Windows Tips

Accessibility Options

As in previous versions, Windows XP includes three accessibility options designed to make the operating system more usable for persons with vision, hearing, or mobility impairments. These tools are available for use during Setup—when using Windows Setup, click the Accessibility Options button; from a command prompt, add the /a switch to the Winnt.exe command. These options can also be adjusted after Setup on a per-user basis. You can use any of the following tools alone or in combination:

Magnifier enlarges part of the screen, making it easier for persons with vision impairments to see objects and read text.

Narrator converts on-screen text to speech and sends it to your computer’s speakers. This option allows people who are blind or have severe vision impairments to use Windows.

On-Screen Keyboard provides an alternate means for Windows users with impaired mobility to enter text using a pointing device. Options on the Keyboard menu let you change keyboard layouts; options on the Settings menu let you control how the on-screen keyboard works—you can choose whether to select a letter by clicking, for example, or by allowing the pointer to pause over a key for a specific amount of time.