Tech: Keyboard Enulation via Mouse

Subject: Tech: Keyboard Enulation via Mouse
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 09:06 PM

Many versions of Windows have a Calculator application which allows you to use a mouse only to perform calculator functions.

Is there similar freeware whereby a mouse can access an on-screen QWERTY virtua; keyboard?

Any help appreciated.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard Enulation via Mouse
From: Teresa
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 09:26 PM

I know that Windows XP has an onscreen keyboard option in the Accessibility settings, which you can access through the start menu/Accessories. It may not be as extensive as other stand-alone programs. I know of them, but don't know much about them. I'd normally play with such things but I'm totally blind, so I don't think any further advice/investigation on my part would be the best. :)

Teresa

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard Enulation via Mouse
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 01:02 AM

John - a little unclear - please clarify:

1. Do you desire to use a mouse to type qwerty-text TEXT?

2. Do you desire to use a qwerty keyboard to create midi text?

3. Do you desire a "virtual musical keyboard" that can be clicking by a mouse.?

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard Enulation via Mouse
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 07:23 PM

Thanks Teresa and Gargoyle. I needed a mouse to generate QWERTY text - option 1.

I've since re-instated my Google search using the term "virtual keyboard" and found what looks like very powerful freeware known as Click-N-Type. It appears to offer good uti;ity for those with good fine motor skills but limited movement. I haven't had the chance to play with it.

Teresa, as an aside I'm now legally blind, but can still sort of manage with a conventional PC. I should learn to touch-type and should investigate a typing tutor for those with Low Vision.

Best Regards,
John

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard Enulation via Mouse
From: Amos
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 07:34 PM

There is a wide range of such products for differently-abled or "special need" users, John; these include extra large alphabet pads, on-screen alphabet grids, pointer devices tied to head movement, and so on.

RJCooper specializes in them. Also here is a whole listing of related sites.

Regards,

Amos

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard Enulation via Mouse
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 05:50 PM

I posted this in another thread, but it's short so a little duplication probably won't hurt.

You can "change languages" in newer Office programs, but the new language assumes you have the keyboard that goes with that language. Lots of characters may be "in the wrong places" when you try to type in another language.

Microsoft Office Updates,, at least for Office 2000, Office XP, and Office 2003, now has a "Visual Keyboard" utility that (they say) will display on screen the standard keyboard for whichever language you select. You can "type" by clicking "keys" on screen, or use the on-screen display to see which keys to use on your "real" keyboard. I haven't given it a test drive yet, so can't really offer much of an evaluation.

If you select "OfficeXP," then on the new page select "Add Ins", it should be the last item on the second page, "Office XP/2000 Add-in: Microsoft Visual Keyboard."

(Some might also be interested in the "Office XP Add-in: Irish Proofing Tools" on the first page for OfficeXP:
"The Office Irish Proofing Tools add-in allows you to check the spelling of Irish words and phrases.")

I didn't see the Visual Keyboard in Add Ins for Office 97/98. There may be other stuff there that someone might want, so it's worth browsing.

While you're at the Office home page, you should click the "Check for Updates" to see if there are any new Security Fixes you should have. There's also a link on the left where you can tell them to take a peek and tell you what updates you have already installed.

John