CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Chapter Summary
This chapter provides an overview of the outSPOKEN program and its 
documentation. Section 1.1 defines important conventions used in this 
manual and describes the contents of the outSPOKEN package. Section 1.2 
gives a brief description of the features and capabilities of the 
outSPOKEN program.

1.1   About This Manual
NOTE: CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

KPD
outSPOKEN for Windows commands are located on the numeric keypad, found 
on the right-hand side of standard PC keyboards. Command locations are 
given in this manual in the form of "KPD" followed by the standard label 
of the key. For example, outSPOKEN's SELECT key is the 5 key on the 
numeric keypad, and the location of this command would be written as "KPD 
5". Please note that these commands MUST be issued from the numeric 
keypad, not from the main section of the keyboard.

ENTER Key
The standard PC keyboard contains two keys labeled "ENTER". One is located 
at the lower right of the numeric keypad, and the other is at the right 
edge of the main section of the keyboard. The distinction between these 
two keys is critical. The numeric keypad ENTER key is outSPOKEN's STOP 
key, and is designated in this manual as "KPD ENTER". The main keyboard 
ENTER key is used to create a new paragraph in text files, to select the 
default choice in dialog boxes in Windows, and to terminate outSPOKEN 
FIND requests (Section 4.4). The ENTER key located on the main keyboard is 
designated in this manual as "ENTER".

Italics
The Glossary of terms at the back of the manual provides definitions for 
a variety of technical terms relating to Windows and outSPOKEN. In each 
section of the manual, the first occurrence of any term which appears in 
the glossary is italicized. 

Cross-references
Cross-references are provided for topics that are discussed elsewhere in 
the manual. Cross-references are given in parentheses, and are of the 
form "(Section x.x.x)".

ALL CAPS
Words which appear in all caps are the names of outSPOKEN keys and 
commands. This avoids confusion in situations where the name of a command 
might be used as a word in the description of that command's function. 
For example: "The TOP command places the pointer in the top left corner 
of the current window."

This manual is provided in print, on 4-track Library of Congress format 
cassette, and as text files on the outSPOKEN disk. Included with the program 
are a set of tactile diagrams, Figures 1 - 6, which are referred to in the 
manual and help to explain some of the concepts of Microsoft Windows. A 
print version of the outSPOKEN keypad diagram is also included. The 
outSPOKEN commands are summarized in a set of command sheets which are 
included in the outSPOKEN package in both Braille and print. A Braille 
manual and a standard speed cassette manual are available from Berkeley 
Systems or your outSPOKEN dealer. 

The outSPOKEN for Windows User Manual is designed to be used with ease by 
experienced and inexperienced users alike. To speed up the installation and 
learning process for advanced PC users, each chapter begins with a chapter 
summary. If the advanced user is already familiar with the information 
presented in the summary, the user may wish to skim or skip the chapter. The 
chapter summaries may also be convenient for re-locating information that 
was previously read.

Terms and concepts are presented in a logical order for the user who wishes 
to read the manual straight through. Topics have also been kept as self-
contained as possible, making it easy to use this manual as a reference 
tool.

Instructions for installing outSPOKEN are covered in detail in Chapter 2. 
Section 2.1 provides important information about requirements for outSPOKEN 
prior to installation. Beginning PC users will probably find that Section 
2.2 contains the easiest installation instructions, while advanced users may 
wish to consult Section 2.3 as well. Section 2.4 provides some information 
about getting started quickly.

Many terms and concepts used by outSPOKEN and Microsoft Windows are 
explained in Chapter 3. This chapter uses the tactile diagrams provided with 
outSPOKEN to describe the Windows environment to a blind user. For the 
beginning Windows user, this chapter is crucial!
outSPOKEN's entire command structure is explained in Chapter 4. This chapter 
builds on concepts and terms developed in Chapter 3, so the beginning 
Windows user is strongly advised to read Chapter 3 before beginning to 
experiment with these commands. The command sheets provided with the 
outSPOKEN program summarize these commands, providing a quick and easy 
reference guide. The tactile diagram of the outSPOKEN keypad (Figure 1) may 
also assist in the learning process. Appendix B, at the end of this manual, 
also contains a summary of the outSPOKEN commands.

outSPOKEN's preferences and adjustable feedback settings are explained in 
Chapter 5. The default settings are intended to provide optimal feedback for 
beginning Windows and outSPOKEN users. Advanced users may wish to study this 
chapter closely, as it provides much information about customizing outSPOKEN 
and its feedback.

If you experience problems using outSPOKEN, Chapter 6 provides some advice 
for correcting common problems. This chapter is arranged in a 
Problem/Solution format, and is easily skimmed to locate information 
relating to your particular problem. If Chapter 6 does not provide the 
information you are looking for, be sure to consult the README file on the 
outSPOKEN disk for additional information that may not have been available 
when this manual was printed.

Information about the files on the outSPOKEN disk, including program files, 
dictionary files, and drivers, can be found in Appendix A. This section may 
be incomplete due to changes made after the printing of this manual. Be sure 
to check the README file for the most up-to-date list of disk contents.

The outSPOKEN commands are summarized in Appendix B. This appendix is a 
duplicate of the Braille and print command sheets provided with outSPOKEN.

If you need to install Microsoft Windows (as you must, before installing 
outSPOKEN), and you do not have sighted assistance, Appendix C may help. 
This appendix provides instructions and advice about installing Windows 
using a response file, thereby eliminating the need for a sighted assistant.

1.2   What is outSPOKEN for Windows?

outSPOKEN for Windows is a program which provides blind people with access 
to the Microsoft Windows environment. It uses commands located on the 
keyboard's numeric keypad to read menus, dialog boxes, icons, tool bars, 
standard text, and more. It provides full speech support for all built-in 
Windows commands such as hotkeys, TAB commands and ARROW keys. The program is 
a complete interface to programs such as databases, spreadsheets, word 
processors, MIDI sequencers, and many other exciting applications.

outSPOKEN is extremely customizable. Its many voices provide information 
about graphics, controls, highlighted text, and changing cursors. Feedback 
about new windows, movement across empty space, punctuation, and graphics 
can all be changed quickly and easily.

To find out all about outSPOKEN for windows: read on!
