Matt, There are two ways you can go with this option. If you already have a current version of Jaws, then I suggest either a desktop or laptop loaded with Windows 7. Most programs produced by Microsoft will function with jaws. There are a few exceptions which are included in the older Microsoft Office versions like 2000 and 2003. But there is a Microsoft office 2010 Home and Business package which is quite reasonable and contains all or most of the programs you will need. One of those programs is Outlook 2010 which is, in my opinion, one of the best and most accessible e-mail software packages. Not only does it provide excellent e-mail processing, storage and mailing, but it also has a great calendar which can be set up to advise you when a special date is coming up. The Contacts list is similar to the one used in Outlook Express but this program offers a great deal more than the software you are now using. Office 2010 Home and business also includes Microsoft Word, an excellent word processor and Excel, one of the best known spread sheet programs around.
The alternative to continuing with Microsoft Windows would involve the acquisition of an Apple system. Apple offers similar program options to Windows but it is much less prone to virus infections. From what I understand, Apple will provide upgrades to their systems at much more reasonable rates than Freedom Scientific now requires. However, there is a considerable learning curve involved since you will be using an entirely different operating system. Some of Apple's web browsers aren't as easily navigated as Internet Explorer. Their Safari system does have some access issues. Apple provides outstanding customer support. These days matt, the costs are similar when comparing a Windows based system and something like a mac Pro. Even now, there are many more programs written for Windows than there are for Apple's systems. But since many of these new software packages aren't accessible to us with screen readers, that may not be a serious drawback. JOHN AND LINDA JUSTICE WITH GUIDE DOGS JAKE AND ZACHARY PERSONAL E-MAIL: john_just...@verizon.net -----Original Message----- From: blind-computing-boun...@jaws-users.com [mailto:blind-computing-boun...@jaws-users.com] On Behalf Of Matt Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2011 2:02 PM To: blind-computing@jaws-users.com Subject: [Blind-Computing] Considering a new computer, what should I get Ok, I wanted to repeat this question. I am considering a new computer, would like to start fresh, and stay on top of all of the keeping up with the restore disks, and maintenance, and just have all go swimmingly and as if by perfect design, don't ya know? hahahahah, yeah right... right? But anyway, what operating system do you guys suggest, since I use jaws? What works? What would have an email program which would allow me to have group email addresses, where-by I could email a lot of contacts, hide the list in a bcc line, and all that? I write prayer requests for my church and send out to a large group from outlook express on my windows xp home machine right now. I'm tired of fighting this tired draggy old thing, and would like to step it up. Thanks, Matt For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/ For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
