation of Communications for the Disabled: FCD: 01932 33 6512

If you are a novice, your main interest is email and the internet, and you would be content with a screen reader alone then you may be interested in a fully self installed system for Vis which arranges the (dedicated ISP) telephone connection and the specialist software 'Webtalk' for emails and 'surfing' the net. Try the subscriber service from Portsetat less than £1 per week and £80 software. All calls are additional at 0845 national rates. Email Portsetfor more info.

Free and shareware (try and pay if satisfied) specialist software:

There are some free and shareware screen magnifiers but they are of limited use, the magnifier with Win98 is not much use either but there has been a small improvement in the Win XP version. For reasonable satisfaction get the 'professional' versions.

Good free talking text editor with a great text to .wav or .mp3 sound file (8.4mb download) 'SavPad' has been donated to the visually impaired by Robison Bryan, for 'SavPad' and shareware http://inspiredcode.net Many thanks! It is fantastic for e-books.

Opera is a very good browser for partially sighted people better than Internet Explorer click for details

Specialist software Agents supplying \screen readers and magnifiers:

I cannot find any site which lists all the pros and cons of access software, so take advantage of ALL trials before coughing up around £600! It is wise to know the controls for the popular products as these are starting to be installed in public libraries and other facilities for your benefit. Current trends are for SuperNova, Zommtext (speech and mag.) Jaws and Window Eyes (speech only) GWMicro

Sight and Sound Technology: 01604 798070 www.sightandsound.co.uk

Professional Vision Services: 01462 42 0751 Email: sales@professional-vision-services.co.uk

PulseData Intl.(UK) Ltd: 01933 62 6000 www.pulsedata.comEmail: euro@pulsedata.com

Technovision Systems 01604 792777 

AlphaVision Ltd: 01494 883838 Email: access@alphavis.demon.co.uk

Concept Systems: 0115 925 5988 (Keyboard Stickers Etc.,) Email: admin@visaid.demon.co.uk

Kid Gloves: 01923 422 660 (Keyboards and special keyboard overlays) order direct from www.kidglove.co.ukbut note your keyboard make number and FCC type first.

Specialist software manufacturers, whose products are supplied by various of the above (all non UK unless stated) Most have demonstration versions available which are usually time limited.

AiSquared (Zoomtext &c.,) www.aisquared.com

Henter Joyce (Jaws and Magic &c.,) www.hj.com

F.H.Rapenmeier (Visulex LP-Win &c.,) www.papenmeier.de

UK - Dolphin (Supoernova, Hal &c.,) www.dolphinuk.co.uk

Without doubt the best value is from Choice Technology & Training who sell a no-trial £80 screen reader 'Lookout' which has a magnifier/reader option for £120 'Lookout'etc www.screenreader.co.uk Tel: 01733 234441 Fax: 01733 370931 E-mail: info@screenreader.co.uk

Above is only a selection more info at http://www.rnib.org.uk/technology/

You might consider a self-voicing talking dictionary for a P.C. with 250,00d words based on an English dictionary where speech software is not required.It's very user-friendly with easy commands. Download for £25 or CD £30. Tel:01368 865798

Specialist User Help: 

VDU Computer User Group: Self help group which reviews new hardware and software for PC's. Membership only requires you to supply a C90 cassette and wallet. Ring Mike Cassidy 01493 440860

For pro. computer users: British Computer Association for the Blind WWW.BCAB.org.uk01494 794797. Email BCAB@ED.AC.UK

A possible alternative to a large screen might be the Olympus Eyetrack Headset displayheadup 'virtual image' which accept input from computer, camcorder or TV - Tel: 0207 253 0513

The programmers site for the blind

Links for some of your PC woes and queries:

Micrsoft's software solutions in TECHNET online

Tom Lorrimers Guide www.whitestick.co.uk

Browser with intruder prevention www.safeweb.com

Techies Guide www.pctechguide.com

Hardware Guide www.tomshardware.com

General PC guide www.winfile.com

Web builders should make sites W3C accessible by conformingto the W3C guidelines W3Cadvicealso see web warning for non-accessible sites

To help develop M.S. accessible software applicationspractically, without impinging upon their creative and competitive license.

That lot should keep you happy for a while.