Using Outlook Express with Dolphin screen readers

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Chapter 1: Tips and tricks for using Outlook Express

Microsoft's free email client, Outlook Express, can be used effectively with your Dolphin screen reader.

There are some tips and hotkeys that will help you to navigate Outlook Express and use it effectively. The following hot keys are useful in Outlook Express:

LEFT CTRL+N new message
LEFT CTRL+R Reply
LEFT CTRL+S save current message to drafts
LEFT ALT+S send current message
LEFT CTRL+M send/receive all accounts
LEFT CTRL+LEFT SHIFT+B Windows Address book
LEFT CTRL+Y open the folder list view
F7 spell check current message

Tips

Most actions can be performed via the File menu (LEFT ALT+F) or TAB key.
Pressing TAB repeatedly will cycle between the:

1. Message list
2. Preview pane (if open)
3. Contacts list box
4. Folder view (inbox, outbox, sent items and suchlike)

Dolphin suggest that the preview pane is turned off, so that once you highlight an email that you wish to read, you then press RETURN to open the message in a fully maximised window.
This will ensure that the virtual focus works correctly in web-based (HTML) emails.

This option is found under the View menu, choose Layout, and de-select the option for "show preview pane" (LEFT ALT+P). TAB to the OK button and press RETURN to save that option and close the window.
You can maximise a window by pressing LEFT ALT+SPACEBAR followed by X.

Also recommended is to tick the option for "When starting, go directly to my Inbox folder" which is found under the Tools menu, Options, on the General tab.

Attachments

Often, you will receive an email with an attachment. This is signified by a paperclip symbol being displayed next to the email in the message list. The screen reader will also announce it verbally once you highlight such an email, along with the sender's name and subject.<br>
To open an attachment, first open the email by pressing return, then press LEFT ALT+F for the File menu, and cursor down to 'Save Attachment'.
The screen reader will then announce 'Attachments to be saved' and list the files, and their sizes. Press tab once, and it will then announce the location to be saved. If you wish to change this, you can press LEFT ALT+B to open the folder browse window to choose a new location.

Once the location is selected, you can tab to the Save button or press LEFT ALT+S.

As always, there are also some Application Notes within your Dolphin software's map file. These can be read by pressing RIGHT CTRL+RIGHT SHIFT+? and lists more useful hotkeys.

Applies to:

• Hal
• Hal Pro
• LunarPlus
• SuperNova
• SuperNova Pro

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