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Computers
and the Internet |
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Enquiries about computer technology for the blind proved to be very
encouraging. I knew I would get a
computer sooner or later, but in the end my sons said, ‘Get a computer, Mother!! ’ So
I did – and how pleased I was that I took the plunge. |
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Message
Boards |
Accessible Software After investigating the range of software available which enables
blind and partially-sighted people to use word processors and gain access to
the internet, I chose Dolphin. On
my Home Page, you can see me at my computer desk. I have recently upgraded to
Supernova Version 11 (from 9) which has many added features. I cannot speak too highly of
the service provided by Dolphin. The Technical Support department is
dedicated to customers who use their products, so that when one needs help,
they explain what to do in full awareness of the difficulties faced by the
customer. There are no long waits on premium phone numbers to contend with. To begin with, I had to say
to myself over and over again, ‘I am not
afraid of the computer. I am not
afraid of the computer.’ !! I mean to say, if
children can use one, why can’t I? I was, however, determined to become
familiar with the features I needed to use. I also realised that standard
computer courses did not teach me the specific skills I needed to know and
how to apply them on my own computer, using the Dolphin software. I found an
excellent, patient teacher, Richard, and it is because of his encouragement
that I am producing this web site! My daily use of the computer
has settled into communicating by e-mail, receiving various newsletters and
visiting several message boards. I do
not use the internet for looking up train times, or booking holidays, or trying
to buy things, because that is much more easily done on the phone. I tried
banking, but it took me so long to navigate around the page that if I decided
to do something, I found I was timed out! Now of course I would not
like to be without my computer. |
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