JAWS FOR WINDOWS
Program Changes
September 5, 1995



     This file contains information about program
improvements and new features.  Information
presented here is also available in the JAWS Help
menu.  Choose "Changes" from the Help menu in the
JAWS application window to read about the program
changes described here, or use a text editor to
read this file.


JFW VERSION 1.1.45
September 5, 1995


SPEAKING SYMBOLS AND NUMBERS

     The new Text Processing menu item in the JAWS
Options menu lets you control how symbols and
numbers are spoken.  Options in this dialog
include: punctuation mode, numbers processing,
filter repeated characters, and mixed case.  


PUNCTUATION MODE

     Prior to this version, we allowed speech
synthesizers to use their own pronunciation rules
when speaking symbols such as quotation marks,
periods, commas, braces, etc.  Our new punctuation
processing logic allows JAWS to precisely speak
symbols to improve readability and comprehension.

     Now, whenever you ask JAWS to speak a
punctuation symbol, JAWS first examines its
translation table to see if a pronunciation change
is needed.  If the symbol is in the table, then a
pronunciation substitution is made.  This means,
for example, that DECtalk will now say "less than"
instead of saying "left angle bracket".  The
pronunciation rules in this table can be changed
by the user, so that if you do not want JAWS to
say "Exclaim" for the exclamation point, then you
could change it to "bang".  If you want period
spoken even when the punctuation setting is set to
"some", then you can make this change.  Please
read the file SYMBOLS.TXT located in the
\JFW\TECNOTES\ENU subdirectory for additional
information about the SYMBOLS.INI file.

     If you prefer to let your synthesizer handle
the processing of symbols, then you can do this by
changing the setting in the Punctuation Processing
check box in the Text Processing dialog.  If you
check "controlled by JAWS" then JAWS uses its own
symbol processing table.  If you check "controlled
by synthesizer", then JAWS depends on your
synthesizer to determine how punctuation symbols
are to be spoken.  Please note, the symbols
processing table primarily determines the words
that are to be spoken when a specific symbol is
encountered.  If you wish to prevent groups of
symbols from being spoken, then you can also use
the Punctuation dialog option in the dialogs of
the Voices menu.  Settings in the Punctuation
dialog include: none, some, most, and all.

     Related to the speaking of symbols is the
speaking of text that combines alphabet characters
with punctuation or numbers.  Some synthesizers
automatically spell all such blocks of text.  For
example, "UNTITLED1.DOC" is no longer spelled by
the DECtalk, Accent, and other synthesizers. 

     The period character will be spoken in one of
several ways depending on context.  When this
character is used in a number, JAWS says "point",
i.e. "98.6" is spoken as "ninety eight point six". 
When the period is mixed within alphabet
characters, JAWS says "dot", i.e. "READ.ME" is
spoken as "read dot me".  If three period
characters are strung together without spaces
between them, then JAWS says "dot dot dot".  If
the period is followed by one or more spaces and
is preceded by alphabet characters, then JAWS says
"period".


NUMBERS PROCESSING

     Numbers can now be spoken in several ways. 
The Numbers Processing option in the Text
Processing dialog of the Options menu determines
how numbers are to be spoken.  If the option is
set to "off" then JAWS lets the synthesizer
determine how to speak numbers.  When "single
digits" is used, then the number "1234" is spoken
as "one two three four".  If "pairs" is used, then
the number "1234" is spoken as "twelve thirty
four".  If "full numbers" is used then "1234" is
spoken as "one thousand two hundred thirty four". 


FILTER REPEATED CHARACTERS

     This dialog option instructs JAWS to not
speak strings of repeated symbols such as strings
of periods or asterisks.  For example, in a table
of contents, JAWS speaks a specified number of
periods even when there are thirty or forty
periods in a string.  It should be noted that
character filtering only works when repeated
characters are not separated by spaces.  The
dialog options for the Filter dialog box include
the numbers "3" through "6" and "all".  The
numbers indicate how many of the repeated
characters will be spoken.  The "all" option
indicates that all repeated characters will be
spoken.


MIXED CASE

     The Mixed Case dialog option is used to help
with the speaking of words that contain a
combination of uppercase and lowercase letters. 
It is common for Windows INI files (setup files
for Windows) to contain words that have been
created from several words.  For example, the
expression "Local TSR" in the SYSTEM.INI file, or
"Get Window Name" in a JAWS macro file are written
as "LocalTSR" and "GetWindowName".  When the Mixed
Case check box is checked, then JAWS will break up
mixed case words into individual words.  If the
check box is unchecked, then your speech
synthesizer must determine how to speak mixed case
words.


ROBUSTNESS

     JAWS is quicker and more dependable.  We have
fixed a memory leak that has caused problems for
some users.  Sometimes JAWS would run out of
memory and could no longer capture new text
changes or track highlighted information.  We have
also fixed a problem that could cause JAWS to
occasionally crash to DOS.  If you have a Windows
application that sometimes had these problems,
then this version of JAWS should help.  As always,
please let us know when you find applications
which do not behave properly when you use JAWS.


TRACKING THE CARET SYMBOL

     JAWS can now follow the movement of
horizontal caret symbols. This makes tracking work
more reliably with AttachMate, Windows Terminal,
and other emulators.  Caret tracking is also more
accurate, especially in Microsoft Word and Write.


ATTACHMATE MACRO FILE

     There is a new macro file for use with
AttachMate (TRMINL.JMS).  It adds delays to the
macros for moving with the PC cursor so that the
proper characters are spoken.  Many changes have
been made to improve performance with AttachMate
Extra, the 3270 emulator.  If you have a chance to
test this with other emulators such as T27, then
please let us know how it works.  You may want to
use/clone the TRMINL.JMS macros with other
emulators.


ADDITIONAL SYNTHESIZER SUPPORT 

     The Soundblaster sound card is now supported. 
It sounds just like a DECtalk, but it is slow to
respond to keyboard commands.  Be sure you have a
Soundblaster 16 and the TextAssist software, or
the AWE32 model.  You can get the SSIL driver from
the H-J BBS.  The name of the driver is
TASSIST.ZIP.

     We also have synthesizer drivers for the
Xerox Reading Edge, the Accent Messenger IC, and
the Artic 215.  Work is also being done on a
Kurzweil Personal Reader driver.


SUBTLE IMPROVEMENTS

     The functions Say to Cursor {INSERT+HOME} and
Say from Cursor {INSERT+PAGE UP} now work better
in most situations. Previously, there were times
when JAWS would seem to be confused about cursor
location when these functions were used.

     Refinements have been made in how the JAWS
cursor moves when using the Say Prior Word
{INSERT+LEFT ARROW} and Say Next Word
{INSERT+RIGHT ARROW} functions.  Now JAWS for
Windows uses the same method of determining word
units as the DOS version of JAWS.  We now use
software logic to determine when a word should be
broken into parts or spoken as a whole unit. This
means we do more than use blank spaces to
determine the beginning and end of word units. 
For example, a path name involving several
subdirectories will not be read as a single word. 
JAWS now considers each part of the subdirectory
name as a separate word, and includes the
BACKSLASH symbol at the end of each word.  Symbols
such as PERIOD and COMMA are spoken at the end of
words while symbols such as LEFT PARENTHESIS and
LEFT BRACE are spoken at the beginning of words. 

     When moving the JAWS cursor through empty
space on the desktop, there is less chance of the
cursor not being able to move.  If the cursor is
between lines, a Say Prior Line command {UP
ARROW}will cause the JAWS cursor to jump to the
line above, and the Say Next Line command {DOWN
ARROW} will move it to the line below.  Similarly,
if the cursor is to the left of the first
character on a line or to the right of the last
character on the line, then the Say Next Character
command {RIGHT ARROW} or the Say Prior Character
command will respectively move the JAWS cursor
directly to a character.

     The status of check boxes in Microsoft Word
Dialogues is now working correctly again.

     The Off Screen Model of JAWS no longer
becomes corrupted when text is deleted in Windows
Write.

          The FindString and other string
comparison functions of the JAWS macro language
now work more reliably.

     When Screen Echo is set to "all", then
characters typed on the keyboard are no longer
echoed twice.  This makes working with terminal
programs easier.


NEW MACRO EDITOR

     Our new macro editor will be packed with
features.  If you need more power and convenience
when creating macros, then plan on trying our new
editor.  New features of the editor include: 
multi document capability, variables, constants,
and a macro function dialog list box with
definitions and parameter prompting.  The new
editor is not included with this version, however,
a beta version of the editor is available upon
request.  The new editor will be included with
future versions of JAWS for Windows.




JFW VERSION 1.1.20
June 23, 1995

New Screen Reading Keys

{INSERT+F}
     Identifies the font name, font size, and
     attribute of the text character at the
     position of the active cursor.

{SHIFT+INSERT+DOWN ARROW}
     During editing, this key can be used to read
     the block of text that has been highlighted
     by your use of the text selection keys.  It
     also can be used to read the highlighted item
     that has been selected in Program Manager.

New Feature of Speech Pad 5 Key 
     The Say Character key has been enhanced so
     that it also can read the hotkey character
     that is used to choose a menu item.  For
     example, when the menu option for "exit" in
     the Files menu of Program Manager is
     selected, JAWS will say "X" when the 5 key on
     the speech pad is pressed.


General Improvements

Keyboard Echo 
     A setting for Word Echo can now be used to
     have JAWS speak the individual words that are
     typed.  When this setting is used, JAWS will
     not speak individual characters, but will
     speak the group of previously typed
     characters whenever the SPACEBAR is pressed. 
     Other options for keyboard echo are still
     available.  JAWS can still speak individual
     characters as they are typed or simply remain
     silent.  Keyboard Echo is set from within the
     User Options dialog box of the JAWS
     application menu. 

PC Cursor Positioning 
     The PC cursor no longer moves from its
     current position in an application window
     when the menu bar of the application is used. 
     This ensures that the PC cursor will be
     positioned properly when you finish using the
     menu. 

Text Selection Keys
     When you use text selection keys for editing,
     such as {SHIFT+LEFT ARROW},
     {SHIFT+CONTROL+RIGHT ARROW}, etc., JAWS now
     does a better job of speaking the text that
     is being selected.  You can easily confirm
     that you have selected the intended block of
     text, before you cut or delete it, by using
     the {SHIFT+INSERT+DOWN ARROW}. 




JFW VERSION 1.1
April 17, 1995

General Improvements

     This version of JAWS for Windows provides
greater compatibility for Pentium PC processors,
stronger performance in Windows applications, and
improved desktop navigation with the PC cursor and
JAWS cursor.


New Authorization Keys

     In order to provide greater flexibility in
the use of JAWS, new authorization keys have been
introduced with JAWS version 1.1.  An
authorization key can now be installed on any of
your disk drives.  You can even leave it on the
JAWS program diskette and keep the diskette in the
floppy drive when loading and using JAWS.  If you
are updating to JAWS version 1.1, then you must
also install a new authorization key from your
version 1.1 update diskette.  JAWS cannot use your
old authorization key, and requires the new
authorization key before it can function.


Timed Evaluation Version of JAWS

     In response to those who wish to evaluate
JAWS for Windows, we are making available a "Timed
Evaluation" version of our software.  The timed
evaluation program is fully functional -- it
contains all program features, and includes
training tapes and printed documentation.  Its
only limitation is that it can be used for no more
than 60 days.  Timed evaluation software can be
quickly converted to permanent software any time
during or after the 60 day period of evaluation.



Coming Soon!
Context Sensitive Help for JAWS

     The JAWS application window will soon have
Context Sensitive Help.  You will be able to press
{F1} at any time when you are in the JAWS
application window to get information about the
purpose of the selected JAWS menu or dialog
option.  After reading the help information, press
{ALT+F4} to exit help and return to the JAWS menu
system.  Context help answers the question:  What
does this menu item or dialog option do?  Our
screen sensitive help answers the questions:  What
kind of window am I using? and How do I use it?


32 Bit Access

     There were certain problems associated with
the use of JAWS authorization keys and with the
use of DOS application windows when 32 bit access
was enabled.  These problems have been addressed,
and computers which can take advantage of 32 bit
access can have this feature enabled again. 




JFW VERSION 1.00.07
March 16, 1995


On-Line Documentation

     Our new On-Line Documentation contains all of
our printed reference materials.  This includes
our manuals, quick reference cards, and setup
guide.  To use the help system, press {INSERT+J}
to activate the JAWS application window, followed
by {ALT+H} to activate the Help menu.  Choose
"Contents" to use manuals or "Quick Reference" for
a summary of commands.  When you are done using
help, press {ALT+F4} to quit the help system.

     Our on-line documentation uses the standard
Windows Help software, and contains options for
searching for topics, browsing through text,
backtracking through help screens, and inserting
bookmarks for later reference.  For information
about using these help features, choose "Help
Tips" from the opening menu of the JAWS help
system.

     Our redesigned on-line quick reference makes
it even easier to look-up a keyboard command for
JAWS or Windows.  Simply activate the JAWS
application window, and choose "Quick Reference"
from the JAWS Help menu when you want to look-up a
keyboard command.


Improved Screen Sensitive Help

     We have added additional descriptions to our
screen sensitive help.  Press {INSERT+F1} to
listen to a description of your current location
in Windows and to obtain instructions for using
the current window, menu, or dialog option. 
Screen sensitive help can be used at any time in
any windows application.


New and Improved Screen Reading Functions

Read From Left Side of Screen to Cursor =
{INSERT+HOME}
     Laptop = {ALT+SHIFT+J}

Read From Cursor to the Right side of Screen =
{INSERT+PAGE UP}
     Laptop = {ALT+SHIFT+L}


Read Top Line of Window = {INSERT+END}
     Laptop = {ALT+SHIFT+Y}
Read Bottom Line of Window {INSERT+PAGE DOWN}
     Laptop = {ALT+SHIFT+N}

Spell Current Word = {INSERT+SPEECH PAD 5}
     Laptop = {ALT+K}  (Key must be pressed twice
     within a half second for this function.)

Say All {INSERT+DOWN ARROW}
     This function now reads from the position of
     the active cursor to the bottom of the
     window.

Spell Check Macro for Microsoft Word = {INSERT+W}
     This macro reads the misspelled word that is
     identified by the spell checker.  Misspelled
     words are automatically spelled when they pop
     up.  

{NUM LOCK}, {CAPS LOCK}, and {SCROLL LOCK}
     These keys now speak their on/off status when
     pressed.  JAWS automatically turns the
     Numlock function off when JAWS is started.


Improved Speed with File Manager
and Other Applications

     The sometimes sluggish performance of JAWS
when using the File Manager and certain other
application programs has been greatly improved. 
JAWS is substantially more responsive when working
with these applications.  Additionally, New verbal
prompts make File Manager easier than ever to use.


Improved Graphics Management

     Predefined graphics labels for the 256 color
mode of Windows have been added, and a utility
program for merging and editing JAWS graphics
files has been created.  To use the "GRAPHED.EXE"
program, start it from the Run dialog of Program
Manager.  You can use the program to edit your
existing graphics label file or merge two files. 
For information about graphics label files, please
refer to the technical information contained in
"GRAPH01.TXT" located in the \JFW\TECNOTES
subdirectory.  Information about the GraphEd
program is contained in Chapter 1 of the JAWS
Technical Reference.


New Macro Functions

     Those who edit and create JAWS macros will be
happy to know that we are continuing to add new
macro functions.  We now have functions which can
search for text or graphics in the active window,
in addition to many other functions which can be
used to create powerful screen reading tools.  The
most complete list of macro functions is contained
in "FUNCTION.JML" which is located in the
\JFW\SETTINGS\ENU subdirectory.  New functions are
added to the end of this file.


Counting Authorization Keys

     We now have a program which can tell you the
number of authorization keys that are present on
your JFW program diskette.  An "authorization key"
must be present on your hard drive in order for
JAWS to start.  Detailed information about
authorization keys is contained in the JAWS setup
guide.  An on-line version of this guide is
contained in the JAWS help system and in the file
"SETUP.TXT located in the \JFW subdirectory.





JFW VERSION 1.00.05
January 16, 1995 - February 21, 1995

     This section lists problems associated with
versions 1.00.00 through 1.00.05.  If you
encounter any of these problems, then you should
upgrade to a more recent version of JAWS.

     "Error: Reallocing Macro pointer table",
"Error: Reallocing Key Table", or "Error:
Reallocing Macro Buffer" were error messages that
could occur when using JAWS.  Corrections have
been made and these messages should no longer
appear.  If these messages were ignored, things
might function normally for a while, but
eventually JAWS would be unable to accurately read
the desktop.

     Some dialog boxes and dialog options were not
being spoken in Microsoft applications such as
Word or Excel.  Improvements affect the "Focus
Change" and {INSERT+f1} macros.

     Many of the keys of the Windows Calculator
did not speak.  Additional keys/features have been
added to the Calculator settings file.

     A new "SOUNDBRD.INI" file for the Sounding
Board has been included so that JAWS can work with
this synthesizer.

     The "SSIL.INI" file for the Audapter
synthesizer has been revised, and the JAWS Voice
menu now works properly.  Thanks to Dave Sherman
for finding and fixing this problem for us.

     When using the JAWS macro editor, a message
box sometimes remained on the screen even when it
did not have the focus.  Eventually, this would
cause the text to appear scrambled when it was
read by JAWS, even though text on the screen was
not scrambled.

     Sometimes the Windows environment would
unexpectedly be dropped and you would be returned
to DOS, or in some cases, your computer would
re-boot.  This problem actually occurred when the
JAWS cursor was on a space character just to the
right of a graphics icon and you pressed Prior
Word {INSERT+LEFT ARROW}.

