JAWS FOR WINDOWS Program Changes September 5, 1995 This file contains information about program improvements and new features. Information presented here is also available in the JAWS Help menu. Choose "Changes" from the Help menu in the JAWS application window to read about the program changes described here, or use a text editor to read this file. JFW VERSION 1.1.45 September 5, 1995 SPEAKING SYMBOLS AND NUMBERS The new Text Processing menu item in the JAWS Options menu lets you control how symbols and numbers are spoken. Options in this dialog include: punctuation mode, numbers processing, filter repeated characters, and mixed case. PUNCTUATION MODE Prior to this version, we allowed speech synthesizers to use their own pronunciation rules when speaking symbols such as quotation marks, periods, commas, braces, etc. Our new punctuation processing logic allows JAWS to precisely speak symbols to improve readability and comprehension. Now, whenever you ask JAWS to speak a punctuation symbol, JAWS first examines its translation table to see if a pronunciation change is needed. If the symbol is in the table, then a pronunciation substitution is made. This means, for example, that DECtalk will now say "less than" instead of saying "left angle bracket". The pronunciation rules in this table can be changed by the user, so that if you do not want JAWS to say "Exclaim" for the exclamation point, then you could change it to "bang". If you want period spoken even when the punctuation setting is set to "some", then you can make this change. Please read the file SYMBOLS.TXT located in the \JFW\TECNOTES\ENU subdirectory for additional information about the SYMBOLS.INI file. If you prefer to let your synthesizer handle the processing of symbols, then you can do this by changing the setting in the Punctuation Processing check box in the Text Processing dialog. If you check "controlled by JAWS" then JAWS uses its own symbol processing table. If you check "controlled by synthesizer", then JAWS depends on your synthesizer to determine how punctuation symbols are to be spoken. Please note, the symbols processing table primarily determines the words that are to be spoken when a specific symbol is encountered. If you wish to prevent groups of symbols from being spoken, then you can also use the Punctuation dialog option in the dialogs of the Voices menu. Settings in the Punctuation dialog include: none, some, most, and all. Related to the speaking of symbols is the speaking of text that combines alphabet characters with punctuation or numbers. Some synthesizers automatically spell all such blocks of text. For example, "UNTITLED1.DOC" is no longer spelled by the DECtalk, Accent, and other synthesizers. The period character will be spoken in one of several ways depending on context. When this character is used in a number, JAWS says "point", i.e. "98.6" is spoken as "ninety eight point six". When the period is mixed within alphabet characters, JAWS says "dot", i.e. "READ.ME" is spoken as "read dot me". If three period characters are strung together without spaces between them, then JAWS says "dot dot dot". If the period is followed by one or more spaces and is preceded by alphabet characters, then JAWS says "period". NUMBERS PROCESSING Numbers can now be spoken in several ways. The Numbers Processing option in the Text Processing dialog of the Options menu determines how numbers are to be spoken. If the option is set to "off" then JAWS lets the synthesizer determine how to speak numbers. When "single digits" is used, then the number "1234" is spoken as "one two three four". If "pairs" is used, then the number "1234" is spoken as "twelve thirty four". If "full numbers" is used then "1234" is spoken as "one thousand two hundred thirty four". FILTER REPEATED CHARACTERS This dialog option instructs JAWS to not speak strings of repeated symbols such as strings of periods or asterisks. For example, in a table of contents, JAWS speaks a specified number of periods even when there are thirty or forty periods in a string. It should be noted that character filtering only works when repeated characters are not separated by spaces. The dialog options for the Filter dialog box include the numbers "3" through "6" and "all". The numbers indicate how many of the repeated characters will be spoken. The "all" option indicates that all repeated characters will be spoken. MIXED CASE The Mixed Case dialog option is used to help with the speaking of words that contain a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters. It is common for Windows INI files (setup files for Windows) to contain words that have been created from several words. For example, the expression "Local TSR" in the SYSTEM.INI file, or "Get Window Name" in a JAWS macro file are written as "LocalTSR" and "GetWindowName". When the Mixed Case check box is checked, then JAWS will break up mixed case words into individual words. If the check box is unchecked, then your speech synthesizer must determine how to speak mixed case words. ROBUSTNESS JAWS is quicker and more dependable. We have fixed a memory leak that has caused problems for some users. Sometimes JAWS would run out of memory and could no longer capture new text changes or track highlighted information. We have also fixed a problem that could cause JAWS to occasionally crash to DOS. If you have a Windows application that sometimes had these problems, then this version of JAWS should help. As always, please let us know when you find applications which do not behave properly when you use JAWS. TRACKING THE CARET SYMBOL JAWS can now follow the movement of horizontal caret symbols. This makes tracking work more reliably with AttachMate, Windows Terminal, and other emulators. Caret tracking is also more accurate, especially in Microsoft Word and Write. ATTACHMATE MACRO FILE There is a new macro file for use with AttachMate (TRMINL.JMS). It adds delays to the macros for moving with the PC cursor so that the proper characters are spoken. Many changes have been made to improve performance with AttachMate Extra, the 3270 emulator. If you have a chance to test this with other emulators such as T27, then please let us know how it works. You may want to use/clone the TRMINL.JMS macros with other emulators. ADDITIONAL SYNTHESIZER SUPPORT The Soundblaster sound card is now supported. It sounds just like a DECtalk, but it is slow to respond to keyboard commands. Be sure you have a Soundblaster 16 and the TextAssist software, or the AWE32 model. You can get the SSIL driver from the H-J BBS. The name of the driver is TASSIST.ZIP. We also have synthesizer drivers for the Xerox Reading Edge, the Accent Messenger IC, and the Artic 215. Work is also being done on a Kurzweil Personal Reader driver. SUBTLE IMPROVEMENTS The functions Say to Cursor {INSERT+HOME} and Say from Cursor {INSERT+PAGE UP} now work better in most situations. Previously, there were times when JAWS would seem to be confused about cursor location when these functions were used. Refinements have been made in how the JAWS cursor moves when using the Say Prior Word {INSERT+LEFT ARROW} and Say Next Word {INSERT+RIGHT ARROW} functions. Now JAWS for Windows uses the same method of determining word units as the DOS version of JAWS. We now use software logic to determine when a word should be broken into parts or spoken as a whole unit. This means we do more than use blank spaces to determine the beginning and end of word units. For example, a path name involving several subdirectories will not be read as a single word. JAWS now considers each part of the subdirectory name as a separate word, and includes the BACKSLASH symbol at the end of each word. Symbols such as PERIOD and COMMA are spoken at the end of words while symbols such as LEFT PARENTHESIS and LEFT BRACE are spoken at the beginning of words. When moving the JAWS cursor through empty space on the desktop, there is less chance of the cursor not being able to move. If the cursor is between lines, a Say Prior Line command {UP ARROW}will cause the JAWS cursor to jump to the line above, and the Say Next Line command {DOWN ARROW} will move it to the line below. Similarly, if the cursor is to the left of the first character on a line or to the right of the last character on the line, then the Say Next Character command {RIGHT ARROW} or the Say Prior Character command will respectively move the JAWS cursor directly to a character. The status of check boxes in Microsoft Word Dialogues is now working correctly again. The Off Screen Model of JAWS no longer becomes corrupted when text is deleted in Windows Write. The FindString and other string comparison functions of the JAWS macro language now work more reliably. When Screen Echo is set to "all", then characters typed on the keyboard are no longer echoed twice. This makes working with terminal programs easier. NEW MACRO EDITOR Our new macro editor will be packed with features. If you need more power and convenience when creating macros, then plan on trying our new editor. New features of the editor include: multi document capability, variables, constants, and a macro function dialog list box with definitions and parameter prompting. The new editor is not included with this version, however, a beta version of the editor is available upon request. The new editor will be included with future versions of JAWS for Windows. JFW VERSION 1.1.20 June 23, 1995 New Screen Reading Keys {INSERT+F} Identifies the font name, font size, and attribute of the text character at the position of the active cursor. {SHIFT+INSERT+DOWN ARROW} During editing, this key can be used to read the block of text that has been highlighted by your use of the text selection keys. It also can be used to read the highlighted item that has been selected in Program Manager. New Feature of Speech Pad 5 Key The Say Character key has been enhanced so that it also can read the hotkey character that is used to choose a menu item. For example, when the menu option for "exit" in the Files menu of Program Manager is selected, JAWS will say "X" when the 5 key on the speech pad is pressed. General Improvements Keyboard Echo A setting for Word Echo can now be used to have JAWS speak the individual words that are typed. When this setting is used, JAWS will not speak individual characters, but will speak the group of previously typed characters whenever the SPACEBAR is pressed. Other options for keyboard echo are still available. JAWS can still speak individual characters as they are typed or simply remain silent. Keyboard Echo is set from within the User Options dialog box of the JAWS application menu. PC Cursor Positioning The PC cursor no longer moves from its current position in an application window when the menu bar of the application is used. This ensures that the PC cursor will be positioned properly when you finish using the menu. Text Selection Keys When you use text selection keys for editing, such as {SHIFT+LEFT ARROW}, {SHIFT+CONTROL+RIGHT ARROW}, etc., JAWS now does a better job of speaking the text that is being selected. You can easily confirm that you have selected the intended block of text, before you cut or delete it, by using the {SHIFT+INSERT+DOWN ARROW}. JFW VERSION 1.1 April 17, 1995 General Improvements This version of JAWS for Windows provides greater compatibility for Pentium PC processors, stronger performance in Windows applications, and improved desktop navigation with the PC cursor and JAWS cursor. New Authorization Keys In order to provide greater flexibility in the use of JAWS, new authorization keys have been introduced with JAWS version 1.1. An authorization key can now be installed on any of your disk drives. You can even leave it on the JAWS program diskette and keep the diskette in the floppy drive when loading and using JAWS. If you are updating to JAWS version 1.1, then you must also install a new authorization key from your version 1.1 update diskette. JAWS cannot use your old authorization key, and requires the new authorization key before it can function. Timed Evaluation Version of JAWS In response to those who wish to evaluate JAWS for Windows, we are making available a "Timed Evaluation" version of our software. The timed evaluation program is fully functional -- it contains all program features, and includes training tapes and printed documentation. Its only limitation is that it can be used for no more than 60 days. Timed evaluation software can be quickly converted to permanent software any time during or after the 60 day period of evaluation. Coming Soon! Context Sensitive Help for JAWS The JAWS application window will soon have Context Sensitive Help. You will be able to press {F1} at any time when you are in the JAWS application window to get information about the purpose of the selected JAWS menu or dialog option. After reading the help information, press {ALT+F4} to exit help and return to the JAWS menu system. Context help answers the question: What does this menu item or dialog option do? Our screen sensitive help answers the questions: What kind of window am I using? and How do I use it? 32 Bit Access There were certain problems associated with the use of JAWS authorization keys and with the use of DOS application windows when 32 bit access was enabled. These problems have been addressed, and computers which can take advantage of 32 bit access can have this feature enabled again. JFW VERSION 1.00.07 March 16, 1995 On-Line Documentation Our new On-Line Documentation contains all of our printed reference materials. This includes our manuals, quick reference cards, and setup guide. To use the help system, press {INSERT+J} to activate the JAWS application window, followed by {ALT+H} to activate the Help menu. Choose "Contents" to use manuals or "Quick Reference" for a summary of commands. When you are done using help, press {ALT+F4} to quit the help system. Our on-line documentation uses the standard Windows Help software, and contains options for searching for topics, browsing through text, backtracking through help screens, and inserting bookmarks for later reference. For information about using these help features, choose "Help Tips" from the opening menu of the JAWS help system. Our redesigned on-line quick reference makes it even easier to look-up a keyboard command for JAWS or Windows. Simply activate the JAWS application window, and choose "Quick Reference" from the JAWS Help menu when you want to look-up a keyboard command. Improved Screen Sensitive Help We have added additional descriptions to our screen sensitive help. Press {INSERT+F1} to listen to a description of your current location in Windows and to obtain instructions for using the current window, menu, or dialog option. Screen sensitive help can be used at any time in any windows application. New and Improved Screen Reading Functions Read From Left Side of Screen to Cursor = {INSERT+HOME} Laptop = {ALT+SHIFT+J} Read From Cursor to the Right side of Screen = {INSERT+PAGE UP} Laptop = {ALT+SHIFT+L} Read Top Line of Window = {INSERT+END} Laptop = {ALT+SHIFT+Y} Read Bottom Line of Window {INSERT+PAGE DOWN} Laptop = {ALT+SHIFT+N} Spell Current Word = {INSERT+SPEECH PAD 5} Laptop = {ALT+K} (Key must be pressed twice within a half second for this function.) Say All {INSERT+DOWN ARROW} This function now reads from the position of the active cursor to the bottom of the window. Spell Check Macro for Microsoft Word = {INSERT+W} This macro reads the misspelled word that is identified by the spell checker. Misspelled words are automatically spelled when they pop up. {NUM LOCK}, {CAPS LOCK}, and {SCROLL LOCK} These keys now speak their on/off status when pressed. JAWS automatically turns the Numlock function off when JAWS is started. Improved Speed with File Manager and Other Applications The sometimes sluggish performance of JAWS when using the File Manager and certain other application programs has been greatly improved. JAWS is substantially more responsive when working with these applications. Additionally, New verbal prompts make File Manager easier than ever to use. Improved Graphics Management Predefined graphics labels for the 256 color mode of Windows have been added, and a utility program for merging and editing JAWS graphics files has been created. To use the "GRAPHED.EXE" program, start it from the Run dialog of Program Manager. You can use the program to edit your existing graphics label file or merge two files. For information about graphics label files, please refer to the technical information contained in "GRAPH01.TXT" located in the \JFW\TECNOTES subdirectory. Information about the GraphEd program is contained in Chapter 1 of the JAWS Technical Reference. New Macro Functions Those who edit and create JAWS macros will be happy to know that we are continuing to add new macro functions. We now have functions which can search for text or graphics in the active window, in addition to many other functions which can be used to create powerful screen reading tools. The most complete list of macro functions is contained in "FUNCTION.JML" which is located in the \JFW\SETTINGS\ENU subdirectory. New functions are added to the end of this file. Counting Authorization Keys We now have a program which can tell you the number of authorization keys that are present on your JFW program diskette. An "authorization key" must be present on your hard drive in order for JAWS to start. Detailed information about authorization keys is contained in the JAWS setup guide. An on-line version of this guide is contained in the JAWS help system and in the file "SETUP.TXT located in the \JFW subdirectory. JFW VERSION 1.00.05 January 16, 1995 - February 21, 1995 This section lists problems associated with versions 1.00.00 through 1.00.05. If you encounter any of these problems, then you should upgrade to a more recent version of JAWS. "Error: Reallocing Macro pointer table", "Error: Reallocing Key Table", or "Error: Reallocing Macro Buffer" were error messages that could occur when using JAWS. Corrections have been made and these messages should no longer appear. If these messages were ignored, things might function normally for a while, but eventually JAWS would be unable to accurately read the desktop. Some dialog boxes and dialog options were not being spoken in Microsoft applications such as Word or Excel. Improvements affect the "Focus Change" and {INSERT+f1} macros. Many of the keys of the Windows Calculator did not speak. Additional keys/features have been added to the Calculator settings file. A new "SOUNDBRD.INI" file for the Sounding Board has been included so that JAWS can work with this synthesizer. The "SSIL.INI" file for the Audapter synthesizer has been revised, and the JAWS Voice menu now works properly. Thanks to Dave Sherman for finding and fixing this problem for us. When using the JAWS macro editor, a message box sometimes remained on the screen even when it did not have the focus. Eventually, this would cause the text to appear scrambled when it was read by JAWS, even though text on the screen was not scrambled. Sometimes the Windows environment would unexpectedly be dropped and you would be returned to DOS, or in some cases, your computer would re-boot. This problem actually occurred when the JAWS cursor was on a space character just to the right of a graphics icon and you pressed Prior Word {INSERT+LEFT ARROW}.