JAWS Basic Guide
Download the JAWS installation file from the official Freedom Scientific website: JAWS Screen Reader
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
After installation, you will be prompted to activate JAWS. You can either use the demo mode or input your license key.
Once installed, you can launch JAWS by searching for it in the Start menu or by double-clicking the JAWS desktop icon.
JAWS starts reading the screen aloud immediately after launching.
Here are some essential keyboard commands to navigate and control JAWS:
Insert + J: Open the JAWS main menu.
Insert + F4: Exit JAWS.
Insert + Tab: Announce the position of the cursor or focus.
Insert + F: Say the window title.
Insert + T: Read the title of the current window.
Insert + Down Arrow: Read continuously from the cursor.
Ctrl: Stop speech immediately.
Insert + F7: Open the list of links in the current window.
Insert + F6: Open the list of headings in the current window.
Open a document in Microsoft Word, PDF reader, or any supported application.
Use the Arrow Keys to navigate through the text.
Use Insert + Down Arrow to start reading the document continuously.
Open your web browser (e.g., Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox).
Use Insert + F7 to bring up a list of links on the webpage.
Press Tab to move between elements (links, buttons, etc.).
Press Enter to activate a link or button.
Press Insert + J to open the JAWS main menu.
Navigate to Options > Basics to customize voice settings, language, and verbosity.
Save any changes by pressing Enter.
To access JAWS Help, press Insert + F1 while using any application.
You can also visit the JAWS help center: Freedom Scientific JAWS Training Resources
If you have a Braille display connected, JAWS will automatically use it. You can adjust Braille settings in the JAWS main menu under Options > Braille.
H: Move to the next heading.
1-6: Move to a specific level of heading (e.g., 1 for Heading 1).
B: Move to the next button.
K: Move to the next link.
Ctrl + Home: Jump to the top of the webpage.
Here is a helpful introductory video tutorial on using JAWS:
This video provides a thorough overview of the key features and how to get started with JAWS.