Mastering JAWS and Windows
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure you have the following:
A computer running Windows 10 or 11.
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) demo or activated version installed and configured.
Basic familiarity with your keyboard layout.
If you don’t have all the prerequisites, don’t worry! You’ll still gain valuable insights from this blog.
Topics Covered
Adjusting Volume Control
Connecting to Wi-Fi
Creating Desktop Shortcuts
Exploring ‘This PC’
Navigating Folders (Documents and Downloads)
Creating Shortcuts to Paths or Links
Accessing OneDrive
1. Adjusting Volume Control
Adjusting the volume on your Windows computer is essential for managing audio levels, especially when using screen readers like JAWS.
Steps:
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Navigate to System > Sound.
Use the slider under Output to adjust the volume.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Windows + I: Open Settings.
Tab: Navigate through options.
Arrow Keys: Adjust sliders.
2. Connecting to Wi-Fi
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network ensures you stay online and can access necessary resources.
Steps:
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Select your network and enter the password if required.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Windows + I: Open Settings.
Tab: Navigate through options.
Enter: Select an option.
3. Creating Desktop Shortcuts
Creating shortcuts for frequently used folders and applications can save time.
Steps:
Navigate to the folder or application.
Right-click and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Alt + D: Focus on the address bar in File Explorer.
Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder.
Alt + Enter: Open properties for the selected item.
4. Exploring ‘This PC’
Understanding ‘This PC’ helps you manage your files and storage effectively.
Steps:
Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
Select This PC from the left pane.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Windows + E: Open File Explorer.
Alt + P: Show/Hide the preview pane.
Ctrl + N: Open a new File Explorer window.
5. Navigating Folders (Documents and Downloads)
Efficiently navigating through your folders is crucial for file management.
Steps:
Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
Use the left pane to navigate to Documents or Downloads.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Windows + E: Open File Explorer.
Alt + Up Arrow: Go up one folder level.
Alt + Left Arrow: Go back to the previous folder.
6. Creating Shortcuts to Paths or Links
Creating shortcuts to specific paths or links can streamline your workflow.
Steps:
Right-click on the desktop and select New > Shortcut.
Enter the path or link and follow the prompts.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder.
Alt + Enter: Open properties for the selected item.
7. Accessing OneDrive
OneDrive integration allows you to access your files from anywhere.
Steps:
Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
Select OneDrive from the left pane.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Windows + E: Open File Explorer.
Alt + P: Show/Hide the preview pane.
Ctrl + N: Open a new File Explorer window.
Mohammad Zaripour
