Robert Acosta, President
Helping Hands for the Blind
(818) 998-0044
www.helpinghands4theblind.org
From: dan Thompson [mailto:dthompson5@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2015 9:12 PM
To: dan Thompson
Subject: assistive technology institute, and what is the windows 10 icon in
the system tray, Dan's tips for June 1 and 2 2015
For the last three days, Mediacom is
changing to all digital and all third party emailing programs ability to
send out messages have been extremely problematic. I have contacted the
help desk many times since Friday evening with little satisfaction.
However, tonight I can finally email out.
So I am including Monday and Tuesday's tips in this message.
The start of each article is marked with two asterisks.
Contents of this email are:
Each article starts out with a fact for the day.
I. Assistive Technology Institute
II. What is the “Get Windows 10″ Tray Item and How Do You Remove It?
**I. Monday June 1st 2015
Fact of the day:
A micronation is an invented country not recognized by any other. One of the
most interesting is the Principality of Sealand, located on an ocean
platform off the coast of England. They've got their own currency, stamps,
and passports. They have argued their right for sovereignty (and lost)
several times in court.
Assistive Technology Institute:
Today I wish to share with everyone an awesome resource for high quality
textbooks for working with the Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office
Products using screenreading or screen enlargement software. I fortunately
enrolled in one of Ms. Murtha's Office trainings back in the 1990's and have
been extremely thankful every since. Her easy to follow material has
significantly enhanced my professional performance and use of my personal
computer at home. I thought it is about time I post something about this
excellent site so others can gain a higher comfort level and competency
using their computer.
Access Technology Institute, LLC -- Setting the Standards others will
Follow
HomePage:
http://www.blind.training/
From the Home Page:
"ATI features easy-to-understand, straightforward training for all levels of
computer users.
We speak the language of the Operating System, applications and screen
readers and teach concepts and controls.
Where many teach a litany of keystrokes to accomplish tasks, our materials
explain what’s happening and how to navigate the display without heavy
memorization. Keystrokes are included but they’re in context.
Our ultimate goal is to help students grow self-sufficient using mainstream
materials because they understand what’s happening in the Operating System
and can extrapolate mainstream information into an accessible format."
*Links Available:
§ ATI Home <http://www.blind.training/>
http://www.blind.training/
§ *ATI Textbooks <http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks>
http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks
ATI offers a number of comprehensive textbooks designed for the end user.
These publications are accessible to everyone
All of our textbooks offer a number of format options from which to choose.
Included in our textbooks are:
§ Individually labeled audio files
§ The text in Microsoft Word format
§ The text in HTML format
§ The text in Plain Text format
Below are links to all of our training materials.
§ Full Access Pass Subscription
<http://www.blind.training/ati-full-access-pass-subscription>
* http://www.blind.training/ati-full-access-pass-subscription
One-Year Full Access Pass Subscription
Current Subscribers - <http://www.blindtextbooks.com/downloads.html>
Download Your Textbooks
Full Access Pass subscribers receive access to all ATI Textbooks and trainer
handbooks for one yearly fee.
The price of our textbook subscription is $18,500.00. This price is locked
in for each subsequent renewal.
For this one yearly price you receive the Full-Access Pass Subscription.
§ All textbooks can be placed on a corporate or organization server and
used by an unlimited number of students on-site. Textbooks can also be
distributed to students and with the understanding the materials are for
their personal use.
§ All trainers associated with the organization may have copies of the
textbooks for use in personal development and course preparation.
§ All Trainer handbooks can be placed on a corporate or organization
server and used by an unlimited number of trainers on-site. Trainer
handbooks can also be distributed to trainers with whom the state works with
the understanding the materials are for their personal use.
§ All trainers are invited to attend all ATI Training seminars at no cost.
§ The subscription expires one year from the date of activation at which
time you are welcome to renew the subscription.
§ These are the only circumstances in which the training materials may be
used. Distribution of textbooks to anyone other than those associated with
your state or organization will result in a revocation of this agreement.
§ ATI does not offer refunds on subscriptions.
§ Link to <http://www.blindtextbooks.com/Textbooks.html>
IncludedTextbooks
http://www.blindtextbooks.com/Textbooks.html
Link toIncluded Handbooks
http://www.blindtextbooks.com/Handbooks.html
Your subscription price is locked-in as long as you continue to renew your
subscription. The price at which you purchase your initial subscription
will be your price as long as you renew your subscription each year
regardless of price increases for new subscribers.
Should you allow your subscription to lapse and opt to renew later, the new
subscription price will apply.
Purchase Information
The cost of this subscription is $18,500.00. You’ll receive information on
how to download your textbooks for use by your organization within 24 hours
of receipt of your order.
Small organization? Call us and let’s talk about providing you with the
best training materials available!
There is no time limit to download your textbooks. You have complete access
for the duration of your one-year subscription.
Purchase Orders and State Authorizations may be sent to the following:
§ Email: cathy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
§ Fax: (800) 986-6198.
§ Postal Service
Access Technology Institute
PO Box 67723
Oro Valley, AZ 85737
No refunds are offered on textbook subscriptions.
- Subscription begins upon receipt of purchase order or authorization
§ *Trainer Certification Course
<http://www.blind.training/sample-page/access-technology-trainer-certificati
on-course>
* http://www.blind.training/sample-page/access-technology-trainer-cert
ification-course
Teaching Access Technology to blind and visually-impaired individuals can be
a rewarding profession. All too often, access technology specialists are
forced to rely on manuals for specific applications and keyboard reference
cards for the specific screen reader being taught. This can be frustrating
for both student and instructor.
Access Technology Institute is pleased to be able to offer training for
individuals who wish to improve their skills to better serve their clients.
Through a series of demanding and intensive immersions into Microsoft
Windows 8, Jaws for Windows, Window-Eyes, System Access, Microsoft Office
applications, the Internet, and assistance in marketing skills and creating
a “presence” in the world of access technology training, instructors will
understand the difference between the operating system and the screen
readers, be able to communicate concepts to students who have never heard
the words - menu, combo box, etc., and more.
Learn the language of the screen readers, the differences between the
various flavors of Windows as well as the capabilities of the screen readers
in a variety of applications.
These immersions are designed to take those with a desire to teach and give
them the skills necessary to provide premier training in the use of access
technology.
These demanding components will require an hour of live, voice-chat,
classroom time per week. This time consists of one hour per week training in
the various programs, understanding the lessons from the perspective of the
student as well as discussions of student relations, special needs of blind
and visually impaired students, assessing the needs of students, dealing
with rehab counselors, and more.
Private tutoring is available to help students who may have difficulty with
aspects of the course. There is no additional fee for this tutoring.
Students must complete the 11 components listed below to qualify for full
certification from ATI.
Training Components
those wishing to acquire certification in the use of one or more
applications, may sign up for a single component or as many components as
desired (Windows is a mandatory component in order to participate in other
components in the course). Please <mailto:cathy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> contact
ATI to sign up for individual component participation.
§ Windows 8.1 (required for all students)
§ Advanced Window-eyes 9
§ Advanced Jaws for Windows 16
§ The Internet
§ Microsoft Word 2013
§ Microsoft Outlook 2013
§ Microsoft Excel 2013
§ Microsoft PowerPoint 2013
§ ZoomText 10.1
§ Creating Outlines, Class Materials and Effective Communication
§ Public Speaking Workshop
Class Schedules and Included Materials
Sessions begin the first Monday of every month. Classes are held on the
first four Mondays of each month. from 4:00-5:00 PM Pacific (Some classes
may last longer).
§ Access to the class material in MP3 format
§ One weekly live, voice-chat, session for discussion and review
§ Weekly Comprehensive Tests
§ Class projects
§ All Textbooks and Class Materials are Provided.
Lifetime Support
Students who enroll in training course receive lifetime graduate benefits.
The benefits include:
§ Access to All Textbooks published by Access Technology Institute
§ Ongoing training designed for trainers in new applications
§ Access to a graduate mailing list for questions and support
§ A 10-person voice conference room from
<http://www.talkingcommunities.com/> Talking Communities
http://www.talkingcommunities.com/
These services are provided to graduates in good standing with ATI according
to the
<http://www.blind.training/sample-page/access-technology-trainer-certificati
on-course/ati-graduate-code-of-conduct> graduate code of conduct.
http://www.blind.training/sample-page/access-technology-trainer-certificatio
n-course/ati-graduate-code-of-conduct
The cost of each component is $1000.00. To receive certification, students
must participate in 11 components. The total cost of certification is
$11,000.00. Payments are accepted via credit card, on-line shopping cart,
check, or money order. Corporate and Department of Rehabilitation
authorizations or vouchers are also accepted. All textbooks are included.
Authorizations and Purchase Orders may be Faxed to: (800) 986-6198. To pay
via credit card or online shopping cart, please contact ATI for details
Participation Requirements and Refund Policy
Participation, and a positive attitude toward the training are requirements
for continued enrollment in this training course. Enrollment in the training
component is not a guarantee of graduation. Students will be expected to
know the course material and be able to communicate the skills effectively.
Students will be expected to comply with the
<http://www.blind.training/sample-page/access-technology-trainer-certificati
on-course/25-2/ati-student-guidelines> ATI Student Guidelines.
http://www.blind.training/sample-page/access-technology-trainer-certificatio
n-course/25-2/ati-student-guidelines
Only those truly interested in succeeding as an Access Technology Trainer
should consider enrolling in this course. The coursework is demanding and
the time commitment on the part of the student is significant.
Students who receive an 80% or better on all tests and who attend class
regularly receive a certificate of graduate from Access Technology
Institute.
Students maintain the right to withdraw from the training course at any
time. ATI maintains the right to refuse training to anyone.
ATI does not refund tuition fees
Contact ATI
To learn more about the training course or enroll, please contact:
CathyAnne Murtha
Phone: (520) 300-7859
Email: <mailto:cathy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> cathy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
twitter: <http://www.twitter.com/CathyAnneMurtha>
www.twitter.com/CathyAnneMurtha
Facebook: <http://www.facebook.com/blindtraining/>
www.facebook.com/blindtraining/
* ATI Copyright Notice
This copyright notice applies to all ATI Training Materials available for
sale on our website.
Copyright Notice
All contents Copyright (c)2015 by Access Technology Institute All rights
reserved.
In accordance with the US Copyright Act and all other applicable
international, federal, state and local laws, you cannot post these document
or the information they contain on any electronic bulletin board, Web site,
FTP site, newsgroup, or other resource.
You are welcome to burn the contents to a CD or transfer the files to a book
reader for your personal use. Trainers may use the textbooks as a resource
for gathering information and preparing class outlines but may not share the
documents with students. If you wish to share the information with
students, please arrange for the student to purchase his/her own copy of
this textbook.
Sharing the Document
An extraordinary amount of effort has gone into producing this textbook.
While students and friends may wish to benefit from the material, please
remember this is copyrighted material and the terms above must be observed.
It is the sale of these training materials that allow us to continue
producing updated materials that benefit the blind and visually-impaired
community. If this economic fact is ignored, continued production of
textbooks will no longer be viable and the training materials will no longer
be available.
If you received this publication from anyone other than Access Technology
Institute or an authorized agent, you’ve received a pirated copy. Please
contact us via e-mail
cathy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
* How to Order
http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/place-your-order
Individuals
Do one of the following:
§ Call (520) 300-7859 for a credit card purchase
§ <mailto:cathy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Email CathyAnne
* cathy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
*
§ with a list of books you’d like to purchase to receive a PayPal payment
request.
§ Submit a PayPal payment to accounts@blind.training with a note on which
textbooks you’d like to download.
Organizations and Government Agencies
Organizations and Government agencies can send authorizations or purchase
orders to:
FAX: (800) 986-6198
Email: <mailto:cathy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> cathy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Snail Mail:
11900 N La Canada Dr Ste 69923
Oro Valley, AZ 85737-9923
ATI does not offer refunds on digital downloads. All purchases are final.
* Product Links
§ <http://www.blind.training/ati-full-access-pass-subscription> ATI Full
Access Pass Subscription
http://www.blind.training/ati-full-access-pass-subscription
§ <http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/screen-reader-textbooks>
Screen Reader Textbooks
*
<http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/screen-reader-textbooks/an-immersio
n-into-jaws-for-windows-16> An Immersion into JAWS for Windows 16
http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/screen-reader-textbooks/an-immersion
-into-jaws-for-windows-16
*
<http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/screen-reader-textbooks/an-immersio
n-into-window-eyes-9> An Immersion into Window-Eyes 9
http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/screen-reader-textbooks/an-immersion
-into-window-eyes-9
*
<http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/screen-reader-textbooks/an-immersio
n-into-zoomtext-10-1> An Immersion into ZoomText 10.1
http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/screen-reader-textbooks/an-immersion
-into-zoomtext-10-1
*
<http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/screen-reader-textbooks/an-immersio
n-into-system-access-stand-alone> An Immersion into System Access Standalone
http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/screen-reader-textbooks/an-immersion
-into-system-access-stand-alone
Windows Textbooks
These textbooks explore the ins and outs of the Windows Operating Systems.
They are comprehensive and include instruction in concepts and controls.
Rather than using the screen reader and keystroke instruction for access, we
teach students the concepts and controls of windows and how to recognize and
access these features.
Students learn the keystrokes for applications, Windows and the screen
reader but they are taught in context. Students learn to differentiate
between the commands for screen reading, the application and Windows
providing the fundamentals necessary to learn and understand these powerful
Operating Systems.
Windows 8.1 with JAWS for Windows 16
http://www.blind.training/an-immersion-into-windows-8-1-with-jaws-for-window
s-16
§
<http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/windows-textbooks/windows-8-1-with-
window-eyes-9> Windows 8.1 with Window-Eyes 9
http://www.blind.training/windows-8-1-with-window-eyes-9
§
§
<http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/windows-textbooks/an-immersion-into
-windows-7-with-jaws-for-windows-16> Windows 7 with JAWS for Windows 16
* http://www.blind.training/an-immersion-into-windows-7-with-jaws-for-
windows-16
*
§
<http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/windows-textbooks/windows-7-with-wi
ndow-eyes-9> Windows 7 with Window-Eyes 9
* http://www.blind.training/windows-7-with-window-eyes-9
§ <http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/microsoft-office-textbooks>
Microsoft Office Textbooks
§ ATI offers comprehensive textbooks on Office applications. These
textbooks take students from the basics of the applications through advanced
features in an easy to understand manner.
§
<http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/microsoft-office-textbooks/microsof
t-office-2013-textbooks> Microsoft Office 2013
http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/microsoft-office-textbooks/microsoft
-office-2013-textbooks
§
<http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/microsoft-office-textbooks/microsof
t-office-2010-textbooks> Microsoft Office 2010
http://www.blind.training/ati-textbooks/microsoft-office-textbooks/microsoft
-office-2010-textbooks
*II. Tuesday June 2nd 2015:
Fact of the day
At first, ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen just wanted to put on a Connecticut
sports show featuring Hartford Whalers highlights.
"J" is the only letter of the alphabet not used in the atomic symbol for any
element.
Vladimir Nabokov was a butterfly expert. In the 1940s, he became curator of
the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology’s butterfly collection.
Submitted by Frank Baxter Enfield, CT
The average piano has about 230 strings. Each string averages about 165
pounds of tension, with the combined pull of all strings equaling over
eighteen tons.
<http://www.howtogeek.com/218856/how-do-you-disable-the-get-windows-10-icon-
shown-in-the-notification-tray/> What is the “Get Windows 10″ Tray Item
and How Do You Remove It?
HTG
http://www.howtogeek.com/218856/how-do-you-disable-the-get-windows-10-icon-s
hown-in-the-notification-tray/
Windows 7 and Windows 8 users might have noticed a new Windows icon in their
system trays that when clicked, will open a dialog that introduces Windows
10 and determines if you’re eligible for a free upgrade. Here is how to
remove that icon and dialog permanently.
We’re all aware of Windows 10 here at How-to Geek. We can’t go a day now
without hearing about its pending arrival,
<https://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/06/01/hello-world-windows-10
-available-on-july-29/> which it turns out is July 29.
(Read more here)
https://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/06/01/hello-world-windows-10-
available-
on-july-29/
In truth, we can’t wait for Windows 10 because we feel it finally fixes
most of Windows 8’s ills and we believe it is going to be a must-have
upgrade for all current Windows users.
Microsoft obviously believes this is true as well because they’re
<http://www.pcworld.com/article/2873214/windows-10-will-be-a-free-upgrade-fo
r-windows-7-and-8-users.html> offering it as a free upgrade to most
qualifying current Windows owners.
)read more here)
https://webmail.mediacombb.net/
They’re also pulling out the stops when it comes to making you, the average
everyday Windows user, aware of its existence.
This includes adding a “Get Windows 10″ icon and dialog to user’s system
trays, which has
<https://discuss.howtogeek.com/t/get-windows-10-dialog-just-appeared-on-syst
em/29072> alarmed quite a few people, who aren’t sure if it is some kind of
trick or malware. Let us say with no uncertainty, it is not, but it is a
little underhanded and annoying on Microsoft’s part.
The “Get Windows 10″ icon opens a dialog that hypes the upcoming Windows
upgrade and determines your availability to receive it for free. This icone
appears in the system tray shown in the notification area.
The notification bar/system tray can be accessed when using a screenreader
by pressing windows key plus letter b. The windows key is often called
"start button." For visual computers, the notification bar is at the bottom
of the screen. If using a screenreader and on the notification bar, arrow
right until reaching a "u pdate to windows ten" button. One could click on
the button.
When clicking or pressing the spacebar on the icon/button, a dialog will
appear, which will determine if your PC is Windows 10 ready, if you’re
eligible to upgrade for free, and of course, regale you with all the
wonderful things Windows 10 will mean to you.
This new icon and its resulting dialog are actually part of an application
that appeared in late April 2015 as a recommended Windows update (
<https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3035583> KB3035583).
(Read more here)
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3035583
If you read Microsoft’s description on the update’s support page, it’s
apparent that this is optional:
This update enables additional capabilities for Windows Update notifications
when new updates are available to the user. It applies to a computer that is
running Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1).
Basically, it simply lets Windows Update bug you about Windows 10’s
impending arrival and will notify you when it is finally ready to download
and install.
One of the biggest reasons many users, including us, are getting roped into
installing this update is that the actual verbiage for the recommended
update is a tad misleading.
This update doesn’t resolve any “issues” other than Microsoft’s own
issue with getting the word out about Windows 10. Again, we don’t need help
with this, and we’re pretty sure that on July 29 or shortly thereafter,
we’ll upgrade one or more of our machines just as we’ve always done since
Windows 9x and earlier.
What is KB3035583?
The worst thing about KB3035583 is that it is an executable that starts with
your system. The executable “GWX.exe” autostarts through the Task
Scheduler. GWX.exe is the system tray icon. When you click the system tray
icon, it spawns the application “GWXUX.exe”, which is the upgrade dialog
discussed earlier.
To make this icon and its notifications go away, Microsoft. unhelpfully
recommends hiding them This works for the current session, but restart your
system (which happens from time to time), and it reappears. In other words,
it’s no simple feat to make it go away. You can’t right-click on the icon
and tell it not to bug you anymore, and you could remove its entry from the
Task Scheduler, but that doesn’t actually remove the GWX application from
your system. If you don’t want this item on your system, we recommend
removing the update altogether because we don’t feel it is critical to
upgrading to Windows 10, and even if it is, you can always go back on July
29 and reinstall it.
Removing KB3035583
(First is how one does this with amouse. Next are directions how I did the
same thing using JAWS, Window-eyes, System Access or NVDA.)
Using a Mouse:
To remove KB3035583, first open Windows Update and click “Installed
Updates” in the bottom-left corner.
To quickly find KB3035583, you can sort by name. Once you’ve located it,
right-click and choose “Uninstall”.
When you select to uninstall this update, you’ll be asked to confirm and
then you will need to restart your computer.
Once your computer restarts, the “GWX.exe” and its associated
“GWXUX.exe” applications will be removed and the system tray icon and
resulting dialog will go away permanently.
Using a Screenreader Software:
1. Press windows key plus letter b.
2. Sometime you may need to press the spacebar on "chevron button" to
unhide some of the icons on the notification bar. If you arrow right or
left and only hear a few icons like clock, speakers, network connection,
Press the windows key plus b again and then tap the space boar on this
chevron button to gain access to all icons on the notification bar. Hope AI
did not make that more confusing.
I usually need to hit the space bar to make it so I can access all icons on
my computers in the notification area.
Now back to what to do.
As I said above, arrow right or left u ntil reaching the notification that
there is an u pdate for windows ten. My computer just saind there are
updates available.
3. Tap the spacebar.
4. Tab to "installed updates" and tap the spacebar or hit enter.
5. Arrow down until finding
"update for microsoft windows (KB3035583)
6. Once you’ve located " KB3035583", press the application key and choose
“Uninstall”.
When you select to uninstall this update, you’ll be asked to confirm and
then you will need to restart your computer.
Once your computer restarts, the “GWX.exe” and its associated
“GWXUX.exe” applications will be removed and the system tray icon and
resulting dialog will go away permanently.
Final Thoughts
Before we wind things up, we need to reiterate that we do believe that if
you’re using any recent version of Windows (7 or 8.1), or you’ve held off
and are still using Vista or even XP, that this is the time to finally take
the plunge. Windows 10 should be a must-have upgrade and probably an
unqualified success.
That said, installing a separate application as a recommended update is a
sneaky way to go about ensuring user adoption. Add to that the fact that
there’s no simple way to disable the GWX.exe application other than
removing its autostart line from the Task Scheduler or uninstalling it
through Windows Update, and we’re further puzzled at Microsoft’s reasoning
and lack of transparency.
In the end, whether you feel this update process is helpful or whether you
can make your way to upgrading to Windows 10 all by yourself, will simply
depend on how you’re used to doing things. If (and it looks like it will
be) Windows 10 is available through Windows Update or the Windows Store,
then we’re fairly certain most of us will upgrade that way.
Others may choose to do a clean install and for that, updating through
Windows won’t even apply.
But now, we want to turn things over to you. Please tell us your thoughts on
this matter. We encourage your questions and comments in our discussion
forum found at the link found at the top of this article.
Acts 1:8 <http://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/1-8.html> 8 But you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth."
To subscribe to Dan's tips or HotSpot with God Daily Devotional, send a
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