What do you mean, upgrade?
- 2 Mar 07, 11:52 AM
Logging in to MSN Messenger the other day I was presented with a message telling me that there was a newer, shinier and altogether much better version of the software available. I don't know why I always fall for this but, like the gadget-addicted fool that I am, I clicked 'yes'.
I couldn't see much new about MSN Messenger version 8.1 -- in fact I couldn't see much at all. The main window that tells you who's online, who you can IM via their mobile and who is incommunicado is now in such a tiny font that I almost have to press my nose against the monitor in order to see what my friends are up to. By whose definition is this progress? We are told that Vista -- Microsoft's new operating system -- takes accessibility to new and exciting levels. So why, when releasing a new version of a perfectly usable piece of software does the mighty corporation render it less usable?
Answers on a postcard please.
Meanwhile I'm still waiting for a review copy of Vista so that I can tell you all just how accessible it really is.
Comments
Geoff. Stay clear of Vista. let everyone else sort out the bugs first. Don't know if you use accessibility tools but it seems that many still haven't hooked into the great new operating system yet. Steer clear. Alert. Alert.
Hi! Stay AWAY from Vista for now. None of the drivers or versions of the assistive tech that we use (at least here in the US) is ready for it. And you'll have to upgrade all your video and soundcards and memory as well, if you have an older PC or laptop. You need at least 2 GB of RAM to run Vista, really, and with the memory requirements of software such as Dragon Naturally Speaking (ver 9 requires 1GB in and of itself as a min) you are looking at a true PC overhaul or a total new PC purchase altogether. If you use a screenreaer you are going to have to run Vista in classic mode, whenever your reader updates the version to work with Vista.
The magnification in Vista is really nice, they have this new window presentation framework that allows less pixalation and hi-res photo viewing. But in general I am not blown away. Their reader function is still minimal, and their voice dictation still doesn't allow for macro setup or anything advanced. I totally feel like Microsfot is forcing the market to accept an OS that is very much not ready for prime time. Don't forget you'd have to upgrade or replace all of your scanners, printers, embossers, etc that don't have a Vista driver upgrade.
Why use Microsoft?
Linux actually has superior accessibility options to Microsoft's products.
obviousely the've made the irritation facor more acessable now we can all feal like tearing our hair out
Have looked at VISTA, works sort of ok with JAWS, though FS decided to disable the autostart feature in there BETA version, Ok, so people who use the login screen are completely screwed then, that is unless you use Microsoft's rather lame accessability thing! Also Office 2007 and JAWS do not work together as best as they should, leave Office for a while too.
What do you folks think of the accessibility situation on the Mac? Does the built-in screen reader work for you?
How does it compare to JAWS or Window-Eyes?