DRAFT Quick Reference Guide and Tutorial for Screen Reading with Jaws,
prepared by Maeve May.

Follow the links for specific Topics using Jaws and Windows Shortcuts and Notes for Jaws users.

Specialist Jaws Features

Jaws Cursor and PC Cursor

When you run Jaws, you have two available cursors: The PC cursor and Jaws Cursor. The Jaws cursor is directly linked to the Windows mouse pointer. Like the Mouse pointer you can move around windows with the Jaws cursor while the PC cursor remains at its current location. Likewise the Jaws cursor stays stationary when the PC cursor moves. The PC cursor is directly linked to keyboard operations. Only ONE of these cursors can be active at any one time.

Note that the Jaws cursor usually stays within the active windows of an open application. You can further restrict the Jaws cursor to movement within a child window by performing a restrict Jaws cursor function. (this may be useful when using the internet)

Num pad plus + . Turns on the PC cursor.

Num Pad minus - . Turns on the Jaws cursor.

Insert + num pad Plus. Routes the pc cursor to the jaws cursor.

Insert + num pad Minus-. Routes the jaws cursor to the Pc cursor.

Insert R. Restrict Jaws Cursor (note route Jaws cursor to PC cursor first.

Num pad / . Left Mouse click.

Num pad * . Right Mouse click.

PC Cursor – Default Cursor:

This cursor is linked to the keyboard functions of Windows and applications. This is the cursor that is used when typing information, moving through options in dialog boxes, and selecting options or icons. As you type information, the PC Cursor follows along with each key you press. If you are making a selection in a menu or dialog box, the PC Cursor highlights the currently selected object. The PC Cursor is activated by default when JAWS starts. If you are using a different cursor, pressing NUM PAD PLUS returns you to the PC Cursor

The JAWS Cursor - Follows Mouse Pointer

The JAWS Cursor is linked to mouse pointer functions in Windows and other applications. It is used to read information the PC Cursor cannot read, such as toolbar information. The mouse follows along with the JAWS Cursor when it is moved, and you therefore have access to information in an application window that is beyond the scope of the PC Cursor. To activate the JAWS Cursor, press NUM PAD MINUS. (Note it reads the title and only the icons which have text in them

The Virtual PC Cursor - HTML Environment

The virtual PC Cursor mimics the functions of the PC Cursor, but is activated by default when entering an HTML document. The virtual PC Cursor speaks the number of frames in a document, and the number of links in the frame. You can switch between frames, and JAWS reads graphics labelled by alt tags in the HTML code

Customising Jaws

Insert V. Adjust Jaws Verbosity – specific to application.

Insert F2. Run Jaws Manager (configuration etc).

Insert Escape. Refresh Screen (can also be used to unfreeze).

Insert B. Read whole window or dialog box top to bottom.

Insert C. Read word in context (eg in spellcheck).

Insert E. Say default command button in a dialog box.

Insert F. Say Format where cursor is located.

Insert T. Read Window Title.

Insert End. Say top line of window (often title).

Insert Page Down. Say bottom line of window (status bar).

Insert Tab. Reads current focus again.

Help for Jaws & Windows

Insert 1. Keyboard Help on/off toggle – identifies keys when pressed.

Insert 2. Change Echo to character, word, both character and word, or none 4 way toggle.

F1. Windows Help – type question and press enter.

Insert F1. Screen Sensitive Help – Virtual viewer. List info about the file you have open.

Insert F1 twice quickly. Jaws Help – Control tab to index.

Insert H. Help for Jaws keyboard shortcuts Specific to active application.

Insert W. Help for Windows keyboard shortcuts context sensitive.

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