1156. Accessibility: Microsoft Accessibility Magnifier

 The Microsoft Accessibility Magnifier is a great tool for visually impaired people. I wanted to address some hints/usage guidance.

First, Accessibility Magnifier can be set up via START->Settings->Accessibility->Magnifier

Options exist there to :

>> Turn it on, go to Magnifier and throw the switch ON

   -> Use the keyboard 

        .. to magnify more via the combination of the Windows Key (the one that looks like a window pane probably on bottom left of keyboard) and + key

        ..  reduce the magnification using the combination of Window Key - key

        ..  to turn off magnification (return to minimum) by combination Windows Key and ESC key

>> If you want a minimum magnification, look at ZOOM LEVEL. Here you can tell Windows how much magnification (e.g., 600%) you need at a minimum.

>> VIEW is nice, but needs explaining:

  -> You begin with FULL View, versus Lens View. This means as you move around the physical screen, the entire image moves with you. When greatly magnified, your view (larger than physical screen) moves left-right-up-down, on-off physical screen. This mode allows you to view entire area necessary to read. For example, if you have a form with entry fields, all is magnified and you an type in the fields while also reading the areas around it also on the physical screen. This mode makes me dizzy moving the area I needed to read onto the physical screen as needed. Anyway, hitting Ctrl+Alt+F together, gets you to FULL view if you are not there.

  -> LENS View is like having a rectangular hand magnifier and put it over a paper. You see the magnified area under the lens glass. Important here is that the physical paper doesn't move, only the Lens on it does. Likewise on the PC screen, the image displayed remains fixed on the physical screen, but the Microsoft Magnifier Lens blows up the area you desire. This is fine for reading a typing, but disallows view the areas not under the lens should you need those for referenced too. All may be good for you just move the lens around where you need it. This mode is my preferred way. The physical image, maybe a form, remains fixed and I can simply move the lens to examine it and complete the fields. The way it works is that it outlines the lens and then allows you to increase, decrease magnification within the lens via the Windows Key+ or Windows Key- as described above. I like this mode. You use Lens Mode by doing a Ctrl-Alt-L combination. It can be set up as default via the VIEW under Accessibility->Magnifier.

Other slick options available for colors, plus a pointer to more info on this settings screen.

Enjoy life again by using the Magnifier. I have mine turned on with default 100%. Thus, I can use the keyboard to use the Lens and magnification as desired.