Dear Rebecca,
I would say that Blackboard is very hard if not impossible to access
using Safari or Windows. You can start blackboard with VO, but when
you start to get into discussion groups, it won't work. Basically,
specifics on blackboard do not work with voice-over. Second,
everything that you used in Windows will work on a Mac, but keep in
mind that you will have to use boot camp in order to run it. Third, I
find that window eyes work somewhat better on a Mac than on a regular
Windows machines. In general, all the websites that you went to while
using Windows should work on the Mac. Fourth, I am very excited about
how well open office works, it is in BETA, but it looks very
promising. Fifth, if you need to do Bookshare use it in Windows.
However, the Bookshare unpack utility for Mac does work. You will need
to get stuff at expander in addition. You should probably use your
favorite windows browser when using Bookshare on the Mac.
If you have any questions, you can write me privately off the list. I
would be happy to reply to it.
Maurice
On May 13, 2008, at 12:49 PM, Rebecca Bridges wrote:
Hello Everyone,
I have been considering purchasing a MacBook for quite some time,
but wanted to hold off until I knew whether or not I would be
returning to school in the fall. Now that I have indeed gotten into
graduate school, the time for a new computer has come. In the few
minutes I have spent with a friend's Mac, I think my transition
would be relatively easy. However, I do have some specific needs so
before I make a final decision, I have some questions. I perused
the list archives, but there are a *ton* of messages in there!
1. If you still use your PC or run Windows on your mac, what
programs or websites do you prefer accessing with Windows and why?
Please be specific.
2. Have you used VoiceOver to access blackboard, Microsoft
SharePoint, or IBM's Quickr 8.1, formerly known as QuickPlace?
These sites can be tricky with Windows and JAWS, so I would love
feedback from VO users.
3. Do you know if the EndNote bibliographic software is VO
compatible?
4. If you use a word processor other than text edit, what do you
use and why?
5. According to bookshare's site, the current version of safari
does not meet their minimum system requirements. For the Bookshare
subscribers on the list, how is that working for you?
I think that's all I've got for now. If you don't care to answer
any of my questions but just want to throw out some pros or cons
about the Mac in general, that is ok, too. Thank you in advance for
your feedback.
Rebecca
Maurice Mines
Masters Student Educational Technology University of Northern Colorado
970-352-5040 (home) Volunteer NFB of Colorado Newsline for the Blind
Assistant Coordinator 970-373-3076 (office)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] (personal email)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] (school email)
