
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 "oENTER".
- 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!

