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Let me introduce this post by saying that it is primarily aimed at young people.
After all it’s you guys who will be called for help.
Computers are definitely not just a toy for the young generation.
Everything is smaller, faster, and more sensitive.
A nightmare for a slow person with bad eyesight and stiff hands.
Windows also comes with tools that enhance visibility and accessibility.
Let me show you some of them.
Screen Resolution
A high screen resolution is wonderful because more things find space on your desktop.
However, a high resolution also reduces the size of everything and text becomes very hard to read.
Hence, it may help to reduce the screen resolution.
It’s not a very elegant solution, but it’s quite easy.
Right-click onto a blank area of the > desktop and select> Properties.
The Display Properties window opens.
Switch to the> Settingstab and reduce the screen resolution to 1024 x 768 or 800 x 600 pixel.
You’ll simply have to find the right balance for yourself.
Note that this step may require rebooting or the Windows setup CD.
Contrast
Besides larger text and icons (we will come to that), a good contrast enhances readability.
Fortunately, there are some Windows default solutions.
We’re still in the Display Properties menu from the previous point.
Switch to the> Appearancetab.
Under> Windows and buttonsselect> Windows Classicstyle.
Now you could select a> High Contrast > Color schemefrom the respective pull-down menu.
Sizes
We already touched on that in the first point.
And while we’re in the Display Properties, let’s see what else we can do here.
For example you’re free to increase the> Fontsize.
Furthermore, you’re free to poke the> Effectsbutton and check the> Use large iconsoption.
Font styles and colors are also under your control.
Before we leave the Display tweaks, let me give you one more piece of advice.
you might save all these tweaks as a theme.
This way you’re free to easily restore or share them.
Within the> Display Settingswindow, switch to the> Themestab and click> Save As.
I’m sure you’re able to figure out the rest.
you’re able to customize the start menu to display large icons.
Right-click onto the> taskbar, select> Properties.
Switch to the> Start Menutab, click> Customizeand select> Large iconsfor programs.
Here you’re free to also change your default Internet and E-Mail programs.
You will find the tool under> Start > All Programs > Accessories > Accessibility folder > Magnifier.
In the same folder you might also find an Accessibility Wizard, a Narrator, and the On-Screen Keyboard.
The magnifier will reserve a bit of screen in the top and open a> MagnifierSettings window.
Inverting colors can enhance contrast and readability.
The magnification window itself can be moved around the screen and you might change its size.
Keystrokes
Hitting the right keys or several keys at once may be a problem when fingers are stiff.
Windows provides some relief.
Go to> Start > Control Panel (classic view) > Accessibility Optionsand switch to the> Keyboardtab.
The options you see here are> StickyKeys, >FilterKeys, and>ToggleKeys.
Clicking> Use FilterKeysresults in a less sensible keyboard.
Brief or rapidly repeated keystrokes will simply be ignored.
This should reduce the amount of mistakes.
However, it’s a bad choice for touch typers.
The respective> Settingsbuttons provide even more options to fine-tune the behavior of your keyboard.
Mouse
The mouse another important item to be considered.
Changing the scheme and selecting a large pointer will increase its visibility.
Within the> Pointer Optionstab you could further adapt its visibility and speed.
Don’t forget the adjust scrolling with the mouse > Wheel.
What is the oldest person you know using a computer?
Is your grandma online yet?
I think it’s about time!
