I understand that Alan is working on a book that extensively documents
many windows keyboard shortcuts. Look for it in late 2001.
kelly
URL: http://www.interlog.com/~acantor/handout.htm
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Through the Wormhole: Exotic Computer
Shortcuts for People with Disabilities
Copyright Alan Cantor 2000. All rights reserved.
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This presentation highlights six techniques for drilling wormholes
through Windows. These shortcuts - many of which are undocumented or
poorly documented - allow people with mobility, sensory, learning, and
cognitive disabilities to work faster and easier.
1. Desktop shortcuts
Desktop icons
·
A fast way to access an application, folder, web-page or document is
to create a shortcut and place it on the desktop. To activate the
icon, double-click it, or select it and press Enter.
·
To expose the desktop, press Windows-key + M (if the keyboard has
Windows-keys), or Ctrl + Esc, Alt + M (if it does not).
Custom shortcut keys (CSKs)
·
Custom shortcut keys (CSKs) are the prime Windows wormholes for
eliminating complex key sequences and mouse manipulations. Custom
shortcut keys are generally the fastest, most reliable way to launch
an application or open a document, web-site or folder.
·
Over 350 CSKs are available, including: F1 through F12; one, two or
three modifier keys + F1 through F12; two modifier keys + any key
except those listed below; three modifier keys + any key except those
listed below. The following keys cannot be used: Esc, Tab, Spacebar,
Enter, Backspace, Delete, Print Screen, Pause, Windows-key or
Application-key.
How to create a CSK
1 Create (or locate) a shortcut for an application, folder, web
page or document.
2 Paste the shortcut icon on the desktop.
3 Open the Properties dialog by right-clicking the icon and
picking "Properties," or by selecting the item and pressing Alt +
Enter.
4 Go to the Shortcut page tab.
5 In the "Shortcut key" edit field, press your hotkey.
6 Click "OK" or press Enter.
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2. Keyboard commands
Keyboard commands vs. keyboard techniques
·
Using the keyboard is, in general, faster than using the mouse.
·
Keyboard-only access demands new approaches to working with Windows.
·
Using the keyboard interface entails mastering new techniques and
memorizing keystrokes.
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3. Macro software
What is macro software?
·
A macro is a sequence of commands for performing a specific task. A
macro can simulate keystrokes and mouse input, activate applications,
execute commands (e.g., maximize or close a window), and combinations
of these.
Macro activation methods
Hotkey: The macro is activated by pressing a hotkey.
Code: The macro is activated by typing a code.
Event: The macro is triggered when a specific program is launched
or a window opens.
Timed: The macro activates at set intervals or at specific times.
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4. Abbreviation expansion techniques
What is abbreviation expansion?
·
Abbreviation expansion is a technique for "compressing" text or images
into simple text. An abbreviation expands after it is typed - usually
after pressing a punctuation key, Spacebar or Enter.
·
Use abbreviation expansion to correct spelling and capitalization
errors, and to insert phrases, canned text, foreign characters,
pre-formatted text and images. Abbreviation expansion is especially
helpful to people with learning and mobility disabilities.
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5. Software customization
·
The Windows environment can be customized to better meet the needs of
people with disabilities. Many of these techniques are documented, but
underused.
Customize the appearance and function of Windows
· Display Properties
· Keyboard Properties
· Mouse Properties
· Accessibility Properties
Customize the appearance and function of Microsoft Word
·
Word is probably the most customizable mainstream application
available today.
·
The appearance and function of the user interface can be altered;
menus and toolbars can be tailored to meet individuals needs; keys and
keyboard commands can be remapped; and new functions can be created
and added to menus, shortcut menus and toolbars.
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6. Working by voice
·
Mainstream reviews of voice recognition products usually evaluate
speed, accuracy and compatibility. Overlooked in many reviews is the
ease with which text can be edited.
·
A "typewriter mentality" hinders efficient editing by voice.
Principles of working by voice
Apply these principles to increase the speed and ease of voice
editing:
·
Accept the limitations of voice recognition technology. Once you can
achieve good accuracy, do not try to perfect your voice files. They
will never be perfect.
·
Do not correct misrecognized words that are usually interpreted
correctly. It is faster to undo or select the entire utterance, and
dictate it again.
·
Use the program's proprietary editor if your dictation program works
best in it. Copying text into your usual word processor after a
dictation session is easy.
·
Navigate using "Insert Before text" and "Insert After text" instead of
"Move" commands. Specifying two or more target words increases the
accuracy of the command, e.g., "Insert After achieve good accuracy,"
"Insert Before accept the limitations."
·
Edit using "Select" commands instead of backspace and delete commands.
Select the text and dictate. It is not necessary to explicitly delete
the selected text; the dictated words will replace the selection. Use
"Select From text Through text" if your software supports the command.
·
Revise phrases rather than individual words, even if some of the words
are correct. For example, to change the first comma in this sentence
to a colon, say "Select for example comma," pause for a split second,
and say "for example colon."
______________________________________________________________________
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