Re: email: Virginia, USA to Israel

["James F. Slattery" <jslat@xxxxxxxxx>]

> Could anyone recommend a mouse that would suit a PWP, my mother in
particular?
> It is difficult for her to place it exactly where she needs it.  Also,
there
> is a problem with lifting her fingers quickly enough -- the letters
> rrrrrrrepeat.

Hi Melody,

There is a kind of "upside-down" mouse called a track-ball, which has a
large plastic ball 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, depending on brand, which
is rolled to move the mouse pointer, and two large buttons to click.  There
are also keyboards with track-balls built into them.

I have a device called a "track pad" which has a small 1.5 X 2 in.
touch-sensitive screen, which I run my finger over to move the mouse
pointer. I can "click" with either the two buttons, or by tapping my finger
on the screen.

Alternatively, if you use either Microsoft DOS or Microsoft Windows (3.1,
3.11 or 95) as an operating system, there is a free suite of programs for
the disabled, that you can obtain from Microsoft.

One of these programs will fix the ssttuutteerr. Keys can be made not to
repeat at all, or repeat only if held down for a settable time.  Another
program allows one to use the number-pad as a mouse substitute.  I use this
one when drawing and designing screens, as it gives me greater control over
the pointer.  Another program in the suite that I use makes an audible
"click" when any key is pressed. I need this, since I can't judge by touch
if I have pushed a key down far enough to operate, and I don't want to
"pound" the keyboard.

Sorry I don't know of similar programs for other operating systems.

Jim

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
 James F. Slattery, J.P., M.A.C.S.
 JandA Computing Consultancy
 E-mail: jslat@xxxxxxxxx
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *