VIBUG MEETING MINUTES

Date of Meeting: November 6, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 1:10 PM. Amy Ruell began by telling all present that the meeting started a few minutes later than usual because NBP had previously scheduled a volunteer project and luncheon and needed to use the area where we meet. Amy stated that she had talked with many people about the NFB lawsuit against AOL and their lack of web access and lack of responsiveness to computer services and technology. She informed us that Stacy Teicher was here from the Christian Science Monitor, as she wanted to learn more about this issue and would be writing an article on accessibility issues. Last months minutes were then read and accepted. Amy stated that the minutes will be put on the Web. Also, Tim Comings is our Webmaster, and all items which need to be put on the web should be sent to him.

Amy announced that the Vibug Computer was now updated. A new modem was installed (56K) by Don Breda. The latest versions of JFW and Window-eyes were installed. Windows Internet Explorer 5.0 and Real Player G2 were installed, and a few other programs were updated. Amy also announced that the Excel Class will be in January 2000.

Amy announced that she was going to be speaking on November 11th at the Hanson Lions Club about computer access. It was announced that Ginny and Pauleen will coordinate the Christmas Party and people should contact them at (617) 776-9706 regarding bringing food, helping to set up or being on clean-up crew. Amy announced that the book Musings of an Addicted Internet Shopper was now available from NBP. Vibug is mentioned in this publication.

Amy talked about an Internet telephone Program Dialpad, now available. She said it was easy to set up. This program allows the user to make phone calls from the computer free of charge. The long distance services are paid for through advertising. There is some feedback on the line but it does not interfere greatly with phone communication.

Amy announced that both Arkenstone and Kurzweil have both come out with upgrades and both companies have announced that they are offering competitive incentives to trade in their competitors products.

Tim Comings announced that the demo of the Tennis Game is now on the web page. The manual is also on the page and there is a link to Speak to Me for those who wish to order the product.

In our question and answer segment, Louise Beach was asking for assistance with reading her e-mail with Java and Netscape. We explained that Netscape was the browser, Java was the ISP and that she also had an e-mail Program. It was recommended that since she was using this e-mail at U. Mass. That she contact their coordinator, Charlotte Corbit, who could better assist with accessibility issues.

Someone installed the latest version of Jaws, but when she restarted her computer the older version came up. First, determine where you installed it. If the filename, path, or directory name were changed, that could be the program. Start with no speech. Unload the program. Go to programs, hit J twice, and then enter twice. That will start JFW. Then go to file menu, check run JFW first and the new version will start when you next start your computer.

It was announced that the next meeting would consist of a short business meeting followed by the Christmas Party. The meeting date will be December 11th. Amy demonstrated how to Shop on Line, using the Internet, and the meeting was adjourned at 3:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeanette Kutash

Clerk