Microsoft Narrator
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Narrator is a light-duty screen reader utility packaged with Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Narrator reads dialog boxes and window controls in a number of the more basic applications for Windows.
While Microsoft recommends that the visually impaired purchase a full-function screen reader for general computer use, Narrator is a significant piece of software for a number of reasons. Narrator is included with every copy of Windows 2000 and Windows XP, providing a measure of access to Windows without the need to install additional software as long as the computer in use includes a sound card and speakers or headphones. This represents the first time that a Microsoft operating system was released with some degree of accessibility for the blind built in, permitting a blind person to walk up to any Windows XP or 2000 computer and make some use of it immediately. Narrator can assist a blind person in installing a full-bunction screen reader, assisting the user until his/her screen reader of choice is up and running. As well, because Narrator is a lightweight screen reader that requires minimal "hooks" into the operating system, Narrator can provide speech when a full-function screen reader might be unable to do so such as during the process of updating video drivers.
Narrator may be seen as a precursor to inclusion of more complete screen readers as part of a computer's operating system. In 2005 Apple Computer released its Mac OS X operating system with a full-function screen reader, VoiceOver, included.
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