Hi Fred, John Justice, here. I made the transition a while ago. Here's what I found out.
8.1 takes some getting used to. It opens on a screen which contains all of the apps loaded into the system. Some, but not all of these apps are accessible. They are arranged in columns and you can navigate up and down or across using standard Jaws commands. For example, the Weather app is good once you have entered your location. The Music app is okay but it takes some getting used to. The Mail app, in its original form, insists that you have a Microsoft account. I don't have one of those so I avoid that app. There is a Desktop app but it leads you to a special desktop, not the original one and it isn't particularly accessible. Windows 8.1 will learn your preferences as you go along. There is a Search capability which is excellent. You can either shift tab to the Search or just start typing and the system will move quickly to the Search dialog. Accessing the Desktop can still be achieved by using WINDOWS+M or D. Fred, finding things like programs and features is a bit more difficult. Here are the good things. Windows 8.1 is much faster than Windows 7 in loading. However, there is a Sign-in page which appears and you have to enter your password every time. Windows 8.1 contains biometric sign-in options but they probably won't work on an older system like yours. 8.1 has, for me at least, very few crashes. It's quick and crisp when changing programs. The WINDOWS+E function allows you access to all of the stored files in your PC. Most of the Windows functions are still available but they are not as easily accessible in Windows 8.1 when comparing it to Windows 7. Finding All Programs for example is a challenge unless you type that phrase into your Search window. 8.1 tends to divide the listings into sections pertaining to their general function. This is a general description. I hope I have it all correct. I have been using 8.1 for more than a year, now. If you run into trouble, just yell. **VERY IMPORTANT** Narrator is absolutely fantastic in 8.1. You can turn it on by using WINDOWS+ENTER and in its original configuration, you turn it off the same way. The voice is clear and can be used quite effectively when Jaws isn't working. You may need sighted assistance when loading 8.1. I have heard people say that they did it without help. Quite honestly, I couldn't make it happen. But with the assistance of a neighbor, I had it up and running in a very short time. If you are in the Documents window, if you delete an item, it just disappears without requesting confirmation. That's a relatively simple thing but it is important to a screen reading user. John and linda justice Personal e-mail: john_just...@verizon.net -----Original Message----- From: JAWS-Users-List [mailto:jaws-users-list-boun...@jaws-users.com] On Behalf Of Fred Adams Sent: Friday, August 14, 2015 5:52 PM To: jaws-users list Subject: [JAWS-Users] Upgrading W7 to windows 8.1 I am now using W7, outlook 2010 and latest jaws and thinking of upgrading to W8.1. I would like to hear from people on the list that have done this and what you think of the difference. Is it worth making the change or should I keep W7? My computer does not want to install windows updates and the Microsoft technician told me it could be fixed by upgrading to W8.1 or W10. I would appreciate hearing from people that have upgraded from W7 to W8.1. I can't go for W10 as my computer is pretty old and does not have enough ram to handle it. Thanks much, FRED C. ADAMS W4HC SEW TO THE WIND AND REAP THE WHIRLWIND For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/ --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
