A package of public domain DOS extensions for keyboard, mouse and sound access
Developed by: The Trace Research and Development Center Madison, WI Version 1.0 May, 1991
Software
Mark E. Novak Joseph M. Schauer Jay D. Hinkens Gregg C. Vanderheiden
Manual
Peter A. Borden
Support for work on AccessDOS was provided in part by IBM Corporation and by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Dept. of Education, under grant #H133E80021.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice, and does not represent a commitment on the part of the Trace Center or the University of Wisconsin. The software may be used or copied and distributed to others without charge. If the program is copied, all parts of the program must be distributed along with it, including the manual. This program may not be modified in any way without the express written permission of the Trace Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Copyright (c) 1991, Board of Regents, University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
IBM, PS/1, PS/2 and PC XT/AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. MS DOS and Microsoft Word are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Word Perfect is a trademark of Word Perfect Corporation.
User's Guide for AccessDOS
Part 1: Getting Started
page
.c.Part 1 Getting Started
.c.:1-1: What AccessDOS is all about
Since computers are used by many different people, they have been designed overall for the "average" user. But everyone's abilities are different, and some people have enough trouble operating computers that they need some special accommodations.
AccessDOS provides some of these accommodations. AccessDOS does not address all of the problems that someone with a disability might encounter in using a computer. Rather, it tackles some of the most common difficulties that people with physical disabilities encounter in using the computer's input devices--that is the keyboard and the mouse. It also can assist some people with hearing impairments.
AccessDOS is similar to the curbcuts used on street corners. The computer itself, like the sidewalk, stays basically unchanged, and can still be used by anyone. But just as curbcuts allow people in wheelchairs to get up on to the sidewalk and use it, AccessDOS lets the computer user with a disability operate the keyboard and mouse in a slightly different way, so that he or she can gain access to the computer. Once that person has access to the computer, he or she can operate the same software that everyone else uses, and can use the computer to accomplished all the same things at home, at school or on the job.
AccessDOS extends the DOS operating system, which runs in the background while you are operating other software such as a word processor. That means that you can make use of AccessDOS's special adaptive functions at any time while you're using the computer.
This User's Guide will explain all you need to know to operate the functions of AccessDOS. We've also tried to explain why you might want to use certain functions. However, we encourage you to look beyond our basic suggestions. Look at the instructions to find out what the program does, then think about what it could do for you. Many of the functions are adjustable, and you may want to play around with them until you get them just the way you want them.
The next section ("A quick look at AccessDOS functions") gives brief descriptions of each of the AccessDOS's main functions. Reading this section will help you figure out which sections of the manual you might need to turn to. Next to the name of each function is the number of the section in Part 2 which tells you how to use it.
Be sure also to read Sections 1-3 and 1-4 of this manual ("How to copy AccessDOS on to your disk" and "How to start up and install AccessDOS") before you try to operate AccessDOS.
.c.:1-2: A quick look at AccessDOS functions
There are seven basic functions in AccessDOS. Here, in brief, is a description of each one. (After the name of each function is the number of the section in Part 2 which tells you how to use it.)
WARNING: Be sure you have read and followed the instructions in Sections 1-3 ("How to copy AccessDOS on to your disk") and 1-4 ("How to start up and install AccessDOS") before you turn to Part 2 and try to use any of the seven AccessDOS functions.
.c.::StickyKeys (See Section 2-2)
Operating a computer often requires pressing two keys at once--for example, pressing the shift key and the 8 key to make an asterisk (*). Some people find it difficult or even impossible to do this because they type with a single finger, or with a stick attached to their head or hand.
StickyKeys solves this problem by letting you first type one key, then the other. For instance, to get an asterisk, you could press the shift key, release it, and then press the 8 key. You can use StickyKeys with the shift, control and alternate keys on your keyboard.
.c.::MouseKeys (See Section 2-3)
The mouse can be a difficult device for some people to handle. For instance, people may have difficulty controlling fine movements of their hand, or they may have difficulty grasping the mouse and pressing the buttons, or they may be using a typing stick rather than their hands to operate the computer.
MouseKeys allows people who can't handle the mouse, but who can press keys on the keyboard, to perform all the functions of the mouse. MouseKeys lets you use the keys on the numeric keypad (the group of number and math keys usually on the far right side of the keyboard) to control all of the mouse functions, including moving around the screen and clicking the mouse buttons.
.c.::ToggleKeys (See Section 2-4)
Many keyboards have small lights on them to indicate the status of keys that can be "on" or "off," such as caps lock. There are usually three lights, one for caps lock, one for num lock and one for scroll lock. Some people can't see these status lights, including people who are visually impaired and people who are performing keyboard functions from some device other than the standard keyboard (more information on the second situation is given under SerialKeys).
ToggleKeys tells you when one of the three keys is turned on or off by giving a beep. Different beeps are used for on and off. ToggleKeys will work the same way with keyboards that don't have the little indicator lights.
.c.::Keyboard Response Group: RepeatKeys, SlowKeys and BounceKeys (See Section 2-5)
Keyboards have several features that are based on the assumption that the user can press a key accurately, and release it at a precise time. These features can pose obstacles to people who have physical impairments that prevent them from pressing keys accurately, or releasing them in time. The Keyboard Response Group has three adjustments which let you adjust the keyboard: RepeatKeys, SlowKeys and BounceKeys.
RepeatKeys: Most keyboards have a feature called auto-repeat: when you hold down a key for longer than a certain period of time, the keyboard begins repeating that key over and over again. This feature of keyboards is meant as a convenience for most users, but can be an inconvenience to users with physical impairments. They may get repeated keys when they don't want them. RepeatKeys lets you adjust how fast the auto-repeat works or turn it off entirely.
SlowKeys: Some people who have physical impairments may accidently bump keys while they are moving their hand or typing stick toward the key they want. Usually, the keys that are bumped accidentally will just be hit for a very short period of time. SlowKeys lets you tell the computer not to accept a key as "pressed" unless it's held down for a certain length of time. The user can then bump any number of keys on their way to the one they want without accidentally getting those characters. They can then hold the desired key long enough for the computer to accept it.
BounceKeys: Some people with physical impairments will accidentally "bounce" on a key when they press it--that is, they'll press it once, then accidentally press it again right away. BounceKeys lets you tell the computer "don't accept two presses on the same key in a row, unless they are far enough apart in time." Using BounceKeys, if a person presses the T key, then bounces on it (hits it again right away), the computer will just accept one letter T, not two. The user can deliberately get two T's by waiting a little while before pressing the T key again.
.c.::SerialKeys (See Section 2-6)
Some people cannot use the keyboard and mouse at all due to a physical impairment, and must use some specially designed input device (a communication aid, an eyegaze-operated keyboard, etc.) to perform the functions of the keyboard and the mouse. In some cases these special input devices can be connected to a computer's serial port (the connector commonly used for attaching a modem or printer). Simply connecting the special input device to the computer's serial port, however, is not enough to allow you to control keyboard and mouse functions. The computer is designed to receive keyboard and mouse signals through its keyboard and mouse connections, not through its serial port.
SerialKeys allows you to control the keyboard and mouse functions of the computer from a special input device hooked up to the computer's serial port. This is done by sending the proper series of commands and characters from the special input device to the computer's serial port.
.c.::ShowSounds (See Section 2-7)
The computer often signals errors or warnings to the user with beep sounds. However, users who have hearing impairments or who work in a noisy environment may be unable to hear these sounds.
ShowSounds gives you a visual indicator of when the computer has beeped at you. Whenever there is a sound, special symbols will appear in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, telling you the kind of sound that was made. For a more obvious alert, you can make the whole screen flash briefly off and on instead.
.c.::TimeOut (See Section 2-8)
You may want to use AccessDOS on a computer which is also shared by people who don't need to use AccessDOS. The other users may not understand how to operate AccessDOS, or how to turn off its various functions.
TimeOut lets you set AccessDOS to shut off after the keyboard and mouse have been unused for a certain period of time. If a person who needs AccessDOS turns AccessDOS on and then leaves the computer, someone coming up and using the computer later will not encounter AccessDOS, since it will have turned itself off. If you want to have AccessDOS on all the time, you can turn off the TimeOut function.
.c.:1-3: How to copy AccessDOS on to your disk
Before you can use AccessDOS, you must copy the files that are on the AccessDOS disk onto the same disk your DOS program is stored on. This may be a floppy disk or your computer's hard disk. Here's how to tell which disk you'll need to copy the AccessDOS files on to:
- If you ordinarily boot up (turn on) your computer with no floppy disks in your floppy disk drives, this means you are booting up from your computer's hard disk. You need to copy all of the files from the AccessDOS disk on to your hard disk.
- If you ordinarily boot up with a floppy disk inserted all the way into one of your floppy disk drives, then you are booting up from the floppy disk.
If you know how to use the DOS "copy" command, just use it to copy all the files on the AccessDOS disk on to your DOS boot disk. You can put them in any directory, as long as you put ADOS.COM, ADOS.OVL and ADOS.CFG together in the same directory.
If you don't know how to use the DOS "copy" command, just follow the four steps below:
Step 1: Make sure you're at the DOS prompt, on the same disk drive you booted up from. You shouldn't be in any application program (word processor, spreadsheet, etc.) but just in DOS. The DOS prompt is the letter of the disk drive you're logged on to (A, B, C, etc.), followed in some cases by a colon (:), and usually by a forward arrow (>), and then a flashing cursor. Here's an example of a DOS prompt:
C:>_
The letter would be "A:" if you booted up from your "A:" floppy drive.
Step 2: Make sure you're in the directory you want to copy the AccessDOS files into. If you see a prompt like the one above, it means you are in the root (no name) directory, which is OK. Some people may want to copy the AccessDOS files into a specific directory. In that case change to the directory you want. But make sure it's on the same disk drive (A:, B:, C:, etc.) that DOS is located on.
Step 3: Put the AccessDOS disk in an available floppy disk drive. If you booted up from your "A:" floppy drive, put the AccessDOS disk in the "B:" drive. If you have no hard disk and only one floppy disk drive, see the instructions below for "If you have only one floppy disk drive and no hard disk."
Step 4: Type the copy command. This consists of:
1) the word copy
2) a space
3) the letter of the disk drive you're copying files from (that is, the disk drive with the AccessDOS disk in it)
4) a colon
5) asterisk, period, asterisk (*.*)
For example, if you booted up from your hard disk ("C:" drive) and then put your AccessDOS in the "B:" floppy disk drive, you would type:
copy b:*.*
When you use the DOS copy command, you will be copying six files:
ADOS.COM A program file required to use AccessDOS
ADOS.OVL Also required
ADOS.CFG Also required (stores AccessDOS settings)
ADOS.TXT A text file of the AccessDOS manual
README.TXT A file of additional instructions, including information on compatibility of particular hardware and software with AccessDOS.
FAKEMOUS.COM An IBM PS/2 mouse utility
How to read the ReadMe.txt document:
1) load it in a word processor and read and/or print it
2) print it from DOS by typing Print ReadMe.txt
3) read it on the screen by typing Type ReadMe.txt |more
If you have only one floppy disk drive and no hard disk
It is possible to copy files from one disk to another with just one drive (consult your DOS manual or a knowledgeable person). However, there probably won't be room on your DOS disk to hold all of the files on the AccessDOS disk. You can choose not to copy ADOS.TXT and README.TXT on to your DOS disk. However, you must copy ADOS.COM, ADOS.OVL and ADOS.CFG, so you will have to make enough room on your DOS disk to accommodate them. Try removing DOS files you don't need.
Memory requirements
AccessDOS does require a certain amount of RAM (random access memory) in order to operate. This should be no problem for most people with at least 256K in their computer. If you have less than 256K, or if you use several TSR (terminate-stay-resident, sometimes know as "RAM-resident") programs, you may find that you don't have enough memory for AccessDOS. So you know what you need, here are AccessDOS's memory requirements:
While loading: 160K Once installed: 10K if you don't use SerialKeys 25K if you use SerialKeys
System and hardware requirements
AccessDOS requires that you use version 3.3 or higher of DOS.
In order for SerialKeys to work, you must have an available serial port.
In order for MouseKeys to work, you must have an IBM PS/2 mouse or Microsoft mouse. The mouse must be connected, with the proper mouse driver software loaded. (There is one exception; see Section 2-3 on MouseKeys for details.)
.c.:1-4: How to start up and install AccessDOS
Once you've copied the AccessDOS files on to your DOS disk you must start it up and install it. You must install it before you can use its functions.
Starting up AccessDOS
Step 1: Make sure you're at the DOS prompt. You shouldn't be in any application program (word processor, spreadsheet, etc.) but just in DOS. You'll see the letter of the disk drive you're logged on to (A, B, C, etc.), followed in some cases by a colon (:) and usually by a forward arrow (>) and then a flashing cursor. Here's an example of a DOS prompt:
C:>_
You must be on the same disk drive and in the same directory that you copied your AccessDOS files into; see Section 1-3. (You can start AccessDOS from another directory by typing the full path name, if you know how to do that.)
Step 2: Type "ados" (without quotation marks).
Step 3: Type the appropriate command line switch after the word "ados". (See "Starting with command line switches," below).
Step 4: Press the enter key.
Once you've started AccessDOS, you'll see a message. Just press any key, and you'll see the AccessDOS menu bar.
Starting with command line switches
In many cases you will be able to run AccessDOS in its default mode, simply be typing ADOS and pressing the Enter key. There are times, however, when you may need to modify the way AccessDOS runs. This can be done by using command line switches.
A command line switch consist of a space, a forward slash (/) and a letter. Here is a list of the available command line switches:
Type If you want to. . .
ADOS /? Show this list of command line switches
ADOS /C Use a color display on your computer.
ADOS /M Use a monochrome (black and white) display
ADOS /L Use an LCD display on your computer.
ADOS /A Install AccessDOS automatically with option to use menus
ADOS /X Install AccessDOS automatically without option to use menus
A command line switch must be typed after you type ADOS and before you press the Enter key. You may use more than one command line switch at a time. For example:
ADOS /L /A
Command line switches /C, /M, /L
AccessDOS attempts to determine what type of video display system you have attached to your computer. In most cases AccessDOS determines this correctly, but occasionally it does not. Specifically, AccessDOS has problems with monochrome displays attached to color hardware. This is the case on many laptop computers, and when you have a monochrome monitor attached to an IBM PS/2 computer. In these situations, the computers make AccessDOS think it is running on a color system, even though the monitor is unable to display different colors.
If you experience difficulty reading the display on your computer, you may want to try the appropriate command line switch for your computer display. Use:
/C if you have a color monitor;
/M if you have monochrome monitor;
/L if you have a laptop with and LCD display.
Command line switch /A
If you want AccessDOS to automatically install, using whatever settings you have made and saved before, you must use the /A command line switch. You can just type it, following ADOS, but it is mainly intended to be put into your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, a file your computer uses to know how to start up. If you put ADOS /A in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, it will give you a chance to install it each time you start up your computer.
When you start up AccessDOS with the /A command line switch, you will see a message on the screen. You have four options:
1) Press the Escape (Esc) key within 20 seconds to abort the install process. If then you wanted to see the AccessDOS menus, you would have to type ADOS and press the Enter key.
2) Press the Enter key within 20 seconds, to stop AccessDOS from installing, and to go into the AccessDOS menus. If you do this, AccessDOS will ignore any settings you've made before and use its default settings for all the AccessDOS functions. AccessDOS has not "forgotten" your old settings, it just isn't using them. If you press Enter by accident, just quit the AccessDOS menus and type ADOS /A again.
3) Press any key except Escape or Enter within 20 seconds, to make AccessDOS install automatically. AccessDOS will use whatever settings you made last time you saved settings. You will not see the AccessDOS menus.
4) Wait for 20 seconds without pressing any key. This has the same effect as #3 above.
WARNING: Please notice that the only way to get AccessDOS to use your previously saved settings is to use the /A or /X command line switch. If you just type ADOS, you will always get AccessDOS's default settings.
Command line switch /X
If you are using a computer with an 80386 microprocessor and you are using a high DOS memory manager program, you may want to read about the /X command line switch. If not, just skip this explanation.
DOS is able to access any memory location whose address is less than 1 megabyte. High DOS memory managers use special instructions built into the 80386 CPU to map memory from 1 megabyte to available space below 1 megabyte. These memory managers can then load terminate-stay-resident (TSR) programs and device drivers in low memory so DOS can use them. Most TSR programs are much smaller when they are resident than when they are loading. AccessDOS, for instance, uses about 160 KB to load, but only 10-25 KB while resident. In order for a TSR to be loaded by memory managers, there must be enough free memory to load and run the program. We have provided the /X command line switch to reduce the amount of memory required to load AccessDOS. The /X command line switch in no way affects functionality or resident size of AccessDOS; it simply installs AccessDOS with your previously saved settings (just like /A), but without the option of choosing to use the menus. This reduces the amount of memory required to load AccessDOS from 160 KB to about 31 KB.
To load AccessDOS in high DOS memory, follow the instructions for your specific high DOS memory manager and include the /X command line switch after you type ADOS.
Before you use any AccessDOS functions: Install it!
If you want to use AccessDOS, you will have to install it each time you boot up (turn on) your computer. Installing it allows its various functions (StickyKeys, MouseKeys, etc.) to run "in the background" while you are using other programs such as word processors. If you don't install AccessDOS, its functions won't be available to you. If you are working with AccessDOS for the first time, you should probably install it before you do anything else. There are two ways to install AccessDOS:
Option 1: Start up the AccessDOS program (see "Starting up AccessDOS," above) and then install AccessDOS using the Install/Run command. This will install AccessDOS with AccessDOS's default settings, rather than any settings you may have made and saved before. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Start the AccessDOS program, if you haven't already.
Step 2: Pull down the file menu. Do this by pressing the left arrow key until you see a list of choices appear under the word "File." One choice should be highlighted.
Step 3: Move the highlight, using the up or down arrow key, until it rests on the command install/run.
Step 4: Press the enter key on the keyboard. You should then see the AccessDOS menus.
Option 2: When you type "ados" to start the program, type a slash-A (/A) or slash-X (/X) after the "ados." See "Starting up AccessDOS," above, for details on this way of installing AccessDOS. This gives you a chance to install AccessDOS with whatever settings you last saved. See "Starting with command line switches," above, for a full explanation of /A and /X.
Part 2 of this manual explains each of the functions of AccessDOS. All of the functions can be activated and adjusted by typing "ados" and using the commands on the screen. Some can also be activated from the keyboard while you are using another program, such as a word processor.
Making AccessDOS load automatically at start-up
You may want to have AccessDOS automatically load itself each time your restart or re-boot your computer. In shared computer situations, this shouldn't pose a problem, since AccessDOS can be running in the background and be inactive until a user who needs the features comes along and presses the proper keys.
To make AccessDOS install or load automatically each time the computer is restarted, you should insert the command ADOS /A into your autoexec.bat file. If you are using a mouse, ADOS /A should be located after the command to load the mouse driver.
If you don't know how to change your autoexec.bat file, check your DOS manual or have a knowledgeable person assist you.
User's Guide for AccessDOS
Part 2: Using AccessDOS
page
.c.Part 2 Using AccessDOS
Part 2 of this manual explains how each of the different functions of AccessDOS work. You can read through all of the instructions, or just turn to the section you want. You will also want to read the short section below on "The Basics" so you will understand how to make things happen in AccessDOS, and how to get help information on the screen.
.c.:2-1: The Basics
If you are using AccessDOS for the first time, and especially if you've never used a program with "pull-down" menus before, you should read the two sections below: "How to make things happen in AccessDOS" and "How to get help in AccessDOS."
.c.::How to make things happen in AccessDOS
When you first start AccessDOS (as described in Section 1-3), you will see the AccessDOS menu bar.
The three words at the upper left on the screen--file, adjust and help--are called the menu bar. Each of the words in the menu bar has a pull-down menu, like the one you see below the word Adjust. In AccessDOS, you make things happen by selecting choices from these pull-down menus.
When you first enter AccessDOS, you should see that the Adjust menu is "pulled down," that is, you can see the list of choices.
The File and Help menus can also be pulled down. Just press the right or left arrow (cursor) keys on the keyboard. For example, try pressing the right arrow key. Notice that the Adjust menu closes up, and the Help menu pulls down.
There are two ways to select from menus: with the arrow (cursor) keys and with "hot" keys.
To select with the arrow keys: first move the highlight bar to the choice you want, using the up and down arrow (cursor) keys, then press the Enter key.
You can also select an item by pressing the hot key for that item. The hot key for each menu item is the character that is displayed in a different color from or brighter than the rest. If you told AccessDOS that you have an LCD screen on your computer, (by typing /L; see Section 1-4), the hot key will be the letter that is capitalized.
As an example, try pulling down the Adjust menu and moving the highlight to StickyKeys. Then press the Enter key. You will see the StickyKeys adjustment dialog box.
Notice that the dialog box gives you another set of choices. These are all the adjustments you can make to the StickyKeys function.
Notice that there are two arrows pointing at the first line (which says "StickyKeys On"). These arrows are like the highlight on the Adjust menu: they show you what feature you are currently on. And like the highlight, they can be moved up and down with the up and down arrow (cursor) keys.
When the arrows are pointing at the first line ("StickyKeys On") that means that you can now select "Yes" or "No" to turn StickyKeys on or off. When you move the arrows to the second line ("Sound when turned on or off"), you can choose "Yes" or "No" for that command.
You select "Yes" or "No" by moving the highlight back and forth with the right and left arrow (cursor) keys.
In order to leave the dialog box, press the Enter key or the Escape (Esc) key.
If you press the Enter key, AccessDOS will "remember" any changes you made in the various settings in the dialog box. If you press the Escape key, AccessDOS will discard any new settings you made and go back to whatever the settings were before. (If you've never altered the settings, AccessDOS uses its own default settings.)
WARNING: If you change settings in a dialog box, pressing the Enter key will only cause your new settings to be remembered until next time you turn off or re-boot your computer. If you want AccessDOS to remember your new settings even after your computer has been turned off and on again, you must also save your settings. See Section 2-10 to find out how to do this.
In summary, here are all the keys you need to use to make things happen in the AccessDOS program:
Up and down arrow keys
- Move up and down on a menu
- Move up and down in a dialog box
Right and left arrow keys
- Pull down the next menu over
- Move right and left in a dialog box
Enter key
- Select a command from the File, Adjust or Help menus
- Close a dialog box and tell AccessDOS to "remember" any changes you just made in the settings.
Escape key
- Close a dialog box without changing anything
- Close a "help" box
Hot keys
- Select a menu item automatically
.c.::How to get help in AccessDOS
There are three ways to get on-screen help (instructions) in AccessDOS:
1. Go to the help menu.
When you first enter AccessDOS, you will see the file, adjust and help menus. If you pull down the help menu, you will see a list of the functions of AccessDOS. Just select the one you want, and help information for that function will appear on the screen.
2. Press the F1 key.
You can press the F1 key at any time while you are in AccessDOS in order to see help information about the functions you are currently working with. If, for instance, you are in the process of adjusting StickyKeys and want some help, pressing the F1 key will give you information about adjusting StickyKeys.
3. Watch the hint line
At the very bottom of the screen is a hint line. This line always tells you what action you are ready to take. Try it: pull down the adjust menu and then move the highlight up and down (using the up and down arrow keys). Watch the bottom of the screen. Notice that the hint line changes as you move from one command to another.
The hint line appears for all choices on all menus.
.c.:2-2: StickyKeys
What StickyKeys is for
Operating a computer often requires pressing two keys at once--for example, pressing the shift key and the 8 key to make an asterisk (*). Some people find it difficult or even impossible to do this because they type with a single finger, or with a stick attached to their head or hand.
StickyKeys solves this problem by letting you type first one key, then the other. For instance, to get an asterisk (*), you could press the shift key, release it, and then press the 8 key. You can use StickyKeys with the shift, control and alternate keys on your keyboard. (These keys are called the modifier keys since they modify the action of another key.)
How to turn StickyKeys on and off
If you have never used StickyKeys on your computer, or if someone else has turned it off, you will need to turn it on before you can use it. You don't need to be in the AccessDOS menus to turn StickyKeys on. You can turn it on from wherever you are: at the DOS prompt, in a word processing program, in a graphics program, etc. (as long as you have AccessDOS installed; see Section 1-4).
To turn StickyKeys on, press the shift key five times in a row. Be sure you don't press any other keys or move the mouse while you are pressing the shift key five times. You can press either the right or the left shift key.
When you turn StickyKeys on, you will hear an up-siren from the computer. The up-siren is a long beep that goes up in pitch.
You can turn StickyKeys off the same way you turn it on: just press the shift key five times in a row. When you turn StickyKeys off, you will hear a down-siren from the computer. The down-siren is a long beep that goes down in pitch.
StickyKeys can also be set to turn off automatically if any two keys (one key must be a sticky key) are pressed at the same time. This feature is useful for shared computers (such as school labs), so that people who don't use StickyKeys won't need to know it's there. See the instructions in "Adjusting StickyKeys," below.
How StickyKeys works
StickyKeys lets you do two different things to a modifier key such as shift: you can latch it or you can lock it. StickyKeys will make different sounds depending on whether you are latching a modifier key or locking it.
Latching
Latching a modifier key (Shift, Control or Alternate) means that it will affect only the next key you press. You latch a modifier key by pressing it just once. It will be latched while you press the next key, as if you were holding it down; then it will be released, as if you had let go of it. When you latch a modifier key, you will hear a short low beep followed by a short high beep.
For example, if you wanted to capitalize the first letter of a word, you could latch the Shift key, type the first letter of the word, which would be capitalized, then type the rest of the word, which would be lower case.
NOTE: The beeps can be turned on and off. See "Adjusting StickyKeys," below.
ALSO NOTE: The Caps Lock key works the same way with or without StickyKeys: if Caps Lock is turned on, shifting a key will make it lower case rather than capitalized.
Locking
Locking a modifier key means that it will affect any key you press after it, until you unlock it.
You lock a modifier key by pressing it twice in a row. You unlock it by pressing it one more time. When you press the modifier key the first time, you will hear a short low beep followed by a short high beep. When you press it the second time (and the key locks) you will hear a single short high beep. You then type what ever keys you want modified, then unlock the modifier key by pressing it one more time. When the key unlocks you will hear a single low beep.
For example, if you wanted to type "ANN is," with the name ANN in all capital letters, you would press the shift key twice to lock it, type a-n-n, then press shift again to unlock it, and then type the word "is."
NOTE: If locking doesn't seem to work, someone may have turned the locking ability off. See "Adjusting StickyKeys," below.
ALSO NOTE: The beeps can be turned on and off. See "Adjusting StickyKeys," below.
Latching more than one modifier key at once
Sometimes you may need to hold down two or even all three modifier keys (shift, control and alternate), plus another key. If you do, you don't need to lock the first modifier key to have it "hold down" while you press another modifier key.
For example, if you want to press Control-Alternate-Delete (the key sequence for re-booting your computer), you can just press the three keys in a row. The Control key will remain latched while you press the Alternate key and the Delete key. Once you've pressed the Delete key, (which is not a modifier key), all the modifier keys which were latched will be released, and the computer will re-boot. (WARNING: Don't actually press Control-Alternate-Delete unless you want to re-boot (restart) your computer.)
Adjusting StickyKeys
There are some other changes you can make to StickyKeys besides just turning it on and off. These changes are made from the AccessDOS menus, so you'll need to start up AccessDOS first. (If you haven't started up AccessDOS before, see Section 1-4 for instructions).
Once you've gotten to the AccessDOS menus, select "StickyKeys..." from the adjust menu. You'll see a dialog box.
Here are the choices in this dialog box, and what they mean.
StickyKeys On
This is the same as turning the StickyKeys function on or off by pressing the shift key five times.
Sound when turned on or off
This lets you decide if you want to hear the up and down sirens when StickyKeys is turned on and off.
Sound when pressing a Modifier key
This lets you decide if you want to hear sounds when modifier keys are latched, locked and released.
Sound when pressing any key
If you want to, you can hear a "click" sound from the computer for any key that you press while StickyKeys is turned on. You can say yes or no to this feature.
Turn off when pressing two keys at once.
StickyKeys can be set to turn off automatically whenever two keys (one key must be a sticky key) are pressed at once on the keyboard. This feature is useful for shared computers (such as school labs), so that people who don't use StickyKeys won't need to know it's there. You can decide whether or not you want this kind of automatic turn-off.
Lock MOD key when pressed twice
Ordinarily, StickyKeys lets you lock a key by pressing it twice in a row. If you say no to this choice, however, the ability to lock modifier keys will be turned off.
Once you've selected the adjustments you want. . .
Just press the Enter key (if you want to use the settings you made) or the Escape key (if you decide you don't want to change settings after all).
If you want AccessDOS to "remember" the settings you made after you have turned your computer off and back on again, you will also have to save your settings. You can do this any time by selecting Save from the File menu. For more information on saving your settings, see Section 2-10, "Saving your settings."
.c.:2-3: MouseKeys
What MouseKeys is for
The mouse can be a difficult device for some people to handle. For instance, people may have difficulty controlling fine movements of their hand. They may have difficulty grasping the mouse and pressing the buttons. Or they may be using a typing stick rather than their hands to operate the computer.
MouseKeys allows people who can't handle the mouse, but who can press keys on the keyboard, to perform all the functions of the mouse. MouseKeys lets you use the keys on the numeric keypad (the group of number and math keys usually on the far right side of the keyboard) to control all of the mouse functions, including moving around the screen and clicking the mouse buttons.
How to turn MouseKeys on
If you have never used MouseKeys on your computer, or if someone else has turned it off, you will need to turn it on before you can use it. You don't need to be in the AccessDOS menus to turn MouseKeys on. You can turn it on from wherever you are: at the DOS prompt, in a word processing program, in a graphics program, etc. (as long as you have AccessDOS installed; see Section 1-4).
WARNING: You can only use MouseKeys if your computer is already set up to use a mouse. Also, MouseKeys will only provide mouse functions for a program that is designed to be used with a mouse. Check the ReadMe.txt file that comes on the AccessDOS disk to find out about compatibility with particular software.
To turn on MouseKeys, press the left Alternate key, the left Shift key, and the Num Lock key, all at the same time. If you wish, you can do this using the StickyKeys function (see Section 2-2). The left Alternate and left Shift keys are the ones located on the left hand side of the keyboard. You may have only one Alternate key, but some keyboards have two.
You will know when MouseKeys has been turned on, because you hear an up-siren from the computer. The up-siren is a long beep that goes up in pitch.
How to turn MouseKeys off
To turn MouseKeys off, just press the same key combination you used to turn MouseKeys on: the left Alternate key, the left Shift key, and the Num Lock key, all at the same time. Remember, you can do this using the StickyKeys function if you need to (see Section 2-2). When MouseKeys turns off, you will hear a down-siren--a long beep that goes down in pitch. Once MouseKeys is off, the numeric keypad returns to its regular functions.
How MouseKeys works
The instructions below refer to the standard keypad from the IBM enhanced (101-key) keyboard, plus the mouse function each key accomplishes. (If you have a different type of keypad, see "Differences in numeric keypads," below.)
Below is a key to how to perform mouse functions with MouseKeys, based on the numeric keypad on the standard IBM enhanced keyboard. (If you have a different type of keypad, see "Differences in numeric keypads," at the end of this section.)
WARNING: The instructions below refer just to keys on the numeric keypad. Other number or symbol keys on the keyboard won't work.
Moving the mouse pointer on the screen:
The number keys 1-4 and 6-9 on the keypad form a sort of "compass" for moving the pointer up, down, left right and diagonally. Press the key that is similar to the direction you want to move: for instance, the 9 key will move the mouse pointer up and to the right. If you hold the key down, the mouse pointer will move continuously. Notice that it moves slowly at first and then speeds up. The maximum speed that the pointer will go is adjustable through the AccessDOS program: see "Adjusting MouseKeys," at the end of this section.
Selecting the right or left mouse button, or both
Since there are two buttons on the PS/2 mouse or Microsoft mouse, you must first tell MouseKeys which button you want to use before clicking the button. The button you have selected (right or left) is called the active button.
Pressing the slash (/) key: Makes the left mouse button the active button (only on 101-key keyboards).
Pressing the asterisk (*) key: Makes both the Left Button and the Right Button the "active" button (on 101-key keyboards), or the left button the "active" button (on 84-key keyboards).
Pressing the minus (-) key: Makes the right mouse button the active button.
SHORTCUT: If you are just using the left mouse button and don't care about the right one, then you don't need to select a button. Just press the proper keys for clicking, double clicking, locking and releasing, as described below. MouseKeys will assume you want to make these actions with the left mouse button.
Clicking the mouse buttons
Once you've selected the right or left mouse button, you can click that mouse button by pressing the 5 key. If you don't select a mouse button first, MouseKeys will assume you want to click the left button.
Double clicking
First, select the right or left mouse button. If you don't select either, MouseKeys will assume you want to double click the left button.
You can double click the mouse button just by pressing the 5 key twice in a row quickly.
Another way to double click the mouse button is to by press the plus (+) key on the keypad just once.
Locking and releasing (clicking and dragging)
First, select the right or left mouse button. If you don't select either, MouseKeys will assume you want to lock the left button.
Pressing the 0 key locks down the mouse button and pressing the period (.) key releases it. In other words, you can press and release the 0 key and the mouse button will still stay pressed until you release the mouse button by pressing the period (.) key.
If you need to drag with the mouse (that is, move the mouse while holding the button down), just lock the mouse button with the 0 key, move the mouse with the appropriate number keys, and then release it with the period key.
WARNING: When you lock down mouse buttons, make sure you eventually release them! Many software programs won't let you perform functions such as typing while the mouse button is being held down.
Using the mouse and the keypad together
You might try using the regular mouse together with the MouseKeys function if it is easier for you.
For example, a person who uses a mouthstick for typing may want to move the regular mouse and click the regular mouse buttons, but may want to use the 0 and period (.) keys when a click-and-drag move is needed. One instance where using the regular mouse can be valuable is freehand drawing, which sometimes requires moving in more than just the eight directions offered by MouseKeys.
WARNING: Not all software programs will allow you to use MouseKeys and the regular mouse at the same time. Also, if your mouse connects to the computer through the serial port, don't try to use MouseKeys and the regular mouse at the same time. Check the ReadMe.txt file that comes on the AccessDOS disk to find out about compatibility with particular software.
Differences in numeric keypads
The instructions above assume you are using the numeric keypad on the standard IBM extended keyboard layout. Some other keyboard layouts don't include all of the same keys. The number and period keys will be there, but you may not have the slash (/) key. If you have a keyboard that doesn't have a slash (/) key on the keypad, then the asterisk (*) key on the keypad will be the left mouse button and the minus (-) key on your keypad will be the right mouse button. There will be no key for both buttons.
Using MouseKeys without a separate numeric keypad
While MouseKeys is on, you can use the num lock key to switch the MouseKeys control pad back to a numeric or cursor control pad--whichever it was when you turned on MouseKeys. For example, if your number pad was functioning as a numeric pad when you turned on MouseKeys, then pressing the num lock key will switch the pad back and forth between being a MouseKeys control pad and being a numeric pad.
This feature is especially useful if you are using a laptop or notebook computer which doesn't have a separate numeric keypad. On these keyboards the "numeric keypad" is usually overlaid on top of part of the standard keyboard.
Using MouseKeys without a mouse connected
MouseKeys will not work unless there is an IBM PS/2 or Microsoft mouse driver (software) installed. (Ordinarily, if your computer has been set up to use a mouse, the driver will be loaded automatically.) The mouse driver software will not install, however, unless there is a mouse connected to the computer. As a result, you will need to have a mouse connected in order for MouseKeys to work.
There is one exception to this rule. With an IBM PS/2 computer, you can run a program called FAKEMOUS.COM. This program fools the mouse driver software into thinking there is a mouse connected, so you can install the mouse driver software and allow MouseKeys to work.
You must have the mouse driver software, even if you are using FAKEMOUS.COM: you just don't need to have the mouse itself connected.
Just insert FAKEMOUS.COM into your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, before the MOUSE.COM program and before your ADOS command if you have ADOS in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If you don't know how to add things to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, check your DOS manual or ask a knowledgeable person.
FAKEMOUS.COM has two drawbacks. First, it will not work with programs which "talk to" the mouse directly without going through DOS's mouse driver software. Second, software that uses the mouse may take slightly longer to start or exit when you are using FAKEMOUS.COM.
Adjusting MouseKeys
There are several other adjustments you can make to MouseKeys. These are made from the AccessDOS menus, so you'll need to start up AccessDOS first. (If you haven't started up AccessDOS before, see Section 1-4 for instructions).
Once you're in the AccessDOS menus, select "MouseKeys..." from the adjust menu. You'll see a dialog box.
MouseKeys On
This command lets you turn MouseKeys on and off. This is the same as turning the MouseKeys function on or off by pressing left Shift, left Alt, Num Lock on the keyboard.
Sound when turned on/off
This allows to choose if you want to hear the up-siren and down-siren when you turn MouseKeys on or off. Choosing yes means you will hear the sounds.
Max Speed (pix/sec)
When you hold down a key to move the mouse with MouseKeys, the mouse pointer starts moving slow, then speeds up. You can decide how fast you want it to be going once it speeds up all the way. If you're good at getting your finger off a key quickly, you might want the pointer to move quickly. If not, you might want it to move more slowly. The words "pix/sec" mean pixels (screen dots) per second. HINT: if you have trouble making fine mouse controls in a text-based application (like a word processor), try using a slow setting here.
Time to Max Speed (secs)
This command lets you set how quickly you want the mouse to speed up when you hold down a key in MouseKeys; that is, how long it will take the mouse to speed up to its maximum speed. You can choose from one to four seconds as the Time to Max Speed.
Once you've selected the adjustments you want. . .
Just press the Enter key (if you want to use the settings you made) or the Escape key (if you decide you don't want to change settings after all).
If you want AccessDOS to "remember" the settings you made after you have turned your computer off and back on again, you will also have to save your settings. You can do this any time by selecting save from the file menu. For more information on saving your settings, see Section 2-10, "Saving your settings."
.c.:2-4: ToggleKeys
What ToggleKeys is for
Many keyboards have small lights on them to indicate the status of keys that can be "on" or "off," such as caps lock. There are usually three lights, one for caps lock, one for num lock and one for scroll lock. Some people can't see these status lights, including people who are visually impaired and people who are performing keyboard functions from some device other than the standard keyboard (more information on the second situation is given under SerialKeys).
ToggleKeys will also function with some keyboards which do not have indicator lights at all. The audible low and high beeps can be very useful for all operators when using this style of keyboard.
How ToggleKeys works
ToggleKeys tells you when one of the three keys is turned on or off by giving a beep. When you press one of these keys and it locks (the light goes on) you will hear a high beep. When you press a key and it unlocks (the light goes off) you will hear a low beep.
Turning ToggleKeys on and off
ToggleKeys is turned on by pressing the num lock key and holding it down for a period of about 5 seconds. When ToggleKeys turns on, you will hear an up-siren (a long beep that goes up in pitch). You turn ToggleKeys off the same way. Just hold the Num Lock key for 5 seconds and you will hear a down-siren (a long beep that goes down in pitch). You don't need to be in the AccessDOS menus to turn ToggleKeys on and off. You can turn it on and off from wherever you are: at the DOS prompt, in a word processing program, in a graphics program, etc. (as long as you have AccessDOS installed; see Section 1-4).
Adjusting ToggleKeys
There are two adjustments you can make to ToggleKeys from within the AccessDOS program. You'll need to start up the program first. (If you haven't started up AccessDOS before, see Section 1-4 for instructions).
Once you've started the AccessDOS program, select "ToggleKeys" from the adjust menu. You'll see a dialog box.
ToggleKeys On
Choose Yes to turn on ToggleKeys; No to turn it off. This is the same as turning it on or off by holding down the Num Lock key.
Sound when turned on or off
This choice lets you decide if you want to hear the beeps that signal when ToggleKeys is being turned on or off.
Once you've selected the adjustments you want. . .
Just press the Enter key (if you want to use the settings you made) or the Escape key (if you decide you don't want to change settings after all).
If you want AccessDOS to "remember" the settings you made after you have left the AccessDOS program, you will also have to save your settings. You can do this any time by selecting save from the file menu. AccessDOS also gives you a chance to save when you select the quit command to leave AccessDOS. If you don't understand what it means to save your settings, see Section 2-10, "Saving your settings."
.c.:2-5: Keyboard Response Group: RepeatKeys, SlowKeys, and BounceKeys
What the Keyboard Response Group is for
Keyboards have several features that are based on the assumption that the user can press a key accurately, and release it at a precise time. These features can pose obstacles to people who have physical impairments that prevent them from pressing keys accurately, or releasing them in time. The Keyboard Response Group has three adjustments which let you control how the keyboard responds: RepeatKeys, SlowKeys and BounceKeys.
RepeatKeys: Most keyboards have a feature called auto-repeat: when you hold down a key for longer than a certain period of time, the keyboard begins repeating that key over and over again. This feature of keyboards is meant as a convenience for most users, but can be an inconvenience to users with physical impairments. They may get repeated keys when they don't want them. RepeatKeys lets you adjust how fast the auto-repeat works or turn it off entirely.
SlowKeys: Some people who have physical impairments may accidently bump keys while they are moving their hand or typing stick toward the key they want. Usually, the keys that are bumped accidentally will just be hit for a very short period of time. SlowKeys lets you tell the computer not to accept a key as "pressed" unless it's held down for a certain length of time. The user can then bump any number of keys on their way to the one they want without accidentally getting those characters. They can then hold the desired key long enough for the computer to accept it.
BounceKeys: Some people with physical impairments will accidentally "bounce" on a key when they press it--that is, they'll press it once, then accidentally press it again right away. BounceKeys lets you tell the computer "don't accept two presses on the same key in a row, unless they are far enough apart in time." Using BounceKeys, if a person presses the T key, then bounces on it (hits it again right away), the computer will just accept one letter T, not two. The user can deliberately get two T's by waiting a little while before pressing the T key again.
How the Keyboard Response Group works
The three functions in the Keyboard Response Group (RepeatKeys, SlowKeys and BounceKeys) are enabled and disabled together as a group. This is done to simplify turning the group on and off from the keyboard, so you don't have to go into the AccessDOS program to do it.
WARNING: Be sure to read "Adjusting the Keyboard Response Group," below, before following the instructions in "Enabling the Keyboard Response Group." If you enable the Keyboard Response Group before you have it adjusted right, it can be very confusing.
However, you may not want to use all three of the functions in the Keyboard Response Group. In this case you will need to go into the AccessDOS program and indicate which of the three functions you want to have turned on or off, and how you want them adjusted.
Adjusting the Keyboard Response Group
In order to adjust the keyboard response group, or to turn any of the three functions (RepeatKeys, SlowKeys or BounceKeys) on or off, you will first need to get to the AccessDOS menus. (If you haven't started up AccessDOS before, see Section 1-4 for instructions).
Once you're in the AccessDOS menus, select "Keyboard Response..." from the adjust menu. You will see a dialog box.
Enable Group
This lets you turn the whole Keyboard Response Group on or off. When you enable the group, you enable it with whatever settings are shown in the dialog box. If for instance, "Debounce time" is set to Off, that means BounceKeys is, in effect, turned off. In this case, saying Yes to "Enable Group" would not turn BounceKeys on. You would have to select a debounce time first and then say Yes to "Enable Group."
If you just want SlowKeys turned off, select Off under "Acceptance Delay." If you want just BounceKeys turned off, select Off under "Debounce time." RepeatKeys itself can't be turned off except by disabling the whole Keyboard Response Group. The Off setting under "Repeat Rate" does not turn RepeatKeys off: it turns the keyboard's regular auto-repeat feature off.
Enabling the Group from the keyboard at any time
Once you have made the settings you want for the Keyboard Response Group, you can also enable and disable the group at any time without going into the AccessDOS program. Here's how:
Hold the right hand shift key down for 8 seconds. After about 4 seconds you will hear 3 short warning beeps. (These are provided just in case someone is accidentally resting their hand on the right hand shift key and doesn't really want to invoke these functions--it's sort of a "get off the key" warning). Since you do want these functions enabled, just ignore these warning beeps and keep holding the key down. After about 4 seconds more (total of 8 seconds) you will hear an up-siren. You can release the key now and the functions will be enabled using the settings you chose for RepeatKeys, SlowKeys and BounceKeys.
When you enable the group this way, it will come on with whatever settings have been made for the Keyboard Response Group. If, for example, "Debounce time" is set to Off, you won't get the BounceKeys feature when you enable the group.
You can disable the Keyboard Response Group using this same procedure (8 seconds on the right Shift key). When you disable the group, you will hear a down-siren.
Sound on Enable
This setting lets you decide whether or not you want to hear sounds when you enable or disable the Keyboard Response Group.
RepeatKeys Settings
There are two adjustments for the RepeatKeys function. The first setting (Called "Repeat Rate") allows you to adjust the speed at which the keys will repeat when you hold a key down. The smaller numbers (like 0.25) will make keys repeat faster. If you do not want keys to repeat at all (no matter how long you hold them down), then just set the Repeat Rate to Off.
The second setting (Called "Delay until repeat") allows you to set the length of time you must hold a key down before it will begin to repeat. If you have trouble getting off of a key in time, set this to a longer (higher) setting. Note that "Delay until repeat" has no effect if "Repeat Rate" is set to Off.
WARNING: There are some software programs which have their own keyboard repeat key adjustment in them. In order for RepeatKeys to work with these programs you must first turn off the key repeat adjustment in the software program itself. (For example: in Word Perfect, set keyboard speed to "normal"; in Microsoft Word, set keyboard speed option to "0.") Certain software programs which set the key repeat themselves will keep RepeatKeys from working at all. Check the ReadMe.txt file that comes on the AccessDOS disk to find out about compatibility with particular software.
SlowKey Settings
There are two adjustments for the SlowKeys function. The first setting (called "Acceptance Delay") allows you to adjust the amount of time that you must hold a key down before it will be accepted by the computer. If you do not want SlowKeys, just set the Acceptance Delay to Off.
The second setting is called "Key Click Feedback." If this is set to Yes then you will hear a click when you press a key and another click when it is accepted. The click serves to remind you that the response of the keyboard has been slowed down, and that the keyboard is not broken.
BounceKey Settings
There is only one setting for BounceKeys, called "Debounce time." The larger the number, the longer you will have to wait after you release a key before you can type that same key a second time (up to two seconds). If you do not want the BounceKeys function, just set the debounce time to Off.
If you want to type the same key twice you just need to pause a bit between the two key presses. BounceKeys does not prevent you from typing other keys quickly. You just can't type the same key twice quickly.
WARNING: You cannot use SlowKeys and BounceKeys at the same time. If you try to, AccessDOS will give you an alert message. This conflict should be insignificant, however, since slowing down the key response also eliminates bounce problems.
Once you've selected the adjustments you want. . .
Just press the Enter key (if you want to use the settings you made) or the Escape key (if you decide you don't want to change settings after all).
If you want AccessDOS to "remember" the settings you made after you have left the AccessDOS program, you will also have to save your settings. You can do this any time by selecting Save Settings from the File menu. If you don't understand what it means to save your settings, see Section 2-10, "Saving your settings."
WARNING: You cannot save SlowKeys or BounceKeys as part of your settings. In other words, you can turn SlowKeys and BounceKeys on, but next time you turn your computer off, it will "forget" that you had them turned on, and you will have to turn them on again next time you start up your computer. (See "Enabling the Group from the keyboard at any time," above.) This is to keep SlowKeys and BounceKeys from causing problems for people who don't need to use them.
Emergency enabling of the Keyboard Response Group
Some individuals are completely unable to operate the computer unless they can turn off the repeat function of the keyboard or turn on SlowKeys, or both. These individuals could find themselves in an impossible situation, where they are unable to use the computer well enough to turn on the AccessDOS functions that they need in order to use the computer. This is particularly a problem when using a shared computer, where someone else might change the Keyboard Response Group settings or turn the group off completely.
To deal with this situation, AccessDOS gives you a way to "emergency enable" RepeatKeys, SlowKeys and BounceKeys. The settings may be very slow and hard to use, but you at least will be able to use the keyboard in order to go into the AccessDOS program and adjust the settings the way you want them.
To "emergency enable" the Keyboard Response Group, simply hold the right hand Shift key down for several seconds. Here's what will happen:
After 4 seconds 3 short beeps The normal warning
4 more seconds Up-siren Keyboard Response Group enables (current settings)
4 more seconds 2 up-sirens Keyboard repeat turns off completely (No SlowKeys, Debounce time 1 sec)
4 more seconds 3 up-sirens SlowKeys turns on at max. (2 sec) setting (RepeatKeys off, BounceKeys off)
You can try it now if you like, but remember how to turn it back off! You can turn it back off by holding the right shift key down till you hear the down-siren (approx 8 seconds).
.c.:2-6: SerialKeys
Some people cannot use the keyboard and mouse at all due to a physical impairment, and must use some specially designed input device to perform the functions of the keyboard and the mouse. In some cases these special input devices can be connected to a computer's serial port. (The serial port, also known as a "COM" port, is a connector commonly used for attaching a modem or a printer).
Using SerialKeys requires you to program specific key definitions into your special input device. You will need the manual for your device in order to carry out this programming. You will also need to refer to Part 3 of the AccessDOS manual for specific instructions.
.c.:2-7: ShowSounds
What ShowSounds is for
The computer often signals errors or warnings to the user with beep sounds. However, users who have hearing impairments or who work in a noisy environment may be unable to hear these sounds.
ShowSounds gives you a visual indicator of when the computer has beeped at you. Whenever there is a sound, special symbols will appear in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, telling you the kind of sound that was made. For a more obvious alert, you can make the whole screen flash briefly off and on instead.
ShowSounds uses five special symbols to show when a sound has been made:
[See help screens for symbols]
The first four symbols apply only to sounds made by AccessDOS. The last one indicates sounds from other programs (ones which are longer than 1/2 second).
WARNING: Not all programs permit the musical note to appear. Check the ReadMe.txt file that comes on the AccessDOS disk to find out about compatibility with particular software.
Turning ShowSounds on and off
To adjust ShowSounds, start up AccessDOS (see Section 1-4 if you don't know how). Select "ShowSounds..." from the adjust menu. You can select either the visual note or the screen flash, but not both. Don't forget to save your settings if you need to (see Section 2-10).
.c.:2-8: TimeOut
What Timeout is for
You may want to use AccessDOS on a computer which is also shared by people who don't need to use AccessDOS. The other users may not understand how to operate AccessDOS, or how to turn off its various functions.
TimeOut lets you set AccessDOS to shut off after the keyboard and mouse have been unused for a certain period of time. If a person who needs AccessDOS turns AccessDOS on and then leaves the computer, someone coming up and using the computer later will not encounter AccessDOS, since it will have turned itself off. If you don't want to have AccessDOS turn off by itself, you can turn off the TimeOut function. You shouldn't need the TimeOut function if you are the only person who uses your computer.
Turning TimeOut on and off
Start up AccessDOS (see Section 1-4 if you don't know how). Select "TimeOut..." from the Adjust menu.
Adjusting TimeOut
There are three settings in TimeOut. The first is simply whether you want it on or off. The second is how long you want TimeOut to wait before it turns AccessDOS off. The third is whether you want the computer to beep when it turns AccessDOS off.
Select the settings you want, then press the Enter key. You may also want to save your settings (See Section 1-10).
NOTE: The TimeOut function does not remove AccessDOS from your computer's memory (that is, it doesn't "un-install" AccessDOS). TimeOut just turns off any of the functions that were left active. If a disabled user returns to the computer after TimeOut has turned all the AccessDOS features off, he or she would have to use the AccessDOS menus or the right key combinations to turn back on the desired functions.
.c.:2-9: Miscellaneous adjustments
Space Saver Keyboard
If you are using a space saver keyboard, such as the one that comes with the PS/2 MODEL 25 or 30, you should set this option to Yes so that AccessDOS will work properly with the keyboard.
This function does not affect the operation of SerialKeys, which will work just as if you had some other keyboard.
.c.:2-10: Saving your settings
When you make settings in AccessDOS and then select ok, AccessDOS will "remember" those settings until you change them, or until the next time you turn the computer off.
If you want AccessDOS to "remember" the settings you made after you have turned your computer off and back on again, you will also have to save your settings.
You can do this any time by selecting "Save Settings..." from the File menu. When you first pull down the File menu, you will see that the choice "Save Settings..." is already selected for you, so just press the Enter key to save your settings. AccessDOS will ask you to confirm that you really want to do this.
WARNING: You cannot save the settings for SlowKeys "on" or BounceKeys "on." In other words, you can turn SlowKeys and BounceKeys on, but next time you turn your computer off, it will "forget" that you had them turned on, and you will have to turn them on again next time you start up your computer. This is to keep SlowKeys and BounceKeys from causing problems for people who don't need to use them. You can save RepeatKeys settings.
If you are the only one who uses your computer, you will probably want to adjust the settings the way you want them, save them, and leave them that way. If you share a computer with people who don't need AccessDOS, or who want different settings, you may want to just make your settings but not save them. Then your settings won't be there once the computer has been turned off and back on again.
.c.:2-11: Leaving AccessDOS
Once you have made the settings you want, and saved them if you want, you can leave the AccessDOS program using one of two commands:
Install/Run
You should use the install/run command:
1) The first time you use AccessDOS since the computer was turned on. (You can also install AccessDOS automatically; see Section 1-4). Once you've selected Install/Run, the AccessDOS menus will disappear, and you'll see a message:
AccessDOS is now loaded and resident on your computer.
2) Whenever you want the settings you've just made to take effect. NOTE: If you want AccessDOS to "remember" the settings after you have turned the computer off and back on again, you must also use the Save Settings command.
AccessDOS will ask you to confirm that you actually want to install it.
WARNING: If when you first turn on your computer you want AccessDOS to use the settings you made last time you had your computer on, you will have to start AccessDOS with /A or /X command line switch. (See Section 1-4 for details.)
Cancel/Quit
This is the command you should use if you've changed settings while you were in AccessDOS, but have decided that you don't want to use those new settings. If you select cancel/quit, AccessDOS will go back to whatever settings you had before you started the program this time.
If you've already installed AccessDOS, this command won't "un-install" it. It just makes AccessDOS forget whatever setting changes you just made. (NOTE: The only way to un-install AccessDOS is to restart your computer.)
User's Guide for AccessDOS
Part 3: AccessDOS Reference
page
.c.Part 3 AccessDOS Reference: Setting up SerialKeys
Some people cannot use the keyboard and mouse at all due to a physical impairment, and must use some specially designed input device to perform the functions of the keyboard and the mouse. In some cases these special input devices can be connected to a computer's serial port (the connector commonly used for attaching a modem or printer). Simply connecting the special input device to the computer's serial port, however, is not enough to allow you to control keyboard and mouse functions. The computer is designed to receive keyboard and mouse signals through its keyboard and mouse connections, not through its serial port.
SerialKeys allows you to control keyboard and mouse functions through the serial port. This is done by sending the right series of letters and commands from the special input device to the computer's serial port. The regular keyboard and mouse can still be used while SerialKeys is being used.
The most commonly used special input device for SerialKeys is a communication aid: an electronic device often used by people who can't communicate by speech alone because of a physical disability that affects their speech.
Using SerialKeys requires you to program specific key definitions into your special input device. You will need the manual for your device in order to carry out this programming.
The instructions below tell you how to set up SerialKeys with a device such as a communication aid (we just refer to the device as "the aid" in these instructions). These instructions tell you how to hook up your aid to the computer, how to set up SerialKeys on the computer, and what letters or commands to send so you can type any key on the keyboard and make any mouse movement you want from the aid. Follow the instructions step-by-step, and you should be successful in hooking up your aid and using SerialKeys.
NOTE: These instructions do NOT tell you how to program your own aid. You will need to consult the manual for your aid, or contact the manufacturer if you have questions.
The steps in these instructions are numbered from one to ten. If you are the user of the aid, someone may need to assist you the first time you set up SerialKeys.
.c.:Step 1: Determine if your communication aid will work with SerialKeys
You need to make sure your aid will work with SerialKeys. You should be able to answer "yes" to all of these six questions:
1) Can you program selections on your aid to have unique words and sentences stored under them? Most electronic communication aids these days will let you program any series of characters (letter, numbers, symbols) you want for a particular selection.
2) Can your aid store at least 84 programmable selections? You will need at least one selection space for each key on the computer's keyboard, plus more if you want to use the mouse. There are 84 keys on the standard IBM AT keyboard, and now many keyboards have 101 keys. You don't need to be able to store all of the keys and mouse actions on the same level (or overlay) on your aid. You may, for instance, want to use one level for the keyboard and one for the mouse.
3) Does your aid have a serial port? This is the connection sometimes used to hook up a printer. It is sometimes called an RS-232 serial port.
4) Can you program selections on the aid so that when they are selected, they will automatically be sent to the serial port? Many aids have this capability, since it can be useful for printing messages. If you have a printer connected to your serial port, typing h e l l o on your aid and sending it out the serial port will make "hello" print out on the printer. If you have your aid's serial port connected to the computer's serial port, and you have SerialKeys working, typing h e l l o on your aid and sending it out the aid's serial port will cause the word "hello" to appear on the computer--just as if it had been typed on the computer's keyboard.
5) Does your computer have a serial port? This is sometimes called a "COM" port in computer jargon. If you don't have one, you can probably add one to your computer. If you have a serial port but you are using it for something else, such as connecting a printer or a modem, you will have to:
- disconnect the printer or modem, OR
- equip your computer with another serial port.
6) Can your communication aid send information through its serial port at the rate of 300 baud? (The term 300 baud refers to the speed at which characters are transmitted.) Most aids can send information at 300 baud--it's a very common speed--but check and make sure. Your aid may be able to send information faster than 300 baud as well, and that's OK. SerialKeys can "talk to" an aid that's sending information at 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 baud. However, 300 baud is the recommended speed setting. If your aid requires a higher baud rate, you will need to be aware of some additional operating features. See the section on "Advanced features," at the end of Part 3 of this manual.
.c.:Step 2: Connect your aid to your computer
Just plug one end of the serial cable into the serial port on your aid and the other end into the serial port on your computer.
If you don't already have a serial cable, you will need to obtain it from the manufacturer of your aid. (Note: Your aid may require an adapter to match the connector on your computer.)
.c.:Step 3: Configure your aid for serial transmission
Your aid and SerialKeys must be talking to each other at the same speed (baud rate) for them to communicate at all. We recommend choosing a speed of 300 baud. If you intend on using another baud rate, please read the "Advanced features" section at the end of this manual.
You must also make sure your aid is configured correctly. It must be communicating at 300 baud, with the following format:
- 1 start bit - 8 data bits - 1 stop bit - no parity.
You don't have to know what this means, you just have to make sure your aid is configured that way. Check the manual of your aid to find out how to do it.
In addition, most aids have a special selection or a switch for causing the characters stored in your aid to be transmitted out the serial port. Make sure you "turn on" this function.
Other aids may require you program special codes to set up the serial port. Again, please read your manual to find out how to do this.
Before you can use SerialKeys, you need to make sure AccessDOS is installed on your computer. See Sections 1-3 and 1-4 of this manual to learn how to do this, if you haven't already.
Go into the AccessDOS menus and select "SerialKeys..." from the adjust menu. Then:
1) For "Install SerialKeys," select yes.
2) For "Serial Port," select the number of the serial port on your computer which you intend to connect your aid to. If you don't know which is which, consult your manual or someone who would know.
3) For "Baud Rate," select the baud rate you have already configured your aid to. We recommend 300 baud. For most people this rate will be just fine for any use of SerialKeys. If later you decide you want a faster rate, you can change the setting: first in SerialKeys and then on your aid. Both must be set to the same baud rate.
4) Use the "Save Settings..." command in AccessDOS.
5) Next time you start up AccessDOS, use the /A or /X command line switch (see Section 1-4 for details).
Steps 5-8: Learn to program keys and mouse actions on your aid
Steps 5-8 in these instructions will tell you how to program each different type of key or mouse movement, and give you examples which you can try programming. This way, you can check and make sure that your aid and computer are set up properly, and that you understand how to program the aid, before you program the complete set of keys and mouse movements.
There are four basic types of SerialKeys actions you can program into any selection (position) on your aid:
1) basic keys,
2) special keys,
3) modifier keys,
4) mouse movements.
Before you start typing keys, send three null characters form your aid to the computer. This resets SerialKeys. (The null character is different from a zero; usually it can be made on your aid by typing control-@. See the "Advanced keyboard and mouse features section" for more details.)
.c.:Step 5: Typing basic keys
Each key on your computer keyboard is given a keyname, and it is this keyname that you must program into your aid if you want to be able to type that key. Many of the keynames consist of a single character. These we are calling "basic keys."
` 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 - = q w e r t y u i o p [ ] a s d f g h j k l ; ' z x c v b n m , . / \
To type one of these keys, you just send that single character out the serial port of the aid. For example, to type the word "hello", you simply select the "h" keyname, the "e" keyname, the "l" keyname, another "l" keyname, and finally an "o" keyname. Most aids have all of these single character keynames programmed into them so there is no additional programming for you to do for these keys.
Try it!
Once you've followed steps 1-3 above, try typing the word "hello" on your aid. Make sure the computer is in some program where you might ordinarily type a word and be able to see it, such as a word processor, or just DOS. Make sure your aid is set up so the characters will go right out the serial port. Type the five letters of the word "hello." You should see each one appear on the computer screen shortly after you type it.
See Steps 9 and 10 to learn how to set up the complete keyboard, and for a chart of all the keynames.
.c.:Step 6: Typing special keys
If you look at the computer keyboard, you will find that there are many keys that do not have single character keynames; for example, the arrow keys and the Num Lock and Enter keys. We call these keys special keys since you have to do something different if you want to type them using your communication aid.
To type special keys, you must program a sequence of characters into a single selection on your communication aid. The sequence for special keys is different for each key, but always follows two rules:
1) The sequence must begin with the Escape character;
2) The sequence must end with a period.
The Escape character usually can be generated on your aid by selecting the Control function along with the left bracket ([). On some aids, this will appear as ^[. Check the instruction manual of your aid if you're unsure of how to make the Escape character on it.
Throughout this manual, we refer to the Escape character by putting "esc" between two angle brackets, like this: <esc>. Remember: when you see <esc> in a sequence of characters, it just means ONE character (the Escape character), not five characters, as it might appear.
To program the name of a special key into your aid, program first the Escape character, then the correct name for the special key, then a period. These should all be programmed as one word on your aid, then sent out the serial port to the computer.
For example, to type the Enter key, the character sequence would be:
<esc>enter.
The escape character comes first, followed by the keyname for the key that you want to press, followed by a period (.). SerialKeys has official names for each of the special keys; charts of these are provided under Step 10, below.
Try it!
Try typing the Enter key, by sending the correct sequence out the serial port of your aid to the computer. Make sure you are in a program on your computer which does something when the Enter key is pressed, so you can tell if you were successful. Make sure your aid is set up so that each key you type will be sent out the serial port. Now type the sequence shown:
<esc>enter.
Remember, <esc> means the Escape character on your aid. And don't forget the period at the end. Once you type the period, your computer should act just as if you had typed the Enter key.
Since the sequences for special keys are somewhat long, you will want to program an entire sequence for a special key into a single selection on your aid. Then you can label this selection (Enter, for instance) and have it ready for when you need to type the key. In fact, you will probably want to program the sequences for all the special keys on your keyboard into selections on your aid. The time spent doing this will be made up many times once you begin using your aid to access the computer.
See Steps 9 and 10 to learn how to set up the complete keyboard, and for a chart of all the keynames.
There are three special keys which have to be typed differently from the other special keys: Shift, Control (Ctrl), and Alternate (Alt). These three keys are called the modifier keys, since they don't do anything themselves but modify the action of another key. Shift, for instance, will make a small "a" into a capital "A."
On an ordinary keyboard, the modifier key is held down while the other key is pressed. SerialKeys imitates this action by using a command called hold. Here's the sequence you have to type on your aid in order to type a modifier key:
1) The Escape character
2) Comma (,)
3) The word hold
4) Another comma (,)
5) The name for the modifier key (see the list under Step 10, below);
6) Period (.)
7) The key you want to modify.
Try it!
Try typing a capital A, by sending the correct sequence out the serial port of your aid to the computer. Make sure you are in a program on your computer which will show the letter when it's typed, so you can tell if you were successful. Make sure your aid is set up so that each key you type will be sent out the serial port. Now type the sequence shown:
<esc>,hold,shift.a
Remember, <esc> means the Escape character on your aid. And don't forget the commas and the period. If you've typed the sequence successfully, a capital A should appear on your computer, just as if you had held down the Shift key on the regular keyboard and then pressed the A key.
Most keyboards have two Shift keys, a right shift key and a left shift key. You can use different keynames (lshift and rshift) for the two keys to distinguish them if you wish. Some keyboards also have right and left Control keys and right and left Alternate keys. SerialKeys also distinguishes between these.
See Steps 9 and 10 to learn how to set up the complete keyboard, and for a chart of all the keynames.
.c.:Step 8: Moving and clicking the mouse
If your computer is equipped to use a mouse (IBM PS/2 mouse or Microsoft mouse), you can operate all the mouse functions from your aid as well, using SerialKeys. If you're not interested in performing mouse functions, skip this part.
NOTE: On many computers, you must have the (proper) mouse driver installed; otherwise, mouse commands will have no effect. Some computers, like those running DOS, require a mouse to be attached to the computer before a mouse driver will install.
Before you do any mouse functions through SerialKeys, you should send the "moureset" (mouse reset) command. This should be done whenever you start up an application program (such as a word processing program) that uses the mouse. Just send this command from your aid.
<ecs>moureset.
The mouse pointer should move to the upper left hand corner of the screen.
Moving the mouse
You can do the equivalent of moving the mouse by sending a "move" command from your aid to the computer.
Here are the parts of a move command, in the proper order:
1) the Escape character (see Step 4 if you don't know what this is)
2) a comma
3) the word "move"
4) another comma
5) a plus or minus sign followed by a number (for horizontal movement)
6) another comma
7) another plus or minus sign followed by a number (for vertical movement)
8 a period.
The move command takes two numbers after it: first the motion in the horizontal direction and then the motion in the vertical direction. There must be either a plus (+) or a minus (-) sign before each number, unless the number is a zero. Positive numbers move the mouse pointer to the right or down. Negative numbers move the mouse pointer left or up.
Examples:
Send out Mouse Command Result
<esc>,move,+10,-20. moves 10 units to right and 20 units up
<esc>,move,-10,+20. moves 10 units to left and 20 units down
<esc>,move,0,-10. moves 0 units to right and 10 units up
Clicking the Mouse
In order to click the button on a mouse, you use the "click" command. The commands should be typed as you see below. Remember, <esc> means the Escape character. And don't forget the commas and the period at the end!
Examples:
Send out Mouse Command Result
<esc>,click,left. clicks the left button
<esc>,click,right. clicks the right button
Double-clicking the mouse
You can double-click the mouse using the same commands shown above, but with the command "dblclick" in place of the command "click":
<esc>,dblclick,left.
OR
<esc>,dblclick,right.
Clicking and dragging with the mouse
SerialKeys lets you do the equivalent of holding the mouse button down while moving the mouse. This is done using the "moulock" (mouse lock) and "mourel" (mouse release) commands, together with the "move" command. If, for example, you want to select text in a word processing program that uses the mouse, you would:
1) Move the mouse to the beginning of the text you want to select, using the "move" command as described above.
2) To press the mouse button down and keep it down, give the "mouse lock" command:
<esc>,moulock,left.
OR
<esc>,moulock,right.
3) Move the mouse to the end of the text you want to select, using the "move" command as described above.
4) To release either button (or both), give the "mouse release" command:
<esc>,mourel.
Don't forget the commas and periods!
See Steps 9 and 10 to learn how to set up the complete keyboard and mouse actions, and for a chart of all the keynames and suggested mouse movements.
.c.:Step 9: Plan the layout for your aid
Steps 5-8 above showed you what sequences of characters to send in order to type basic keys, special keys and modifier keys, and to do mouse actions. Now you will want to program a selection on your aid for each key or mouse action you want to use.
But before you program all of the keys and mouse actions into your aid, you will probably want to decide how to lay out the selections on your aid. Look at the number of different keys and mouse actions you will want to have (see the charts under Step 10). Do you want mouse movements in addition to the ones suggested in Step 10?
If your aid stores vocabulary in levels, decide if you want keyboard and mouse actions on separate "levels" in your aid. If you aid uses combinations of symbols to store vocabulary, what combinations will you want to use for keyboard and mouse functions?
.c.:Step 10: Programming your aid for keyboard and mouse functions
As mentioned above, this manual won't tell you how do the actual programming of your aid, since that procedure is different for every aid. However, we have provided tables of keyboard and mouse character sequences which you can refer to while you are programming your aid.
There are some differences between the keyboards of different computers, but the charts on the following pages do include every key that can be typed in SerialKeys.
.c.::Troubleshooting
If you are using SerialKeys and your aid stops sending keys successfully, try:
1) Checking to make sure you included any necessary periods in your keynames.
2) Sending three null characters. (The null character is different from a zero; usually it can be made on your aid by typing control-@.
3) Resetting both the aid and SerialKeys to 300 baud. (If there is a communication difficulty, SerialKeys may automatically reset itself to 300 baud, making it unable to communicate with your aid if your aid is sending at a different rate.)
.c.::Guide to programming keyboard keys
You can program your aid to act as any one of the three keyboards shown on the following pages. We recommend programming your aid to use the IBM Enhanced Keyboard (101 keys). Even if your computer dows not have this keyboard, SerialKeys will function as the 101-key keyboard. This may be to your advantage, as some software packages will recognize the additional keys, enabling you to access additional features.
NOTE: If you choose to program the 83- or 84-key keyboard, there are a few exceptions you should be aware of.
1) To type the Break function, you would ordinarily hold the Control key and press the Scroll Lock key. For SerialKeys, hold the Control key and press the Pause key.
<esc>,hold,ctrl.<esc>pause.
2) To type the Pause function you would ordinarily hold the Control key and press the Num Lock key. For SerialKeys, just press the Pause key.
<esc>pause.
Key name Send from aid Action(s) (p/r = pressed and released
alt <esc>,hold,alt. alternate key pressed down
backspace <esc>backspace. backspace key p/r
bksp <esc>bksp. backspace key p/r
capslk <esc>capslk. caps lock key toggled
capslock <esc>capslock. caps lock key toggled
comma <esc>comma. comma key p/r
control <esc>,hold,control. control key pressed down
ctrl <esc>,hold,ctrl. control key pressed down
del <esc>del. numeric pad del key p/r, "." or "del"
delete <esc>delete. delete key p/r
divide <esc>divide. divide key p/r, "/"
down <esc>down. down arrow key p/r
end <esc>end. end key p/r
enter <esc>enter. enter or return key p/r
esc <esc>esc. escape key p/r
escape <esc>escape. escape key p/r
f1 <esc>f1. function 1 key p/r
f2 <esc>f2. function 2 key p/r
f3 <esc>f3. function 3 key p/r
f4 <esc>f4. function 4 key p/r
f5 <esc>f5. function 5 key p/r
f6 <esc>f6. function 6 key p/r
f7 <esc>f7. function 7 key p/r
f8 <esc>f8. function 8 key p/r
f9 <esc>f9. function 9 key p/r
Key name Send from aid Action(s) (p/r = pressed and released
f10 <esc>f10. function 10 key p/r
f11 <esc>f11. function 11 key p/r
f12 <esc>f12. function 12 key p/r
home <esc>home. home key p/r
ins <esc>ins. numeric pad ins key p/r, "0" or "ins"
insert <esc>insert. insert key toggled
kp* <esc>kp*. numeric pad star key p/r, "*"
kp+ <esc>kp+. numeric pad plus key p/r, "+"
kp- <esc>kp-. numeric pad minus key p/r, "-"
kp/ <esc>kp/. numeric divide key p/r, "/"
kp0 <esc>kp0. numeric pad 0 key p/r, "0" or "ins"
kp1 <esc>kp1. numeric pad 1 key p/r, "1" or "end"
kp2 <esc>kp2. numeric pad 2 key p/r, "2" or "down arrow"
kp3 <esc>kp3. numeric pad 3 key p/r, "3" or "pgdn"
kp4 <esc>kp4. numeric pad 4 key p/r, "4" or "left arrow"
kp5 <esc>kp5. numeric pad 5 key p/r, "5"
kp6 <esc>kp6. numeric pad 6 key p/r, "6" or "right arrow"
kp7 <esc>kp7. numeric pad 7 key p/r, "7" or "home"
kp8 <esc>kp8. numeric pad 8 key p/r, "8" or "up arrow"
kp9 <esc>kp9. numeric pad 9 key p/r, "9" or "pgup"
kpdel <esc>kpdel. numeric pad . key p/r, "." or "del"
kpdelete <esc>kpdelete. numeric pad . key p/r, "." or "delete"
Key name Send from aid Action(s) (p/r = pressed and released
kpdivide <esc>kpdivide. numeric pad divide key p/r, "/"
kpdown <esc>kpdown. numeric pad 2 key p/r, "2" or "down arrow"
kpdp <esc>kpdp. numeric pad . key p/r, "." or "del"
kpend <esc>kpend. numeric pad 1 key p/r, "1" or "end"
kpenter <esc>kpenter. numeric pad enter key p/r
kphome <esc>kphome. numeric pad 7 key p/r, "7" or "home"
kpins <esc>kpins. numeric pad 0 key p/r, "0" or "ins"
kpinsert <esc>kpinsert. numeric pad 0 key p/r, "0" or "ins"
kpleft <esc>kpleft. numeric pad 4 key p/r, "4" or "left arrow"
kpmidl <esc>kpmidl. numeric pad 5 key p/r, "5"
kpminus <esc>kpminus. numeric pad minus key p/r, "-"
kppagedown <esc>kppagedown. numeric pad 3 key p/r, "3" or "pgdn"
kppageup <esc>kppageup. numeric pad 9 key p/r, "9" or "pgup"
kppgdn <esc>kppgdn. numeric pad 3 key p/r, "3" or "pgdn"
kppgup <esc>kppgup. numeric pad 9 key p/r, "9" or "pgup"
kpplus <esc>kpplus. numeric pad plus key p/r, "+"
kpright <esc>kpright. numeric pad 6 key p/r, "6" or "right arrow"
kpslash <esc>kpslash. numeric pad divide key p/r, "/"
kpstar <esc>kpstar. numeric pad star key p/r, "*"
kptimes <esc>kptimes. numeric pad star key p/r, "*"
kpup <esc>kpup. numeric pad 8 key p/r, "8" or "up arrow"
lalt <esc>,hold,lalt. left alternate key pressed down
Key name Send from aid Action(s) (p/r = pressed and released
lcontrol <esc>,hold,lcontrol. left control key pressed down
lctrl <esc>,hold,lctrl. left control key pressed down
left <esc>left. left arrow key p/r
leftalt <esc>,hold,leftalt. left alternate key pressed down
leftcontrol <esc>,hold,leftcontrol. left control key pressed down
leftctrl <esc>,hold,leftctrl. left control key pressed down
leftshift <esc>,hold,leftshift. left shift key pressed down
lshift <esc>,hold,lshift. left shift key pressed down
multiply <esc>multiply. star key p/r, "*"
numlk <esc>numlk. num lock key toggled
numlock <esc>numlock. num lock key toggled
pagedown <esc>pagedown. page down key p/r
pageup <esc>pageup. page up key p/r
period <esc>period. period key p/r, "."
pgdn <esc>pgdn. page down key p/r
pgup <esc>pgup. page up key p/r
ralt <esc>,hold,ralt. right alternate key pressed down
rcontrol <esc>,hold,rcontrol. right control key pressed down
rctrl <esc>,hold,rctrl. right control key pressed down
ret <esc>ret. return or enter key p/r
return <esc>return. return or enter key p/r
right <esc>right. right arrow key p/r
rightalt <esc>,hold,rightalt. right alternate key pressed down
rightcontrol <esc>,hold,rightcontrol. right control key pressed down
rightctrl <esc>,hold,rightctrl. right control key pressed down
rightshift <esc>,hold,rightshift. right shift key pressed down
rshift <esc>,hold,rshift. right shift key pressd down
Key name Send from aid Action(s) (p/r = pressed and released
shift <esc>,hold,shift. shift key pressed down
space <esc>space. space key p/r
tab <esc>tab. tab key p/r
tilde <esc>tilde. tilde key p/r, "`"
up <esc>up. up arrow key p/r
.c.::Suggested programming for mouse actions
Mouse movements
It's a good idea to at least program some square or selection on your communication aid to move the mouse in the four directions by 1, by 10, and by 100 units. This will allow you to make small, fine movements and large, fast movements.
Send out Mouse Command Result
<esc>,move,+1,0. moves 1 right
<esc>,move,-1,0. moves 1 left
<esc>,move,0,+1. moves 1 down
<esc>,move,0,-1. moves 1 up
<esc>,move,+10,0. moves 10 right
<esc>,move,-10,0. moves 10 left
<esc>,move,0,+10. moves 10 down
<esc>,move,0,-10. moves 10 up
<esc>,move,+100,0. moves 100 right
<esc>,move,-100,0. moves 100 left
<esc>,move,0,+100. moves 100 down
<esc>,move,0,-100. moves 100 up
Clicking the Mouse
Send out Mouse Command Result
<esc>,click,left. clicks the left button
<esc>,click,right. clicks the right button (only if the computer's mouse supports a right button)
<esc>,click,left,right. clicks the left and right button at the same time.
Double-clicking the mouse
Send out Mouse Command Result
<esc>,dblclick,left. double-clicks left button
<esc>,dblclick,right. double-clicks right button (only if the computer's mouse supports a right button)
<esc>,dblclick,left,right. double-clicks the left and right button at the same time.
Clicking and dragging with the mouse
Send out Mouse Command Result
<esc>,moulock,left. locks down left mouse button
<esc>,moulock,right. locks down right mouse button
<esc>,moulock,left,right. locks down both mouse buttons
<esc>,mourel. releases both mouse buttons
.c.::Advanced keyboard and mouse features
Resetting SerialKeys
If you are using SerialKeys in a multi-user environment, the first command you send to SerialKeys should be the reset command. This will insure that SerialKeys will be at 300 baud and ready to accept your keyboard and mouse actions. The reset command consists of sending 3 Null (ASCII 0) characters with your aid configured to 300 baud. A Null character can usually be generated on your aid by selecting the control @ .
Lock and Release
This command can be used to hold a key down and lift it back up again as separate actions. Its primary usefulness is in using SerialKeys in combination with MouseKeys.
1) Turn on MouseKeys (see Section 2-3).
2) Decide which direction you want to move the mouse. Find out what keypad key moves the mouse in that direction in MouseKeys.
3) Send a lock command with that keyname. For instance to move right:
<esc>,lock,kpright.
4) When the mouse pointer has moved as far as you want in that direction, send the release command:
<esc>,rel.
You can program the lock part and the release part of this sequence each under a different selection on your aid, so you don't have to type them out in full each time you use them. Make sure to include the commas and periods.
Combine
If you want to program a modifier key and some other key under a single selection on your aid, use the combine command to put several keystrokes under one selection on your aid. This can be useful for common multiple-key command combinations required by software. There must be commas between the keys and a period at the end. No more than five keys can be combined.
Example: <esc>,combine,shift,ctrl,enter.
Goto
Moves the mouse to a specified location. You should send the "moureset" command first. Both the horizontal and vertical direction numbers require only a + sign. (See moving the mouse, Step 8 above.)
Example: <esc>,goto,+20,+25.
Baudrate Command
The baudrate command allows you to change the baud rate of SerialKeys from your aid. The possible baud rates are 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600. This command is never absolutely necessary, since you can also set the baud rate of SerialKeys by going into the AccessDOS program.
Example: <esc>,baudrate,300.
Using higher baud rates
If you decide to run SerialKeys at a baud rate faster than 300 baud, you must be aware of the special automatic reset feature of SerialKeys. Whenever SerialKeys receives three consecutive characters with a transmission error, it will automatically reset to 300 baud. This is to enable users in a multi-user environment to put SerialKeys in a known state (300 baud). SerialKeys will signal any transmission problem with a short beep. If SerialKeys resets to 300 baud, it will make a long beep.
.c.::Technical notes
1) SerialKeys uses hardware handshaking (DTR/RTS) and software (XON/OFF) handshaking to control the flow of characters from the aid. Characters may be lost if the aid ignores the handshaking signals.
2) SerialKeys uses hardware interrupt line IRQ4 if COM1 or COM3 is selected, and IRQ3 if COM2 or COM4 is selected. No other device can use or share the interrupt line that SerialKeys is using. That means that if for example, you have SerialKeys on COM1, you can not use a modem on COM3 if the modem software is interrupt driven.
3) See the README.TXT file for additional information regarding SerialKeys.
