[nabs-l] Screen reading software

[Alexander Castillo]

HI, as mentioned previously, there are two  no cost options available
for someone in need of screen readers.


The first is SAToGo which is available by going to www.satogo.org. If
one uses Internet Explorer to visit the site, the first thing one will
hear are instructions on setting up SAToGo and no sighted assistance
is necessary. If one uses a different internet browser to visit the
site, you will hear a message saying that sighted assistance might be
necessary for setting up SAToGo. This version of the System Access
screen reading software will run without installation on most Windows
XP and Vista computers without any trouble. Once the user exits the
internet browser, SAToGo will stop working. For a JAWS user, SAToGo
will be very familiar as most of the key  commands and controls are
very similar. SAToGo also includes a magnification option for anyone
who needs it. It's not very good, but it will do the job if there is
no alternative available.

The second solution is called NVDA and may be downloaded at
www.nvda-project.org. This screen reader comes packaged in two ways:
as a file with an executable ready for installation on a computer, or
as a zip file for use with a flash drive. So, you can have both, a
full functioning screen reader for home,  and a portable version of
the same . NVDA is a bit more difficult to navigate and many people do
not like the voice which comes with the screen reader by default (it
might take a bit to get used to) but it cerrtainly can be used as a
primary screen reader, there are improvements made almost daily
because it is an open source project and much work is done by a
community, and the voices can be changed to suit one's preference as
it recognizes most speech engines.

It is a good idea to try and be familiar with both, as there are
things which one may do that the other will not.



Alex Castillo