General Chat

Hello to you all and a Happy New Year I have a friend who whilst using Windows 98 could use a programme that made everything on her screen much larger; she now has XP Professional, and can't load the programme on to that. Does anyone know of a programme that she could use and that doesn't cost hundreds of pounds as most of them do. UK pensioners don't have a lot to spend, and having got her new computer, its a shame she is unable to use it. From Norah in Hampshire

Hi Colin, Thanks for your quick response. Yes, we do know about that option, but am afraid that isn't enough. My friend Molly needs to have the whole screen enlarged and I think with that, she only gets part of it at a time. The programme she got on well with was called Lunar or Luna, and that was installed for her by her tutor at the blind institute when she was using windows 98. But he can't install it on her XP Professional. If she can't find anything, it looks as if she might have to go back to 98. Thanks again Norah in Hampshire

Dawn Many thanks. I have e-mailed this page to my friend, so when she sees her tutor again, I expect he will have a go at this for her. If it works, Molly will be thrilled to bits as will I. Thanks again Norah in Hampshire

Hello, Hope this will help, go to: start, programmes, accessories, accessability and there are a number of choices there that may help your friend improve the viewing on her XP based computer - includes a narrator so that should help also. Regards Joan

Norah, Have you checked your display settings? running at 800*600 instead of 1024*768 will increase everything. Bob

Windows xp has an accessibilty feature that you can find in the Control Panel. It includes a "magnifier". You can also find more information at this address www(.)microsoft(.)com/enable/products/windowsxp/default(.)aspx - usual rule applies so take out the brackets. You may also find some help on the RNIB website for VIs. Their address is www(.)rnib(.)org(.)uk You could also call the Guide Dogs Centre at Southampton on (02380) 768800. They don't just deal with dogs but provide additional services for all visually impaired persons. John

Norah, I am visually impaired and I use 98 at home, and XP at college and I believe there are a few things in accessibility that would help your friend, such as, magnification and a speech aid (Jaws or similar). Also, why doesn't she contact her local Social Services, because she should have a social worker who visits her regularly to offer her help. The social worker would either be able to get her the help she needs or put her in touch with someone who can. Also, as said previously, contact the RNIB. I have an amazing friend who is blind, he teaches computer skills and the strangest thing is to see someone work on a computer without a monitor, this man is so clever and confident too. Good luck to your friend.

Thank you all so much for your helpful suggestions. I have e-mailed them on to my friend, and will let you all know when she is successful. Thanks again Norah in Hampshire