Apple Macintosh 
Software Toolkit

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Mouse Cursor Enhancers (Visual)

Change Arrow 1.2

Change Arrow lets you change the cursor from the familiar arrow to one of six other options. See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+changearrow1.2.sit.hqx

Color Master 1.2.1

ColorMaster is a screen depth switcher and a cursor colorizer. It works on any Mac equipped at least with a 68020. To use ColorMaster, drag it to your System Folder and Restart your Mac.

This works very well to add color to cursors, which can make it easier to see. It will work with Fat Cursors to add color to the enlarged Arrow and I-beam cursors. You must have a Mac with Color QuickDraw. Shareware ($25). See http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml

Cursor Animator 2.0.1

CursorAnimator lets you substitute all of the five system cursors (arrow, watch, text, cross-hair, and plus) by a static or animated cursor of your choice. If your Macintosh supports color, you can even get color cursors! Freeware. See http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml

Fat Cursors 1.1

Fat Cursors is a System 7-compatible control panel that automatically enlarges the cursor (arrow and I-beam) to make it more visible. The program is especially useful for people with visual impairments and PowerBook users. See http://www2.apple.com/disability/shareware.html

Find Cursor 1.0

When you hold down the control key and click the mouse, the cursor turns into a thick-bordered box. Useful for PowerBook users who can't find their cursor. See http://pubweb.nexor.co.uk/public/mac/archive/welcome.html

Front&Center 1.0.0

Front&Center is a control panel/extension that helps you find the pointer (often called the cursor) on your Mac's screen. When you can't find the pointer, either press the hot key or click the mouse button while pressing the modifier keys. Front&Center will then flash the pointer and/or move it to a preset location on the screen (e.g. under the Apple menu). Seeing the pointer flash and knowing where it is on the screen lets you easily find it. Shareware ($10). See http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml

Mouse Cursor Enhancers (Physical)

AutoMenus Pro 3.1.2

This program helps ease menu selections with several options. Menus will stay dropped down after just one click and users can also set options to have items in menus automatically activated after they are highlighted for a specific length of time. There is also a setting that extends the bottom of menus, so that the last items in the list are not accidently activated. Shareware ($15). See http://www.sped.ukans.edu/~dlance/cheap.html

ButtonKey 1.2

ButtonKey lets you "click" on buttons, radio buttons and check boxes in dialogs (modal and non-modal) by typing the first or first few characters of the button's name. It can also make the escape key simulate a click on Cancel. ButtonKey is separately configurable for individual dialogs. Shareware ($15). See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+buttonkey1.2.sit.hqx

ClickLock 2.0

This simple CDEV/INIT (control panel) allows you to "lock" the mouse's button down. This can be useful for: dragging and dropping icons in the Finder, pulling down menus, especially when inspecting menus with Balloon Help on, drag-selecting in graphic applications, drawing more precisely in graphic applications, hands-off scrolling, moving around windows in the Finder and applications, and on and on.

KeyQuencer 1.2.1

This is a Macro program, but rather than defining abbreviations for text, it allows definitions of two-key shortcuts for long commands or sequences of commands. For example, when I type COMMAND and z, the current window expands, eliminating the need for me to use the mouse to click the zoom box. People who have difficulty using the mouse can assign mouse functions to keystrokes. People with learning disabilities or other memory problems can reduce hard-to-remember complex command sequences to two-key combinations. The process of scripting the macros is somewhat difficult, but the effort is worthwhile. Read the documentation carefully! Shareware ($10). See http://www.sped.ukans.edu/~dlance/cheap.html

Keys! 1.0b5

Keys! is a control panel/system extension that adds command key shortcuts to dialog items in modal dialog boxes (buttons, radio buttons, and check boxes). It underlines a letter (generally the first one, as far as possible) of the name of each button or check box; if you hold down the command key and type that letter, it will be as if you had clicked on the button. Freeware. See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+keys1.0b5.sit.hqx

Mouse Keys for Powerbook 1.0.1

There is also a Mouse Keys for the PowerBook, because the PowerBook does not have a built-in numeric keypad. The file "Mouse Keys for the PowerBook" is used to emulate the numeric keyboard on the standard PowerBook keyboard.

(Note: This new version of the popular Easy Access control panel allows Sticky Keys to remain active after waking up if it was active when the PowerBook or Portable went to sleep. Also, Easy Access now remembers whether sticky keys, mouse keys, and slow keys were on or off between restarts.) Freeware. See http://www2.apple.com/disability/disability_home.html

OmegaWindow

Do you open many windows on your desktop? Is it too much work to rearrange your windows with your mouse? Not anymore! You can use OmegaWindow to rearrange your window with a single keyboard shortcut. Do you often switch from one application to another? You thought that there must be a better way for switching applications. There is! OmegaWindow let you switch from one application to another in many ways with a single keyboard shortcuts. Shareware ($20). See http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml

Pointing Device 1.2

Pointing device is an alternate mouse (or whatever) speed setter. The coolest feature (for me) is that it lets you speed your mouse tracking up a bit. See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+pointingdevice.cpt.hqx

Snap-To 2.0.1

Snap-To is a control panel that snaps the cursor to the default button whenever a dialog comes up on your screen. It helps increase your speed when using a Macintosh, especially if you use dialogs often and/or have a large screen. Shareware ($5). See http://www2.apple.com/disability/shareware.html

Speedy Mouse ][ 1.0

Speedy Mouse ][ is a very small extension that will cause your mouse to move about twice as fast as it normally does. Freeware. See http://www2.apple.com/disability/shareware.html

StickyClick 1.2

StickyClick is an extension that sort of simulates having a "lock" button on your mouse or trackball. By quickly clicking in the menubar, the Macintosh will be made to think that the mouse button is still down. You release the button locking by clicking and releasing again. Freeware. See http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml

Magnification

Closeview 7.1

CloseView, a utility included in every Macintosh, enables users to magnify screen contents up to 16 times. This utility allows for easier viewing by users who are visually impaired. Freeware. See http://www2.apple.com/disability/disability_home.html

MFZoom 2.1

MFZoom is a system extension that increases the menu and window title font size to 14pt. This is useful for big screen monitor users and those who have to squint to see the normal menu font. Freeware. See http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml

ZoomLens 2.5

This program magnifies the area around the mouse pointer in a box in the corner of the screen, making text and icons easier to see for individuals with low vision. Magnifies the area up to 24 times its regular size. Enlarges the menu bar, but not the actual menus. Freeware. See http://www.sped.ukans.edu/~dlance/freeindex.html

Abbreviation/Expansion

EasyTyper 1.0.2

EasyTyper (tm) can type a word or phrase after you type a few characters and a "hotkey". Shareware ($39). See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+easytyperdemo1.02.sit.hqx

TypeIt4Me 4.4.1

TypeIt4Me is a control panel that gives abbreviation/expansion capability to the Macintosh, improving typing speed and productivity. Just type a shortcut code and TypeIt4Me will expand the abbreviation into a full word, phrase, or paragraph. See http://www2.apple.com/disability/shareware.html

Word Completion / Prediction

Apple Macintosh Word Completion/Prediction Information

For an in-depth discussion of word completion/prediction and a list of companies which produce word completion/prediction products, see http://trace.wisc.edu/text/computer/multi/ctg_wp.html

Keyboard Audio Feedback

Key Clicks 1.0.4

KeyClicks is a control panel that plays some very short sounds when you press a key. I made it because many people I know have trouble with the PowerBook and Duo keyboards (they have little feedback, so you can't tell whether a key was pressed or not). See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+keyclicks1.0.4.sit.hqx

SayIt

Say It is a program that will speak keystrokes as you type. It's a handy program for people who like to have a voice response/reinforcement as they type. See http://www2.apple.com/disability/shareware.html

Soundmaster 1.8.1

SoundMaster is a utility that makes your Macintosh play sounds when certain system events occur (such as key clicks, disk insertion and ejection, and emptying the trash).

System requirements are System 6.0.4 or later, preferably 6.0.7 or later, and at least one megabyte of RAM memory, preferably at least two. Shareware ($15 + S/H). See http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml

TappyType 2.0.1

TappyType is a Control Panel extension that allows your Mac to make typewriter noises in response to your keypresses. It requires System 7.0 to work. Features include typewriter sounds for the spacebar, carriage return, page up and down, and ordinary keys; a special keystroke that allows you to turn TappyType on and off at any point, without opening the Control Panel; a list of active applications, to which TappyType will limit itself when making noises - you might enjoy the typewriter sound effects while using your favorite word processor or text editor, but probably not elsewhere. Freeware. See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+tappytype2.01.sit.hqx

Voice Output Applications

Audio Interface 1.1

This program uses the MacIntalk or PlainTalk voices to read the contents of menus and dialogue boxes. It would be helpful for people with low vision and could also be used as a teaching tool for learning the menus of new programs. Good companion program for Speak2Me. Freeware. See http://www.sped.ukans.edu/~dlance/freeindex.html

English Text-to-Speech 1.4.1

This software enables your Macintosh to read English text aloud in different voices. With the English text-to-speech software installed, many Macintosh programs can read English text out loud. See ftp://ftp.info.apple.com/Apple.Support.Area/Apple.Software.Updates/US/Macintosh/System/PlainTalk_1.4.1/

HearIt 1.0d3

This program uses the MacIntalk or PlainTalk voices to read hilighted text in almost any application. Freeware. See http://www.sped.ukans.edu/~dlance/freeindex.html

Microsoft Word Speak Plug-in Module

Word Speak is a plug-in module for Microsoft Word versions 5.0 and 5.1 for the Macintosh that lets you use your Macintosh computer and the Apple MacinTalk software to "speak" selections from a Microsoft Word document. You select the text you want, then choose the voice you want the computer to use. When you choose the Speak Selection command, the computer speaks the text. See http://www.microsoft.com/kb/softlib/

Speak2me 1.0

Speak2Me uses MacinTalk to read the icons in the finder as they are selected. Speak2Me requires System 7 or later. Make sure that you are using the MacinTalk which is compatible with System 7. See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+speak2me1.0.sit.hqx

SpeakAlert 1.0.6

SpeakAlert is a control panel/system extension that uses the Speech Manager to speak the text in alerts. The control panel allows you to choose the desired voice and to turn SpeakAlert off or on. SpeakAlert requires that the Speech Manager or PlainTalk TTS or MacInTalkPro system extensions are installed on your machine (any or all). It allows you to use the MacInTalk voices (Boris, RoboVox and the others) as well as the Gala Tea voices (TTS Male voice, Agnes and the others). Freeware. See http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml

Tex-Edit 2.7

This is a powerful, yet simple text editing program. It is useful for people with learning disabilities, since it will read back what one types in a MacIntalk or PlainTalk voice. The user has the option of having text highlighted by word or by paragraph as it is read. This highlighting feature, along with the ability to set the default voice and change its pitch, rate, and modulation, makes it more powerful than SimpleText. With the high-quality PlainTalk voices, this program transforms the Mac into an augmentative communication device. TypeIt4Me is a great companion to this program. The program can record and play sounds within documents and has color text capabilities. The biggest drawback is that it does not have spell-checking ability. Shareware ($5). See http://www.sped.ukans.edu/~dlance/cheap.html

Miscellaneous

Easy Access 7.2

Easy Access is a control panel extension containing a set of keyboard utilities. These utilities assist people who might otherwise have difficulties using the keyboard or the mouse. Included as part of Easy Access are three main features: Mouse Keys, Sticky Keys, and Slow Keys.

Mouse Keys - every function of the mouse can be controlled via the numeric keypad. One can click, drag, and perform all the usual mouse activities. Mouse Keys also makes it easier to make fine adjustments of the cursor position, a feat that is often difficult using a regular mouse.

Sticky Keys - allows the user to press one key at a time for any command that requires simultaneously pressing two or more keys.

Slow Keys - delays the keyboard's acceptance of a key, so if a key is accidently hit, the keyboard will not recognize it.

Freeware. See http://www2.apple.com/disability/macaccess.html

Macintosh Dvorak Layout Software

This set of three keyboard layouts includes the ergonomic and efficient Dvorak keymap in the ANSI standard version for both hands and variations for those typing with either the left or right hand only. The ReadMe file includes pictures of the three layouts. Requires system 7. Freeware. See http://www.acs.oakland.edu/oak.html

Other Apple Macintosh Software Resources

For other Apple Macintosh software resources available, including SerialKeys, see http://trace.wisc.edu/trace/computer/mac/

Schuzzy 3.0.2

Schuzzy(tm) provides information about your SCSI devices and your Mac. It will allow you to save or print all this information. It will also allow you to mount disks that were not mounted on startup. If your disk doesn't have a disk driver on it, Schuzzy also comes with a driver you can install in memory to allow you to use your disk. Shareware. See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+schuzzy3.02.sit.hqx

Serial Mouse Driver 1.01

Connect an IBM type serial mouse to your Macintosh, and use that instead of the standard Macintosh mouse. Works with Microsoft and Mouse Systems compatible mice. Shareware ($10). See http://pubweb.nexor.co.uk/public/mac/archive/welcome.html

Quit It 1.2.3

A Macintosh is very easy to use, but neverteless there are naive users who don't understand anything about processes etc. All they see is windows on the screen, and to stop working they just close the window using the close box. But this leaves the application open, which can lead to confusion on one side, and on a shortage of memory on the other side. Quit It can take away this problem: whenever the last window of an application is closed using the close box, it will quit the application. That's all there is to it. Shareware ($15). See http://www.jumbo.com/bin/docpage.exe?/util/mac/cdev/+quitit1.23.cpt.hqx