Using Ease of Access Tools
If you have difficulty using a mouse or typing, have slightly impaired vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing, you can adjust the appearance and behavior of Windows Vista to make your computer easier for you to use. The Ease of Access Center helps you configure Windows for your vision, hearing, and mobility needs. You can also answer a few questions about your daily computer use that can help Windows recommend accessibility settings and programs for you. To open the Ease of Access Center, click the Start button on the taskbar, click Control Panel, and then double-click the Ease of Access icon. To use the Ease of Access questionnaire, click Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use. The Ease of Access Center provides utilities to adjust the way your keyboard, display, and mouse function to suit various vision and motor abilities. Some of the accessibility tools available include Magnifier, On-Screen Keyboard, Narrator, and High Contrast. You can also set accessibility options, such as StickyKeys, FilterKeys, ToggleKeys, Sound-Sentry, ShowSounds, and MouseKeys, that automatically turn off accessibility features, provide warning sounds, and determine when to apply the settings. The accessibility tools in Windows Vista are intended to provide a low level of functionality for those with special needs. If these tools do not meet your daily needs, you might need to purchase a more advanced accessibility program.
| Option | Description |
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| Magnifier | Displays a separate window with a magnified portion of the screen; this is designed to make the screen easier to read for users who have impaired vision. | | On-Screen Keyboard | Displays an on-screen keyboard; this is designed to use the computer without the mouse or keyboard. | | Narrator | Use the computer without a display; this is a text-to-speech utility program designed for users who are blind or have impaired vision. | | High Contrast | Sets the desktop appearance to high contrast to make the computer easier to see; this is designed to make the screen easier to read for users who have impaired vision. | | StickyKeys | Enables simultaneous keystrokes while pressing one key at a time, such as Ctrl+Alt+Del. | | FilterKeys | Adjusts the response of your keyboard; ignores repeated characters or fast key presses. | | ToggleKeys | Emits sounds when you press certain locking keys, such as Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock. | | SoundSentry | Provides visual warnings for system sounds. | | ShowSounds | Instructs programs to provide captions. | | MouseKeys | Enables the numeric keypad to perform mouse functions. |
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