SOFTWARE DREAMS AND TALKING MACHINES
Seekline For Dos and Winkline For Windows.

IN THIS REVIEW ... FREEWARE is free, and SHAREWARE is low priced [under $ 50.00]. REVIEW POLICY ... All items REVIEWED are PRE-TESTED before writing. ONLY ITEMS WE LIKE are reviewed. All other items are just REPORTED.

Text By SuperAdaptoid


Here is a low cost adaptive speech alternative by the blind and for the blind. Speech Systems For The Blind charges under $50.00 each for MS DOS and MS Windows 3.1+, NT and 95+ screen readers. SEEKLINE requires only MS DOS 3.+ [and higher], for ancient -and- older 286 [and higher] computers. WINKLINE requires: MS Windows 3.1+, NT, and 95+. Both programs require: Sound Card [ ie: Creative Lab's Sound Blaster] and speaker. Now your computer programs will speak as text is read and writtten to the screen.


SEEKLINE SCREEN READER FOR MS DOS

SEEKLINE Screen Reader Program is an MS DOS text-to-speech TSR for IBM PC clones and compatibles, allowing the visually impaired and blind to access most types of programs running on MS DOS PC systems. It utilizes most commercial sound cards to provide text-to-speech. Control by easy to learn keystrokes and a menu driven system to ease the learning curve for most users. It requires 214Kb RAM, 400Kb EMS, 286 or higher PC computer, with hard drive. Its main features are:

1. Cursor alignment, with separate program and system cursors.

2. Spell word, repeat word, spell line, repeat line, read entire screen, standard or letter by letter, read to and from current cursor position and locate text on screen.

3. Full user configuration, set pitch, speed, tone, volume, read window area, keys as you type said or not said.

4. Speech Dictionary [add,delete, etc.]

5. Screen area read window, define rows and columns to read from.

6. Full control by user of separate read cursor, will not interfere with current programs on system.

7. Sit over all applications and TSR(s).

8. Tell user when in graphics mode, not allowing useless graphics "garbage" to be spoken to user.

9. Work with all standard text modes, 40 column width and 50 line VGA mode.

10. Set line-watch, watches an area of screen and reads it when it has been changed.

11. Version 2.08/Allows up to 10 window areas to be defined on screen and also echo standard BIOS/DOS video writes from any program.

COMMENTS: This program is RECOMMENDED ... having downloaded and experienced this program as a person with low -to- no vision. The down load site is a little unusual [requiring renaming the downloaded file from JPG to ZIP]. Additionally, due to site traffic, downloads may be slow to respond. As a service to our readership, if you have problems downloading contact adaptoid@teleport.com and request assistance by email.

SEEK LINE information:
http://www.world.std.com/~Speechfb/dosinfo.htm
SEEK LINE Download Site:
http://www.world.std.com/~speechfb


WINKLINE FOR MS WINDOWS 3.1+, NT, and 95+:

1. Speak keys when struck.

2. Speak icons when selected.

3. Speak menus when opened.

4. Speak menu items selected.
Also tells if item is grayed, checked or disabled.

5. Speak all standard controls.
Radio buttons, check boxes and all Windows push buttons, controls are spoken and stated as [checked or un-checked] for standard Windows controls.

6. Text echoed as written.
All document text and other text written in Windows is spoken, even text scrolled on to the screen, such as in Word processors, spreadsheets, etc.

7. Highlighted text spoken.
Any text highlighted or selected in Help and other text systems is spoken when selected.

8. Stop Speak Command!
Striking any key or clicking the mouse aborts any speech that is to be output so you can continue with your work and not have the system bogged down with speech.

9. Comprehensive review mode.
Review all text items, icons, buttons, and other speech output. Check for spelling, punctuation, capital letters, special and non-ASCII symbols. Review and repeat words and lines as you need as many times as you need.

10. Virtually all sound devices!
If you have a sound card or external sound device you are currently using with Windows for multimedia or games, than you are ready to use WINKLiNE! All that is required is a Wave-Out driver (*.DRV) file to control your sound board, card or device to be able to use the program. Ask your sound card dealer for details on using it with Windows.

COMMENTS: This program is RECOMMENDED ... having downloaded and experienced this program as a person with low -to- no vision. The down load site is a little unusual [requiring renaming the downloaded file from JPG to ZIP]. Additionally, due to site traffic, downloads may be slow to respond. As a service to our readership, if you have problems downloading contact adaptoid@teleport.com and request assistance by email.

WINKLINE Information Site:
http://www.world.std.com/~Speechfb/windows1.htm
WINKLINE Download Site:
http://www.world.std.com/~speechfb


SPEECH SYSTEMS FOR THE BLIND:
Technical Support:
s.theberge@genie.com

Or:
Stephen Theberge at:
73030.3644@CompuServe.COM


SUGGESTION: When testing ANY demonstration software in MS Windows ... it is suggested that:
1. Use an "Independent" Uninstall program/utility.
[Even when uninstall is included in the test application].
2. Backup copies of win.ini, system.ini, progman.ini to be held off-disk and "on floppy".
3. A zipped copy of the demonstration software should be held off-disk for backup.


GOOD HUNTING AND ENJOY!
SUPERADAPTOID.

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