HENTER-JOYCE NEWSLETTER August 1995 JAWS FOR WINDOWS WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT THIS AMAZING SCREEN READER Our screen reading program for the Windows environment was released in January of this year and continues to be praised. Adaptive technology consultants, software users, and technology publications laud the features and performance of JAWS for Windows. Jeff Senge, a user from California State University- Fullerton, wrote in "Advantage" (a newsletter of Blind Students of California) "JAWS for Windows is in my opinion the best Windows screen reader to come along so far. From its easy to use installation program to its standard Windows on-line help system, it is the only Windows screen reader that I have seen so far that has a true Windows look and feel. Besides its consistent Windows style user interface design, the program works well. In other words, its beauty is more than skin deep. As a long-time JAWS for DOS user, I found the transition to JFW to be minimal and actually quite easy. For those who have never used JAWS, I think the learning curve will be on the shallow side because JAWS and JFW are extremely intuitive in nature". The host for the monthly cassette magazine "Computer Folks", Richard Ring, reviews adaptive technology. In a recent issue, he took his listeners through a 30 minute demonstration of JAWS for Windows. He pointed out the many features of JAWS and praised the six cassette tape training tutorial that comes with JAWS for Windows. He says, "The training tapes are especially important because they are a way for a visually impaired computer user to get an excellent foundation in the Windows environment. We think the training tapes really make this program a better buy". You can obtain a copy of the "Computer Folks" review by contacting a member of the Henter-Joyce sales staff. If the preceding endorsements are not proof of JFW's place of prominence in world of Windows screen readers, then the decision of the Microsoft Corporation should prove the point. The Microsoft Corporation announced in April, that it had licensed the Henter-Joyce, Inc., "core Off-Screen Model" (OSM). This means that Microsoft will use the JAWS for Windows OSM as the basis of its open component architecture. The Microsoft agreement reflects its heightened commitment to the needs of disabled computer users, and will make it possible for persons with disabilities to access the Windows screen display more effectively in the future. Ted Henter, President of H-J, said, "The agreement our company has reached with Microsoft represents one of the most important events in the history of computing for blind individuals. Microsoft leads the world in computer software, and now Microsoft's view of the world includes blind people. Steps like this ultimately will result in making computing access better for all people." To receive a copy of the complete Microsoft press release on disk or in print contact H-J sales at 800-336-5658. It is clear that our two and a half years of concentrated work by our team of software programmers and adaptive technology consultants was successful in producing the intuitive design and the virtually invisible user interface of JAWS for Windows. The performance of JAWS demonstrates our software development philosophy. We wanted to provide true software simplicity for all JAWS users while leaving the door open for sophisticated advancements in the future. We also wanted JAWS for Windows to follow the keyboard standards of the Windows environment and application software programs so that blind Windows users could rely on standard Windows keyboard commands. We achieved this and much more. The fact that two-thirds of our software development team are either blind or visually impaired helped us achieve our goals. JAWS FOR Windows AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE When you buy JAWS for Windows, you are investing in the future, because JAWS will keep pace with the needs of its users. JAWS for Windows keeps getting better, and we want to be sure that you are taking advantage of the best we have to offer! Do you have the latest JAWS for Windows version? Do you have the latest settings files for Microsoft Word 6.0 and WordPerfect 6.1? Do you have the new JAWS for Windows training tapes? Do you know about our project to develop a comprehensive library of settings files for Windows applications? About the Latest JAWS for Windows Version New Features and Capabilities in our August Update Substantial improvements have been introduced in JAWS for Windows software since version 1.0.00 was released in January of this year. If you don't have the August 1995 JAWS version, then you don't have the most powerful Windows screen reading software available in the software industry today. These are a few of the most recent advancements. Moving the Cursor by Individual Words: The movement of the cursor now matches the DOS version of JAWS. Periods, commas, slashes, parentheses, etc., are all properly connected to words. Dialog Box Help: INSERT+H can be used in many dialog boxes. This means it can be used to get help when using a spell checker, saving a file,etc. It describes the hot keys that can be used in the specific dialog box that is open. Just open one of the commonly used dialog boxes and press INSERT+H for JAWS help. Describe Text: When you press INSERT+F, JAWS speaks the name of the font at the active cursor and indicates its size and whether it is underlined or in a bold or an italic font style. JAWS Cursor and White Space: The JAWS cursor moves more precisely through white space where text is not present. JAWS Macro Editor: The JAWS macro editor now has a list box containing macro functions, and it can handle much larger files. AttachMate for Windows: The new macro file for AttachMate for Windows is working well. It tracks the sideways caret and provides access to the EXTRA 3270. Coming Soon -- Say All: It will soon be possible to read a text file from beginning to end without needing to stop and manually display the next page of text in the document window. Coming Soon -- Soundblaster Support: Final testing is in process on the Soundblaster sound card. This means that it will soon be possible to use an off-the-shelf Soundblaster 16 ASP or AWE32 sound card with the Soundblaster's TextAssist software when using JAWS for Windows. If you still have the JAWS 1.0 release, which was distributed until May 9, 1995, then you can get a free upgrade. Send us your 3 original software diskettes along with the following information: your name, address, and telephone number, and the dealer who sold you the software. This free upgrade from our first JAWS release will not be available after September 1995. If you have already upgraded to the JAWS for Windows version 1.1 that was released on May 9, 1995, then you can obtain updated software in several ways. You can download the latest JFW files from our BBS or from our Compuserve forum. To use these updated files, you must already have JFW version 1.1.00 or later. We can also send you an update diskette through the mail, but there will be a $10 handling fee. Orders for update diskettes should be sent to Henter-Joyce and should include the following: Your name, address, telephone number, JFW serial number, the name of the dealer who sold JFW to you, and a $10 check or your Visa/MasterCard number and expiration date. Requests for update diskettes via FAX or voice phone can also be made, but you must still provide us with the information indicated for mail orders. Your JFW serial number can be found in the JAWS application window when you activate the "About" dialog in the Help menu. About the New JAWS for Windows Training Tapes It truly is amazing how fast JAWS for Windows has grown during the past seven months. It is already necessary to produce a new set of basic JAWS for Windows training tapes. The powerful new features of JAWS for Windows are described in the new tapes. In addition, the dozens of shortcuts we and our users have discovered are demonstrated as we train you to use JAWS and Windows. The set of six new tapes includes 1 tape on installation, 4 tapes on basic use of JFW and Windows, and 1 tape on JFW macros. Everything is new and up to date. We even have a new demonstration tape. Anyone who has purchased JAWS for Windows or who has a timed evaluation can purchase the new set of tapes for $25. Orders for new training tapes should be sent to Henter-Joyce and should include the following: Your name, address, telephone number, JFW serial number, the name of the dealer who sold JFW to you, and a $25 check or your Visa/MasterCard number and expiration date. Requests for training tapes via FAX or phone can also be made, but you must still provide us with the information indicated for mail orders. Your JFW serial number can be found in the JAWS application window when you activate the "About dialog" in the Help menu of the JAWS application window. The training tapes can be purchased by non JFW users who wish to learn about the Windows environment for a cost of $99. We will begin shipping the new tapes in early September. Please do not send us your old tapes. Your current cassette holder can be used for the new tapes you will receive. HOW CAN YOU BE SURE YOU WILL FIND OUT ABOUT NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FUTURE? In order to ensure that you will be notified abut JFW software enhancements, you must register your JAWS for Windows software. To register: Place your JFW registration disk in your PC's floppy diskette drive, activate a Windows Run dialog, and type "REGISTER" at the command prompt. Answer the questions and send the diskette back to Henter-Joyce in the postage paid diskette mailer that you received with your JFW package. When you register, your name is placed in our customer data base, and you become eligible to receive technical support. A SPECIAL OFFER BY POPULAR DEMAND The complete JAWS for Windows software package in the form of a "timed evaluation" continues to be available. This limited offer includes the JFW software, six cassette tape training/tutorial, and both print and disk versions of the manuals. The software in this package is fully functional -- there are no performance limitations. The timed evaluation software can be used for 60 days from the date of installation, and can be converted to permanent (licensed) software through a simple telephone procedure. When you decide to convert your timed evaluation to licensed software, the $39.95 will be applied to your purchase price. Even if you don't purchase JAWS for Windows, you can still use the valuable training tapes and manuals as a reference for the Windows environment. You may order your timed evaluation of JFW through your local H-J dealer or direct from Henter-Joyce. CUSTOMER SUPPORT IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD Henter-Joyce now has over 70 representatives throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Most of our dealers are users of our products, and their knowledge of the technology which can be used by blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled computer users is extensive. Your local dealer offers strong customer service and product support. Don't forget to ask for the name and phone number of the dealer nearest you when you next call H-J. If you or someone you know would like to join our select group of H-J dealers, then contact Cathy Kaiser at 800-336-5658. Cathy will be happy to tell you about qualifications for becoming an authorized representative of Henter-Joyce, Inc. GOIN' SURFIN'? We currently maintain a forum on CompuServe. If you have a CompuServe account, then you can reach our forum by typing "GO JAWS". There is a library of files here with new software updates, a message board for notes and technical support questions, and a meeting room for scheduled chats. You also may contact H-J at our Compuserve e-mail address: 74777.3306@compuserve.com. You should also plan to look for the home page we are about to open on the Internet. Our Internet address will be "henter-joyce.com". Stay tuned for more details as they become available. MACRO MADNESS CONTEST EXTENSION It's our goal to provide the users of JAWS for Windows with the highest quality macro files to ensure compatibility with the widest range of commonly used Windows applications. The spirit of competition combined with the creativity of our users will allow us to obtain and distribute a truly comprehensive library of macro files for the thousands who use JAWS for Windows. From now until September 29, Henter-Joyce will be accepting entries for the "Macro Madness" contest. Prizes will be $2500 first place, $1000 second place, $500 third place, and ten honorable mentions at $100 each. Everyone is eligible except Henter-Joyce employees, their family members, Henter-Joyce authorized dealers and their representatives. For a complete list of contest guidelines and advanced documentation, download the files "contest.zip" and "eventmac.txt" from our BBS 813-528-8903 or call 800-336-5658 and we will send you a copy. Don't forget, that a JAWS for Windows "timed evaluation"($39.95) can be used to prepare your "MACRO MADNESS" contest submission. It can be used for 60 days while you are developing macros and writing documentation. PLEASED TO MEET YOU We have many new staff members to help you. The tremendous response to JAWS for Windows and the very large numbers of JAWS for Windows purchases has prompted us to expand our staff. When you call us, you may find yourself talking to one of several new voices. The names of H-J staff and their job titles are listed below. Mel Henter, C.E.O./VP Ted Henter, President E. Charles Potts, Controller Eric S. Damery, VP of Sales Cathy J. Kaiser, Director of Marketing Lynne Damery, Sales/Marketing Glenn Gordon, VP of Development J. David Boyd, Software Engineer Carl Wise, Network Supervisor Donny Dunn, Technical Support Dennis Godin, Technical Support Norman Little, Mgr. Production/Shipping Tina Serrano, Administrative Assistant John P. Thomas, Documentation Consultant Jerry Bowman, Human Resources Consultant You might be interested to know that several of these individuals do not work out of our St. Petersburg office and do not live in Florida. They work in home offices and coordinate their work through e-mail and voice mail connections. This approach enables H-J to obtain the highest quality personnel to flexibly handle the work of product development and technical support. This approach for workforce management is an innovation for our industry. We recruit talented blind or visually impaired users of our products to help us to provide technical support, product development, braille transcription, etc. PRODUCT INFORMATION FOR EVERYONE We provide our product information in print, on diskette, cassette tape, and in Braille formats. Be sure to request the format you prefer when you call us for product information. For complete information, you can't beat the H-J literature disk. It contains 33 files for your reading enjoyment. All of our print brochures are included on the disk. Also available in Braille are both our JAWS for DOS and JAWS for Windows manuals. You may order these from one of our sales staff. Each manual is $75 plus shipping. STOP-BY AND SAY HELLO We will be participating in these events during the next few months. Florida NFB Convention, Orlando, Florida, September 15-17, 1995 Closing The Gap, Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 19-21, 1995 Florida Education Technology Conference, Orlando, Florida, February 17-19, 1995 CSUN, Los Angeles, California, March 19-23, 1995 BUY--SELL For Sale: Toshiba Laptop T-1000-XE with internal Accent speech synthesizer, 20 MB hard drive, 3.5 HD floppy, new battery, power supply/charger. Price $450. Contact John at 919-942-1352. Henter-Joyce, Inc. 2100 62nd Ave., N. St. Petersburg, FL 33702