Computer Software And Accesible Technology

Here you can find software that is helping people with MS, or is an essential to help with computer security. 

To tell us about any helpful software or tips, please Contact Us.

Ad-Aware is designed to provide advanced protection from known Data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components. With the release of Ad-Aware SE Personal edition, Lavasoft takes the fight against Spyware to the next level.

If you want to view PDF (Portable Document Format) files you will need to install the free Acrobat Reader from Adobe. We have PDF versions of our previous New Pathways issues available on this site, but you must already have this PDF viewer.

For free AntiVirus software, which is second to none, you can not get any better than AVG Antivirus from http://www.avg.com/

It gets used to your voice. It's very clever, it even knows that I can't pronounce my "Th's", and makes allowances for it. It could even cope with Jonathan Ross's speech impediments!

I think all people who have trouble with impossibly tired arms should have Dragon made available to them. The only time I actually have to use a keyboard these days is when I am writing a message online. For some reason it becomes very slow at responding to my voice when I write online.

To find out more about this software, visit www.nuance.com

IT Can Help is a network of volunteers who are able to offer free local computer assistance to disabled people. We can diagnose and fix most computer related problems; Install and set up hardware, software, internet, email and accessibility settings.

Contact Us

IT Can Help Client Helpline

AbilityNet freephone (& textphone) 0800 269545 (open 9am to 12noon)

Email enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk

Contact a volunteer  - http://www.itcanhelp.org.uk/findavolunteermap.htm

Website: http://www.itcanhelp.org.uk/

J-Say extends JAWS for Windows to provide dictation and voice command and control features. Users of this innovative technology can talk to their computer using a natural voice and obtain verbal feedback. ScanSoft’s Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred is used as voice input component but it does not allow the user to create special voice-driven commands. J-Say therefore relies upon the JAWS scripting language to facilitate the range of features available within the product.

Currently the J-Say will function if all of the English versions of the products are installed according to Terry Clasper from T&T Consultancy Ltd. In addition, he explains the different versions of J-Say: “The standard version where the voice is used as an additional means of computer input and control, so with this product it is absolutely crucial that the user has a reasonable level of keyboard ability in order to make effective use of the product. However, for people who have limited or no keyboard skills whatsoever, for example people who have limited upper limb movement, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, the J-Say pro product exists. This product offers complete voice control of the computer with no requirement for keyboard use whatsoever.”

J-Say is very similar to the Nova-Link software that is used for Dolphins’ SuperNova and Hal software. Both J-Say and Nova-Link are presented on the CSUN 2005 in Los Angeles on March this year.

Source: Axisitive © 2001-2007 Axistive®

Your guide to using technology to help improve the way you live with multiple sclerosis (MS).

MS affects everyone differently, and the challenges faced can be unpredictable and change over time. Some people with MS may find that their symptoms make it difficult to embrace technology in today's fast-paced, digital world. Others may be comfortable using technology, but might not know how it can be customized to enhance their lives.

No matter what your specific challenges are, My MS My Way can help you use technology to take greater control of your life and health.

The site provides Snapshot - a guide to technology solutions.

By answering a few simple questions on the Snapshot quiz, you will be able to find solutions tailored to your specific needs. It is designed to help you find customized solutions and information to help you use technology to move your life forward, plus much more.

To see the site please go to My MS My Way

Computers For The Disabled Registered Charity No.1069626.

Are you stuck in at home feeling as though your life is over? Have you considered getting a computer, but can you not afford one? Well a man called Paul Harris may be able to help you to get one.

Paul knows what it is like to become ill and feel as though you have lost everything. In 1990, he suffered a stroke, which left him disabled. He thought his life was over, became very angry and depressed, and even contemplated suicide. When DIAL, a disabled UK help group, suggested he his tried his hand at computers to occupy his day, at first he laughed at the thought. But with a little encouragement, he soon became more and more interested in them and started to build low spec computers for friends, and gain qualifications.

Gradually this project developed into a service for supplying computers to disabled people who could not otherwise afford one, so Paul decided to go the whole hog and apply for charitable Status and was successful!

So if you need a computer but cannot afford to buy one or if you have an old computer, or any spare computer parts, which you could donate, please get in touch with them:
Chairman Paul Harris
Tel:01268-284834
Fax: 01268-479028
Email: bigpaulh@blueyonder.co.uk  
All Correspondence to: 41, New Waverley Road. Noak Bridge, Laindon. Essex. SS15 4BJ

To visit the webpage Click Here

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don't see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to advertisement companies. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm in trying to see if something snooped into your computer, too :)

This program is highly recommended for all Internet Users.

Download the Thunder ScreenReader talking software and your modern XP or Vista computer will be immediately usable by someone who can’t see to read the screen. you will have a talking computer which will speak as you press keys and read out to you what is on the screen.

To enjoy the internet, you will need to use WebbIE which is installed with Thunder. WebbIE will appear within the All Programs Menu. WebbIE is a text browser which cuts out visual clutter and presents a website in clear line by line text. You can adjust the font size to suit.

Contact Screenreader.net CIC  for a better sounding voice for your computer.

To download Thunder and WebbIE just click here.

Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software.

It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimises interruptions and helps you stay productive.