Hi folks Since someone asked"what exactly is scripts," I'll try my best to explain this in simple language:
Introduction "Scripts are little programs." - Jim Snowbarger, 2002 Scripts, by definition in Computer Science, is a little piece of program that is meant to augment the functionality of a host program. In terms of JAWS for Windows, which is known of vast amount of scripts availible, this means that a script is his a little piece of code that allows JAWS to access many applications that it didn't have access before." There might be several reasons why scripts are used, such as allowing a program with no accessibility in mind to "come alive" i.e. to allow JAWS users to use it, as well as ablowing a JAWS user to access some rich functions that he or she didn't have access before, such as audio controls in a media player, hidden Microsoft Word features such as inserting hyperlinks and so forth. What is scripts in general? A script is a code that allows a host program to take advantage of it and use the code to its own benefit. In the world of Internet, Javascript is used to create dynamic HTML content. For example, a website builder can use Javascript to create interactive forms on a webpage. Also, scripts are used to help a host program access information that it cannot access. For example, suppose Internet Explorer needs to handle a page that IE natively does not support, and let us pretend that the webpage uses Java. When IE opens, it calls Javascript to display webpage on behalf of IE and return the results to IE. Thus, scripts are meant to augment the functionality of a host program by allowing a program to access information and to display things that it cannot access. What is scripting under JAWS for Windows like, and how come it is popular?? The ability to script JAWS for Windows existed with earlier versions of JAWS such as 3.7. Freedom Scentific, formerly HenterJoyce valued emphasis on JAWS scripting. For example, to help scripters learn more about JAWS scripting, FS published a tutorial called "Basics in Scripting." Also, experienced script writers demonstrated the power of JAWS scripting, notably Jim Snowbarger. For instance, Jim Snowbarger, also known as The Snowman, published a number of segments on Main Menu, a technology radio show from ACB Radio. This demonstrations proved to be popular and allowed many people, including beginners and advanced users of JAWS to understand the real power of scripts--that of allowing an application without accessibility in mind to truly come alive with JAWS. Thus, JAWS scripts are popular due to promotion from Freedom Scientific and from other script writers. What are components of JAWS script files There are numerous components to JAWS scripting. Items and their explanations are as follows: * jcf (JAWS Config file): this type of file is used to store configuration files foraparticular application. * jgf (Graphics file): this is used to store graphics information for a specific program so that JAWS can work with graphics. * jkm (Key Map): a key map file is a file that stores JAWS commands that are used in an application. * jss (Script Source): the source file of scripts. Used to create and modify scripts. * jsb (Script Binary): the compiled binary version of Script Source. A binny file is a file with binary instructions in 0's and 1's that is used to tell a computer processor what to do. Uses of JAWS scripts JAWS scripts are used in variety of situation. A notable use of scripting functionality is to allow an application to be user-friendly with JAWS. For instance, a popular audio editing program, Sound Forge from Sony (formerly Sonic Foundry) was inaccessible with JAWS. But thanks to Jim Snowbarger and his scripts, Sound Forge has become accessible with JAWS. Also, scripts are used to augment functionality in existing applications that are user-friendly. For example, a script can be used to find out how many links are on a page in Internet Explorer, or it can be used to read the calculation result in an Excel formula. Additionally, scripts are useful for navigating to a certain section of a program window that JAWITHS cannot access, such as viewing toolbar list under Internet Explorer. Therefore, JAWS scripts are useful for enhancing usability and accessibility of mainstream applications with JAWS. Conclusion An appication uses scripts to carry out its functions. From accessing inaccessible software to enhancing usability of a program, JAWS scripts are used to allow JAWS users to use a software efficiently and effectively. Scripts are popular thanks to endorsement from Freedom Scientific and scripters themselves. Many mainstream companies recognized values of JAWS scripts and were able to create products that works well with JAWS. "The overall aim of JAWS scripts," says Eric Damery, product manager for JAWS for Freedom Scientific, "is to make mainstream applications accessible with JAWS." For more information about JAWS scripts, refer to JAWS Scripts mailing list, as well as Blind Programming site's resources on JAWS scripts. For information about wrijing scripts, refer to tutorials designed for script writers (Basics in Scripting) from Freedom Scentific and other script writers. 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