Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day #19



*1. HARDWARE FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED--PART 1 OF 6          
  
Assistive technology helps the physically challenged use 
computers for communication, work, and play. There have been big 
advances in both software and hardware tools for the disabled. 
Over the next few days, I'll pass along some tips to help you 
outfit a computer for a physically challenged user. 

First, for those who have vision impairment but are not totally 
blind, check out a screen magnifier like Bausch and Lomb's PC 
Magni-Viewer at 

http://www.bauschvision.com 

The PC Magni-Viewer mounts onto a computer monitor and magnifies 
screen content by 175 percent. IBM and Microsoft both produce 
software that magnifies screen content as well, but these 
products don't work with all software and all operating systems.


*2. HARDWARE FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED--PART 2 OF 6          
  
Mouse pointing devices require fine motor control of the hand and 
fingers. Trackballs are a far more forgiving category of pointing 
device. Users can operate a trackball with just a slight movement 
of the palm or hand. For a comfortable trackball, check into the 
latest designs by Logitech, at 

http://www.logitech.com 

and Kensington Technology Group, at 

http://www.kensington.com


*3. HARDWARE FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED--PART 3 OF 6          
  
People with severe vision impairment may be able to use 
text-to-speech software that "reads" the computer screen for 
them. To make such a setup complete, you'll also need a good set 
of PC speakers, specifically designed for near-field (close-up) 
listening. Browse the sites for Bose, at 

http://www.bose.com 

and Altec Lansing, at 

http://www.alteclansing.com 

for the latest in powerful yet pint-size computer speakers.


*4. HARDWARE FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED--PART 4 OF 6          
  
People with limited mobility often forego traditional keyboard 
input devices altogether and opt for voice input instead. This 
type of setup requires voice recognition software and a quality 
microphone. As I have mentioned before in these tips, you'll 
often achieve better results if you toss out the microphone 
included in your voice recognition package and buy a 
higher-quality one. Check into headset microphones from Shure, at 

http://www.shure.com 

and Telex, at 

http://www.computeraudio.telex.com


*5. HARDWARE FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED--PART 5 OF 6          
  
Another assistive technology tool is the touchscreen monitor. You 
will probably need special software to go with your 
touchscreen--usually both hardware and software are required to 
make your applications truly "touchable." A good place to start 
looking for such a setup is TouchStore.Com. 

Its Web site, 

http://www.touchstore.com 

offers touchscreens from major manufacturers.


*6. HARDWARE FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED--PART 6 OF 6          
  
With only limited space, we can't mention all the latest 
assistive hardware products out there. If you need more 
information on assistive technology, browse the Alliance for 
Technology Access, at 

http://www.ataccess.org 

and Webable, at 

http://www.webable.com 

where you'll find databases of products and a host of other 
resources for finding the right assistive technology for 
your needs.


*7. MONITOR CARE--PART 1 OF 4          
  
Are you familiar with your monitor's menu and screen control 
functions? You should be. When you first set up a new monitor, 
make sure you run through the entire gamut of monitor calibration 
and adjustment settings. That way, you'll have the sharpest 
clarity and the deepest colors on your screen and the least 
strain on your eyes.  

After that, make sure you run through these adjustments again 
once a month. That's right, once a month. Monitors "drift" during 
use, so you'll likely find that your brightness, contrast, and 
other controls need resetting after a few weeks of use.


*8. MONITOR CARE--PART 2 OF 4          
  
Have you ever noticed how often we touch computer screens? 
Sometimes we're pointing something out to a friend, family 
member, or colleague, and sometimes we are adjusting the position 
of the monitor on the desk. In any case, this touching makes 
cleaning a computer monitor more of a regular activity than, say, 
cleaning a television screen. 

What should you use to clean your monitor's screen? First, follow 
the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, particularly if you 
suspect your display is made from unusual materials. You could go 
out and purchase special, monitor-safe cleaning products. 
However, in most cases, glass cleaner and paper towels or soft 
cotton cloths should work fine. Just make sure you spray the 
cleaner directly onto your paper towel or cloth, not onto the 
screen. That way, the cleaner fluid won't run down the front of 
your tube and get inside the monitor casing.


*9. MONITOR CARE--PART 3 OF 4          
  
Are you planning to study that detailed spreadsheet first thing 
in the morning? You may want to make another plan. Monitors need 
to warm up. Just after they power on, monitors may not display 
the proper image position, black level, and contrast. So you 
should postpone fine-detail viewing for a good 15 to 20 minutes 
after you turn your monitor on.


*10. MONITOR CARE--PART 4 OF 4          
  
Do you stack paper, books, or equipment on top of your computer 
monitor? You could be shortening its life. Most monitors have 
vents on top, which circulate the air and cool the inner 
components. Junk on top of your monitor may prevent the airflow 
your tube requires.  

While you're there, you might as well vacuum out the vents with 
the low suction setting on your vacuum. These vents sometimes get 
clogged with dust.
