I think it is often difficult for many people to do what you say, Jim. I
have been using computers since the late eighties, and had to learn a lot
while working in a busy office environment. This gave me the impetus to
learn, but it didn't make life any easier. I started Windows with version
3.1, if anyone can remember how slow that was. Things did improve, but
every time an upgrade happened a new learning curve was necessary, and often
colleagues were not really prepared to wait long enough for me to learn
everything I needed to know.
There are many people who have not been lucky enough to be employed, and
life is rather different for them. For a start, they may never have been
taught to touch type, which is a big barrier. Then there is the fact that
computers are not just typewriters, but very complex machines, and you do
need to know a lot to work them efficiently. Over the years I have learned
many of the tricks and manners of computers, but still some things fog my
brain. If only they wouldn't use so many initials, and would tell you
exactly what an option does rather than leave you in the dark wondering
whether you need it or not. Then there are the huge number of programs you
can get to do all kinds of things, some of which you find useful when you
have tried them, and others not at all!
For those who are still just beginning to crack the code, so to speak, I can
fully understand how brain-numbing it can be. I remember my first DOS
computer, and how long it took me to get to grips with it. In those days
there was little on tape or in braille to help the new user along, but I got
what I could find, and spent months studying. Learning all the
technicalities is an enormous challenge, and some people find it just too
much to cope with.
I have been using JAWS for years, largely because that was the program I got
through our Access to Work scheme in the UK. Last year I decided to go over
to Window-Eyes, and was delighted to note that the current version is ready
for Windows 7. I spent many hours listening to the audio tutorials and
reading the manual, and really didn't find the change too difficult, but I
am an experienced computer user, and have tried various screenreaders over
time. I do find some aspects of Window-Eyes, such as browse mode, rather
inconsistent and annoying at times, but for the most part I can do what I
want to do very well. However, I am now retired, and don't need to format
complicated documents with pretty front covers and various types of
headings, etc, which I had to do at work, so I don't need to worry about all
the complexities of MS Word.
Regarding upgrading, this is something we all have to face in the end, as
older versions of operating systems, internet browsers and the like are no
longer supported. That was one big reason for choosing Window-Eyes, as it
allowed me to upgrade to IE8. There are some wonderful people around who
produce tutorials and user guides for many programs, and it is great when
you can find one of these and it makes sense. Inexperienced users may not
be able to search the web as well as we who know more, and I have noticed on
the technical lists to which I belong that some members are a great deal
more experienced than others, so we all help each other out. The same
questions may be asked over and over again as new members join, but we all
understand how hard it is getting started, so we don't mind repeating
ourselves. I have gained a great deal of help and useful information from
other members, and for me this is what a list like this is all about.
Wendy
-----Original Message-----
From: jim grimsby Jr. [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 10 May 2010 19:35
To: Kevin Huber; gw-info
Subject: Re: I have something to say
The following message will probably get me in trouble again, but the facts
are these if you want the increased functionality, you will have to learn
how to use the program. If you do not need the increased functionality
stick with what you're familiar with, unless of course you upgrade your
operating system and what you're familiar with, no longer works. Then I
guess that falls under the category of increased functionality and you will
just have to learn the new program. The sooner you accept that this is
necessary and get down to the learning process. The sooner you will be an
experienced user with the program and you can get on with your life and use
the program that you desire.
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Kevin Huber"<[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 8:21 AM
To: "gw-info"<[email protected]>
Subject: Re: I have something to say
Hi:
I think the unwillingness to embrace change has to do more with the
fact that it takes us out of our comfort zone. For example, if we
have read our email the same way for a number of years and pressed the
exact same hotkeys in the exact same order, it becomes automatic, and
then, boom, you are faced with learning a new procedure and the old
sequence of hotkeys which became automatic, no longer work for you and
this causes frustration. This happens, or has happened to all of us
at one time or another.
I think this is partly why long-time JAWS users, if faced with the
prospect of having to learn Window-eyes might tell anyone who would
listen that Window-eyes is very hard, if not impossible to navigate,
which we all know isn't true, but that is the perception of some
longtime JAWS users who are just learning Window-eyes.
Kevin Huber
On 5/3/10, [email protected]<[email protected]> wrote:
Jim - You are correct that we all need to move on. Part of that is
moving
through the Grieving process and I would claim that, for many people,
saying good bye to an old version of software can mirror the grieving
process--the first two stages of which are 1) Denial& Isolation and, 2)
Anger. This does not mean that the person won't progress to the next
stages and adjust, but it's perfectly normal to go through these stages.
Some of us just don't adjust to change as quickly as others, but we all
go
through the stages. That's why I said let him vent. This list let's
us
vent to those who can imagine what we may be struggling with in the
adjustment to new technology and then get supportive help. Far better to
tell someone "yes, this is a struggle and you can learn the next stuff
with a little time".
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