To Don: No, I'm still waiting to get the computer and install the system on it and I'm looking for a software and scanner recommendation because I don't know what to use. I've heard of HP Scanjets, but there are many varieties, and I want to get the last one made for DOS so that I can have the best one available. But I also need to insure that it will work with whatever ocr program I end up using. I love Japanese tech, so that would be marvelous! My KeyNote Gold was based off a Toshiba and is 16-years-old at least and still works... Anyway, as you said, you can sometimes find third-party drivers for things, So that's worth checking out. But if not, I wouldn't mind buying a used scanner that's tried and true. I do know of one blind person who has never used Windows and is still using MS-DOS, so I might ask her. But she's in another country (I forget which one) and may have access to things that I won't be able to find in America.
To anyone interested in Windows OCR software: Here are the cheap ocr programs that I found for Windows. I first saw them at http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=19327&top=15778&deep=2&trail=22,13134,13179 which has a huge list of products and descriptions from some of the latest tech to all the gems that I want to find. So you can be sure that these are accessible. Anyway, I'm listing the ones still available along with their sites and current prices. Their descriptions can be found at AbleData and at their sites but I'll include a quick note on whether they're self-voicing. Also, it might be a good idea to ask if the programs work with your particular screen access sollution and scanner, just to make sure. TEXTBRIDGE PRO 11 (updated from one on AbleData site) 79.99 (also makes Omnipage 17 and Paperport but prices not given and latest version not given on latter) Nuance Communications, Inc. http://www.nuance.com UNIVERSAL READER PLUS (self voicing and more than just an ocr program) 79.95 Premier Assistive Technology, Inc. http://www.readingmadeez.com SCAN2TEXT (not self voicing, recognises text in over 100 languages) £49.00 (ex vat) Claro Software Ltd http://www.clarosoftware.com TEXT CLONER PRO (not self voicing, also have a more expensive program, Scan and Read Pro, still under $150) 99.95 Premier Assistive Technology, Inc http://www.readingmadeez.com Hope that helps someone out. I haven't tried these, so unfortunately, can't answer questions on them. All the best, Eleni On 7/22/10, Donald Marang <[email protected]> wrote: > I am a little confused. Do you already have a scanner with Dr-DOS > compatible drivers orr not? If so, what is the model and manufacturer? If > not, I agree that HP provides the best support for non Windows drivers. I > know that they support Linux and Mac as well as Windows. I am not sure > about straight DOS / Dr-DOS. I love my network Epson All-In-One, but I had > to go to a Japaneese subsisidary website to get Linux drivers. > > I am not knocking DOS or Dr-DOS or your decision to be dedicated to it. > However, finding support for an accessible OCR, scanner drivers and hardware > to support RS-232 and parallel ports will be increasingly difficult to find, > possibly impossible. I have not heard of any blind user support. I only > suggest Vinux because it is well supported and now has a growing number of > blind and visually impaird users supporting Vinux world wide. Plus it is > free, has small hardware requirements, and you can test drive it at no risk > using a live (bootable) CD. It will not have the performance that it would > if you install to your hard drive, but it has all of the features. > > Don Marang > > -------------------------------------------------- > From: "Eleni Vamvakari" <[email protected]> > Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 11:14 AM > To: <[email protected]> > Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] OCR Software and Scanner > RecommendationsNeeded > >> Thanks, but as I've said, I'm looking for a DOS-compatible scanner >> and program. I already have one for XP and know where to find cheaper >> (under $100) but still accessible ones for that os and can post them >> here if anyone's interested. >> >> Eleni >> >> On 7/22/10, Eleni Vamvakari <[email protected]> wrote: >>> I'm not looking for a new scanner. I just want a scanner and >>> software recommendation so that I can go to Ebay or a vintage >>> computing site and buy it knowing that it's accessible and compatible >>> with what I need. >>> >>> Gods bless you too, >>> Eleni >>> >>> On 7/22/10, mark Torgerson <[email protected]> wrote: >>>> Hi >>>> I am not sure if there is a dos based scanner on the market. right >>>> now. >>>> That may be some thing a person would have to research. >>>> >>>> God bless, >>>> Mark >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: >>>> http://www.jaws-users.com/help/ >>>> >>> >> >> For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: >> http://www.jaws-users.com/help/ > > > For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: > http://www.jaws-users.com/help/ > For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
