[access-uk] Re: Which software
- From: "Jim" <jwbr33694@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:17:27 -0000
Hi Vince,
Many thanks, priceless information as always.
Cheers
Jim
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Vincent Thacker
Sent: 27 November 2013 13:39
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Which software
Hi, Jim,
Can't comment on Office 2010 or 2013, the latest I've tried being 2007,
which I got on with fine, despite all the distractions of ribbons and the
rest. In fact, all the old keystrokes I'd used in 97 or 2003 still worked,
so I just didn't worry overmuch.
I suppose that one argument for having something more up-to-date than 2003
is about security. If it's not supported by MS, it won't get security
updates.
Windows 8.1 is no problem. I use it fine with NVDA. There is plenty of
readily-available advice via search engines if you get stuck, and of course,
you can ask here. 8.1 is a bit more friendly to the screen reader than 8.0
was. You won't see the familiar start menu and all that, although there are
free add-ons that will restore that. I have Classic Shell, and have the
choice of working with the Start Menu or the new start screen with its tiles
and the rest of it, so it doesn't get any better than that.
The voice in NVDA is a synthesiser called eSpeak. You are not confined to
that by any means, though some people like it because it can run fast and
not weigh down your computer. If you run NVDA, try changing synthesiser to
SAPI5 or whatever else youve got, and see what other voices you already
have. You will have some so that Narrator will work, and you can get hold of
others, as explained on the NVDA web site. Go here:-
http://community.nvda-project.org/wiki/ExtraVoices
It's such a personal choice what you find easy to work with that I wouldn't
recommend anything in particular; it's a matter of trying to see what works.
Hope that's some help.
Vince.
========================================
Message Received: Nov 27 2013, 11:58 AM
From: "Jim"
To: bcab@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Which software
Hi Lists,
First, apologies for cross posting but I need as many opinions as possible
before making my decisions.
I am looking to have a new computer built in the near future but I need some
views on software to install.
I am currently using Office 2003 and XP Homebut I am not sure whether to
install Office 2010 or 2013 along with Windows 7 or 8.1 on the new machine.
I have shied away from ribbons so far but I have to bow to the inevitable.
Is it too much of a jump from Office 2003 to 2013 or should I try 2010
first?
I keep hearing conflicting reports about Windows 8.1 as to whether its user
friendly for VI users.
I currently use JAWS 13 but have 2 SMA's, 14 and 15 disks available to
install. I have tried NVDA in the past but couldn't get on with its voice
because of my hearing but I understand there many more choices regarding
voices.
That's enough for now, thoughts please.
Jim Williams
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