Hi Daniel,
I made the same transition you are currently doing, only I did it about a year back; you have my sympathy and understanding. I've found you just have to solve each problem one at a time: for instance, on my notebook I figured out how to disable my touchpad (because I kept brushing it accidentally), and I know how to restore it when a sighted person needs to use it. The easiest way is to see if your notebook has an fn key to enable/disable the touchpad (mine did), so you can disable or enable it easily. Next, I found some free program on the internet which lets me reassign key functionality. I used it because I had no aplications key (the one used in place of a right click). I found a key I wasn't using, and used this program to reassign it as an applications key. Also remember that the capslock can be used with WE in place of the insert; this can be a life-saver on a notebook. Below are some links to e-book tutorials for Windows 7 and Office 2010 using Window-Eyes; they are great. The company also offers tutorials for Windows 8 and Office 2013 as well. They come in e-book formats (text, html, etc), as well as a bunch of mp3 audio tutorials to demonstrate various points. Windows 7 tutorial: http://www.blindtraining.com/shop/win7-we.html Word 2010 tutorial: http://www.blindtraining.com/shop/word10-we.htm Outlook 2010 tutorial: http://www.blindtraining.com/shop/outlook10-we.htm They also have tutorials for other Office programs. For anyone who hasn't yet bought their laptop/notebook: I'd recommend looking at the Dell business series (I bought an E6530), because they are much more customizable than the consumer series of notebooks. They let me choose Windows 7 32-bit for instance, and no extra "shovelware" is added at all. hth, Chip From: Daniel Sweeney [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2014 12:09 PM To: GW Info Discussion List Subject: window xp/7/8 which one for you? Hello, Thank you David for your explanation for using the systems and software you do. I am still using xp on my desktop and office 2003. I recently purchased a notebook/laptop with Windows 7 (recommended over 8 due to all the issues with 8), and Office 2010. Not only am I having problems learning the operating system, I am trying to discern the differences of a laptop (lack of a windows/context key on the right side of space bar, 6pk keys in different order and placed on top, feel of keyboard, sensitivity of touchpad among a plethora of other issues), but also trying to figure out what the heck the ribbon is and how it works. My word, this is a monumental task and requires a great deal of concentration and time to do when I do not use them at work or have any on site support (so-to-speak). I am trying to learn the accessibility features of a phone, a GPS and another device in addition to this. I long for the simplicity of my desktop and its familiarity. It is almost like a security blanket. When everyone else has to have the latest and greatest technology as soon as it is introduced, I always think I am falling further behind, but I no more have the finances, the time to try to learn more software or equipment or the desire to be part of the "data-pack". I am a personal user and not overly concerned with extreme security since I have nothing much to secure on my computer. All I want to do is to be able to be able to use the internet effectively, use my Outlook calendar and email, and my other Office programs I am familiar with. Why should I be admonished for not being always up to date? I have still heard from half the people that have Windows 8 to wait as long as I can to get it. I haven't even learned 7 yet. I DO have the latest WE update and as long as xp still runs on my computer desktop and I can use the programs I have, I see no need to update until my computer croaks or I have a reason to use the current versions - like a "job" Just my thoughts. Daniel If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender only. If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is related to GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to [email protected] so the entire list will receive it. GW-Info messages are archived at http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo. You can manage your list subscription at http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv.
