Here are some free utility programs that members have found useful.
Note: In order for CDex to create MP threes you must also download and install the Lame Encoder DLL. Click on the llink below to download the self installing DLL File. This file will be placed in your Windows System Folder.
This site focuses on the accessibility of products and software for the Visually Impaired. Since the latest release of Adaware does not fit this description we are discontinuing recommending it as a useful AntiSpyware alternative. While the earlier versions were usable by screen reader users, who were at the higher skill levels, we have concerns about the future availability of up to date definitions. Therefore we are discontinuing making the earlier versions available also. We are currently researching alternatives. Watch this page for future replacements to Adaware.
Looking for scripts for your version of Jaws? Try the website below.This program looks to be the long awaited replacement for Adaware. Highly accessible and very effective it even offers a active blocking feature in the free edition. Randy, Terry and I are all using it.
Super AntiSpyware Free and Paid Versions (Very Accessible)
Here are some low cost utility programs that our members have found to be quite useful.
Accessible Utility Programs You May Wish To BuyIf you've had difficulty in getting the Adobe Acrobat reader full version 9.10 located and downloaded, we've made it available here.
We found the installation process to be very simple. A few minutes reviewing the Adobe Manual found on the link below can greatly improve both your results and comfort level. Especially the installation tips.
Guide To Accessing PDF Documents Using A Screen Reader
Download Adobe Full Version 9.10 Approximately 41 MB
Jamal Mazrui makes available a free program, PDF2TXT for converting files in Portable Document Format (.pdf extension) to plain text(.txt extension). The program lets you convert multiple files in a single, batch operation, either from a GUI dialog
or a console-mode command line.
Download PDF2Txt From Empowerment Zone, Approximately 10MB
This very useful utility can close down all your running programs, while you're doing an install, with a single click. This is a zip file and requires you to unzip it. After installing it open the program and tab until you find a list of programs. Most will say running, followed by the program name. Tapping the spacebar on them will change them to a protected program. These will not be closed down when you press the close button. Make sure to check to see if your screen reader has more than one listing. The button to close all programs is labled as a button only.
Download End It All File Size 393 Kb
One of our members highly recommends this compression/decompression program as being very accessible.
Freeware Accessible Compression and Decompression Utility
This alternative to Real Player will play the same file types without all the usual problems associated with Real Player.
Download Real Player Alternative Version 1.5.2 Approximately 6 MB
This utility program which is said to be screen reader friendly allows you to listen to, and save streams as mp3 files.
Screamer Radio
This handy utility program provides you with a detailed overview of your computer's hardware and software. Works with Vista as well as with XP and earlier versions of Windows.
Download Advisor Version7.2.24.7
If you wish to install Sapi 5 on your computer this is the program you need. When you open the program, you will be presented with an unzip dialogue. When you press enter on extract it will create a folder on your hard drive called Sapi5. Locate this folder and press enter on the Setup file and follow the prompts.
Download Sapi5 Approximately 9 MB.
Sometimes SAPI will cease to work and re-installing it just doesn't help. In that case running this small program will often fix the problem.
Download SAPI Repair File. Approximately 37KB
If the repair tool above doesn't resolve the problem, here's another you can try. Our thanks to the Jaws Users Website for bringing this to our attention.
www.jaws-users.comThis will install the Mike and Mary voices to your SAPI speech engine.
Download The Mike and Mary Voices For SAPI
If you need a program to transfer files to and from an FTP server this program will work well.
Download The Free FTP Explorer For Transfering Files To And From an FTP Server
If you need a program that will allow you to save your passwords securely, this is one you should try. It stores your passwords as encrypted files and requires a password to allow access. You'll need an unzip program to install it. (Screen Reader Friendly)
Note: This program is 32 bit encryption which is not the highest level of encryption. You may not want to entrust extra-sensitive information to it.
PassKeeper Website
This Internet Explorer add on will allow you to check spellling while using Internet Explorer..
Download Internet Explorer Spell Checker
This deleted files recovery program seems to be very accessible and reads well with both Window Eyes and Jaws. Be aware that the program is currently in beta. However, it seems to be well worth checking out.
RECUBA Deleted Files Recovery Program Website
Allows you to play movies, web page animation and other similar files without attempting to take over your computer.
Download Quicktime Alternative, Approximately 13 MB
For use with Windows XP and Windows Vista. This highly configurable utility will remove a number of unnecessary files from Windows and a number of other applications. It also contains a registry
cleaner that's reported to be one of the best around. Allows backup of the registry
items to be removed. User reports indicate it can substantially speed up your computer. When installing watch for the Yahoo Tool Bar and uncheck it as it can cause screen reader issues.
Download CCleaner Version 2.07.575 Approximately 2 MB
This utility monitors your computer and alerts you to any attempt to add a file or make changes in your settings. Available in both free and paid versions, this is not truly a AntiSpyware program. It does however through its menus and options make a great deal of information available about both files and cookies. It also simplifies management of programs that start up automatically.
Visit The WinPatrol Download Page
This program simplifies the removal of those annoying greater than signs from forwarded e mails. Designed to work with OS's from 95 to 2,000 it is not really recommended for XP. However, reports indicate that it is being used successfully by many XP users. Jaws users should be aware the the hot key for ECleaner is the same as the Jaws start up key. You'll need to change one or the other. See the hot key
instructions on the Library page.
Download The E Clean Version 201 Zip File
This program will allow you to create a file of a directory.
Download Print Folder Zip File
Resize Your Programs Automatically, AutoSizer automatically resizes any window you specify. For instance, many programs open up in a non-maximized window. Using AutoSizer, you can set those windows to automatically maximize every time they’re opened. It works with almost any program, including web browsers, Notepad, etc.
Download AutoSizer Version 1.7, Approximately 258KB
The Magical Jellybean Key Finder is Freeware. It allows you to locate and save the keys for Microsoft products by default. You can configure it to locate other keys also. Visit
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/
or download it from the link below.
Download Magical Jellybean Key Finder Version 2.0.1.zip Approximately 330 KB
A very useful small program that reads information about Skype activity.
Download SK Read
The Mute.exe utility can make it possible for you to unmute an accidentally muted computer without sighted help.
View The Instructions For The Mute.exe Utility And Download It If Desired.
This tiny utility resides in your System Tray and will allow you to quickly clear the Clipboard if needed. Just follow the instructions included in the zip file. Since this utility was created before Vista we can't be sure as to whether or not it will work with Vista.
Download Clip Clear Utility, Approximately 32 KB
Juice is the podcast catcher most favored by screen reader users.
Download The Juice Podcast Catcher Approximately 6MB.
Download the zip file below and place it in a folder of your choice on your local hard drive. Unzip it and than press enter on the exe file. With your arrow keys navigate to both check boxes and check them with the space bar. Now tab to Ok and press enter. Now whenever you navigate to a particular location and you want the file path to that point, just press the Application key (Context Menu Key) and locate the copy file path choice and press enter or y to copy it to your clip board.
Download The Copy File Path Zip file
A free spell checker for Outlook Express
Download The Free Spell Checker Program For Outlook Express
Qwitter is a great little program that makes the Twitter website very usable by the
Blind and Visually Impaired. Important
Note: To those who choose to download this program. Accessible Devices is providing
this program as a convenience only and does not provide any type of support for it.
You must use the Read Me included with the program. This is very well done and you
should have no problem figuring it out. The program is actually fairly simple to
use. You may visit the Qwitter download site at
http://www.qwitter-client.net/download.php
Download Qwitter Approximately 13 MB. Be Sure You've Read The Information Above. (Important Note To Those Who Choose To Download This Program. Accessible Devices Does Not Provide Any Type Of Support For This Program.)
Accessible Devices will try to provide additional Qwitter sound packages whenever they become available.
Additional Qwitter Sound Packages
This program automates the installation of SkypeWatch for Jaws users. Note: This program is not for Window Eyes. Also we do not provide any type of support for this program.
Visit The SkypeWatch Setup Utility Website
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Updated on ... February 07, 2010