Customizing Windows or Windows NT
This content is no longer actively maintained. It is provided as is, for anyone who may still be using these technologies, with no warranties or claims of accuracy with regard to the most recent product version or service release.
There are many ways you can customize Microsoft® Windows® or Microsoft® Windows NT® to make your computer more accessible.
- Beginning with Windows 95, accessibility features are built into Windows. These features are useful for individuals who have difficulty typing or using a mouse, have moderately impaired vision, or who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The features can be installed during Setup, or you can add them later from your Windows installation disks. Look up "accessibility" in the Windows Help index for information about installing and using these features.
- Many of the features that make Windows 95 more accessible can be added to Windows NT, earlier versions of Windows, and MS-DOS® through Access Packs. You can download these files by modem, or you can order them on disks from Microsoft.
- You can use Control Panel and other built-in features to adjust the appearance and behavior of Windows or Windows NT to suit varying vision and motor abilities. These include adjusting colors and sizes, sound volume, and the behavior of the mouse and keyboard.
- Dvorak keyboard layouts make the most frequently typed characters on a keyboard more accessible if you have difficulty using the standard "QWERTY" layout. There are three Dvorak layouts: one if you are a two-handed user, one if you type with your left hand only, and one if you type with your right hand only. You do not have to purchase any special equipment to use these features.
The specific features available, and whether they are built in or must be obtained separately, depend on which operating system you are using.
For full documentation on the accessibility features available in the operating system you are using, obtain the appropriate application notes listed later. Accessibility features also are documented in the Microsoft Windows 95 Resource Kit and the Microsoft Windows NT Resource Kit.
Which Files to Download or Order
You can obtain these files by downloading them with your modem, or you can order them on disks by phone. Specific information about downloading or ordering these files immediately follows the following list.
These files include:
- Application notes providing more complete documentation on ways to customize Windows and Windows NT.
- Access Packs and Dvorak keyboard layouts providing additional features for versions of Windows or Windows NT in which they are not included already.
Find the name of the required file in this list:
| For | You need |
|---|---|
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows 95 | Ww1062.exe |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows NT 3.1 and 3.5 (includes Access Pack for Microsoft Windows NT) | Wn0789.exe |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1 | Wg0788.txt |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows 3.1 | Ww0787.txt |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows 3.0 | Ww0786.txt |
| Access Pack for Microsoft Windows 3.0 and 3.1 | Accp.exe |
| Dvorak keyboard layouts for people who type with one hand (already included in Windows NT 3.5 and higher) | Ga0650.exe (Most network services), Ga0650.zip (Microsoft Download Service) |
To Download the Access Packs, Application Notes, and Alternative Keyboard Layouts by Modem
If you have a modem, you can download these files from the following network services:
Microsoft's World Wide Web site on the Internet. On the Microsoft home page (http://www.microsoft.com), click Support at the top of the page. Click Knowledge Base, and select MS-DOS as the product. Under I want to search by, select the option Keyword Search using All Words. Under My question is, enter dvorak, and click GO! Open the article "Dvorak Keyboard Layouts." The file can be downloaded from a link at the end of the article.
Microsoft's Internet server, ftp.microsoft.com, in /softlib/mslfiles.
MSN™, the Microsoft Network online service.
CompuServe®. Type GO MSL.
Genie®.
Microsoft Download Service (MSDL), which you can reach by calling (425) 936-6735 any time except between 1:00 A.M. and 2:30 A.M. Pacific time.
MSDL supports 1200, 2400, 9600, 14400, or 28800 baud rates (V.32 and V.42), with 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.
Various user-group bulletin boards (such as the bulletin-board services on the Association of PC User Groups network).
To Order the Access Packs, Application Notes, and Alternative Keyboard Layouts on Disks by Phone
If you do not have a modem, within the United States you can order the Access Packs, Application Notes, and Alternative Layouts on disks by calling Microsoft Sales Information Center at (800) 426-9400 (voice) or (800) 892-5234 (text telephone).
In Canada, you can call (905) 568-3503 or (905) 568-9641 (text telephone).
See Also
Accessibility for People with Disabilities | Microsoft Services for People Who are Deaf or Hard-Of-Hearing | Microsoft Documentation in Alternative Formats | Third-Party Utilities to Enhance Accessibility | More Accessibility Information | Microsoft Office XP Developer Product-Specific Accessibility Information