 Previous Section |
 Level Up |
 Next Section |
Let's not assume that the program is already on your PC. The process of installing programs is almost too simple nowadays. Basically, put the CD-ROM in your computer, and the program will automatically boot up the installation screen (called setup). The problem is that screen reader programs cannot see this screen. To be able to see anything with your screen reader program, do the following steps:
From there, simply fill out the info asked, such as your name and company, if applicable. Hint: Fill out your name as you would like it to appear when addressing a letter. Word will use this name information to automatically address documents when it thinks it is appropriate.
Follow the rest of the screens as is with the following considerations:
Don't worry, if you need something later, you can always go through the setup screen again.
I recommend not to install the Office Assistant. Its unpredictable screens could disturb you and make you nervous.
You are still at the beginning of your computer practice. Don't mind asking some more experienced computer user helping you with the installation. Let him/her explain you the installation procedure step by step. The next time you will be able to do it yourself!
Once your program is setup, there are several ways to start the Word Application. Here are two of them:
You can also start the Word application by activating the symbol of any Word Document. You will recognize a file containing a Word Document by its file extension ".DOC". Most screen reader programs will also be able to recognize the icon of Word Documents and will identify them in speech and/or Braille.
To learn to open a concrete Word Document in Word go through the following steps:
Once inside Word, try to understand the appearance of its application window.
Refer to foils 13 and 14.
The Word Application Window contains following elements:
Navigate now through all the menus to come in touch and feel with Word. With some of the numerous commands we will meet soon.
You create a new document as follows:
You achieve the same by using the keyboard shortcut CONTROL+N.
This will open a blank document (appropriately named Doc1).
My first piece of advice, the golden rule of creating documents - SAVE IT! SAVE IT! SAVE IT!
Choose the option "Save" from the File Menu or
use the keyboard shortcut CONTROL+S.
This is the step which must be done as soon as you create a document, before you even type a single character. You may wonder why you have to save a blank document. The reason is to establish this from the beginning, so it is out of the way, and frequent saves can be done to insure there is no loss of work. Save your work as early as possible to avoid disappointing situations.
When you choose to save, a dialog box will appear.
Refer to foil 12
The selection mark is first positioned in the File name Edit field, where you should type in a name for your new document file.
Examine all Dialog fields by pressing TAB or SHIFT+TAB.
One field back from the File name field there is File and Folder List box, reachable with Shortcut ALT+0. This field acts exactly the same as My Computer application. Here you can easily choose the folder in which you want to store your file. After doing this, tab to the File mane field or to the OK button and press ENTER to save.
Use the option Open from the File Menu
or the keyboard shortcut CONRTOL+O
to open the File Open dialog.
Refer to foil 11
This dialog is very similar to the File Save dialog. Use again the Files and Folders List box (ALT+0) to find the file you will open. Then press ENTER to open it.
If you have recently worked on the document you will open, it may also be listed at the bottom of your File menu. When you first start using Word, a maximum of 4 most recent documents will be listed here as numbered menu options. The most recently processed document has the number 1.
To change the amount of fast loading options in the File Menu, execute the following steps:
I recommend using the maximum of 9 to fully take advantage of this helpful feature.