This is always a difficult question to answer.
First, it depends on what you're doing. If you're one who does a lot
with PowerPoint presentations, then you'll need to use JAWS, although GW
Micro is working on PowerPoint accessibility, as I understand it. I
know that Hal for Windows works with PowerPoint, although to what extent
I can't say for sure. I've only looked at it superficially at this
point.
If you regularly use Microsoft Access, I prefer to use this application
with JAWS rather than Window-eyes at this time. It's my understanding
that Freedom Scientific is supposed to be working on improved support
for Access whereas I believe GWmicro is not. I'm not indicating in any
way that GWmicro is wrong here; just stating what I believe is true.
For surfing the internet, I believe either screen reader will do well.
With the advent of Window-Eyes 5.5, if you're an Excel user, then I
think either screen reader would do okay for you.
I'm greatly impressed by how GWMicro has come along with improved
support for Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. If you're one who adds
coloring to cells in Excel or to text in Word, I really think
Window-eyes does a better job of identifying the colors than JAWS. I
think Doug and Dan and the others there can be proud of their product.
I think Window-Eyes may be a bit less expensive, but I've forgotten
their pricing at this point.
I do like the fact that with Window-eyes, you don't have to fool around
with an authorization procedure, although I'm cognizant as to why
Freedom Scientific does this.
In summary, I think each product has its strengths and weaknesses, and
it behooves you to do your research on their web sites:
Freedom Scientific: HTTP://www.freedomscientific.com
GWmicro: HTTP://www.gwmicro.com
Hal For Windows: HTTP://www.dolphinusa.com
Yours Sincerely,
Michael D. Barber, Assistive Technology Analyst
Iowa Department for the Blind
Project ASSIST With Windows
(515) 281-1305
HTTP://www.blind.state.ia.us/assist
-----Original Message-----
From: VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael R. Burks
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005 8:52 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Screen readers
Hello,
I am wondering what folks think is the most popular screen reader? I
have used both Window Eyes and JAWS but I am wondering which is the most
used, or perceived to be the most used.
Any help is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mike Burks
[log in to unmask]
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VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
To join or leave the list, send a message to
[log in to unmask] In the body of the message, simply type
"subscribe vicug-l" or "unsubscribe vicug-l" without the quotations.
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