Having used both screen readers quite extensively and recently, I also want
to add that GW Micro's tech support is ten times better than that for JAWS.
This is because the people, Bill and Aaron and maybe others, who provide the
tech support on the phone and email are also the guys that program the
software.  So they know it inside and out.  I can often figure out how to do
the stuff I'm having trouble with faster than the person onthe phone at
Freedom Scientific.  I think they receive some training, but they don't have
nearly the familiarity with their product as the guys at GW Micro, so I
always feel like I'm playing the lottery when I call Freedom Scientific,
hoping to get someone knowledgeable.  That said, I also find that JAWS
crashes a lot less often than Window Eyes.  Window Eyes's claim to fame is
that it is "rock solid," but I unfortunately have not found this to be the
case.  Other thoughts on this?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Barber" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005 4:02 PM
Subject: Re: Screen readers


> 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.=20
> 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. =20
> 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=20
>
> -----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]
>
>
> 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
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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
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> VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
> http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html
>
>


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.
 VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html