Technical Support

Answer:

Installation:

1. Download JAWS from the Freedom Scientific website.
2. Run the JAWS installer and complete the installation steps.

Activation:

1. Log in to Windows using an account with local administrator privileges (avoid using a phone during this process).
2. Open a web browser (for example, Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome).
3. https://portal.freedomscientific.com.
4. Log into your portal account using your email and password.
   If necessary, use the Forgot Password link to reset your password.
5. Once logged in, select Activate this computer.
6. When prompted, press ENTER on the OK button.
7. After the license file downloads, do the following:
   • Press CTRL+J to open your browser’s downloads list.
   • Locate the license file (usually at the top of the list).
   • Press ENTER on the file to run it.
   • If prompted by User Account Control, select Yes or press ALT+Y.

Completion:

• The demo software will now be activated, or you’ll be prompted to download and install the latest version.
• If the latest version is already installed, you may be prompted to restart your computer.
• After restarting, JAWS will be fully installed and activated.

Answer:

To check for updates:

1. Open JAWS.
2. Go to the Help menu.
3. Select Check for Updates and follow the prompts if an update is available.

To enable automatic update notifications:

1. Open the Options menu and select Basics.
2. Ensure Automatic Notification of Updates is checked.

Answer:

1. Locate the JAWS desktop icon.
2. Press ALT+ENTER to open the Properties window (focus will be on the Shortcut tab).
3. Press TAB until you reach the Shortcut key field.
4. Press your desired key combination (for example, CTRL+ALT+J).
5. Press ENTER.

Answer:

1. Press INSERT+J to open the JAWS window.
• If JAWS is running from the system tray, this will open the JAWS menu.
• If not, it will move focus to the main JAWS window.
2. Navigate to the Help menu.
3. Press T to open Training resources.

Answer:

Quick Navigation Keys:

• H – Move to next heading
• T – Move to next table
• I – Move to next list item

To learn more about Quick Nav Keys turn on Keyboard Help with INSERT+NumRow 1 and press any key to hear the description. To exit Keyboard Help press INSERT+NumRow 1 again or press ESC twice.

Additional Navigation Tools:

• Press INSERT+F7 to view a list of all links on the page.
• Press INSERT+F6 to view a list of headings.
• Press CTRL+F to find specific text on the page.

For a comprehensive set of training modules on web browsing with JAWS, visit the Surf’s Up web pages.

Answer:

Before using Google Docs for the first time with JAWS, you’ll need to enable accessibility features to ensure optimal screen reader performance.

Getting Started:

1. Open a new or existing Google Document.
2. Press CTRL+ALT+Z to enable Screen Reader Support.
3. Press CTRL+ALT+H to enable Braille Support — this step is required even if you are not using a braille display.

Basic Navigation:

• Use arrow keys for character and line navigation.
• Use CTRL+LEFT or RIGHT ARROW to move by word.
• Use CTRL+ALT+A, then H to navigate by headings.

Common Formatting Shortcuts:

• CTRL+B – Bold
• CTRL+I – Italic
• CTRL+U – Underline

For more in-depth training, a free webinar on using Google Docs with JAWS is available on the Freedom Scientific Training page.

Answer:

1. Press INSERT +V to open Quick Settings.
2. Type language in the search field.
3. Press DOWN ARROW to navigate to Language Detect Change and press SPACEBAR to uncheck it.

Answer:

If JAWS is announcing formatting marks (such as paragraph or space indicators) while you're working in a Microsoft Word document, you can toggle this feature off.

• Press CTRL+SHIFT+NumRow 8

This keyboard command will toggle the display, and JAWS announcement, of formatting marks in your document.

Answer:

• JAWS system requirements
• ZoomText system requirements
• Fusion system requirements

Answer:

If your function keys (F1–F12) are not working as expected with JAWS, try any of the following steps:

• Disable Multimedia Function Key Mode (if needed). Some laptops default the function keys to control media (volume, brightness, etc.).
• To restore traditional function key behavior, press Fn+ESC. Note, on some models, this toggles Media mode on and off.
• Change the Function key setting in your computer's BIOS/UEFI firmware. Alternatively, use your manufacturer’s software (for example, Dell QuickSet, HP Support Assistant, Lenovo Vantage) to modify function key behavior.