TIP: Dolphin free update facility
Stay compatible with the latest mainstream software advancements with free updates
Free product updates and map files are frequently made available to ensure you can access the latest mainstream software packages.
There are three ways to obtain the latest Dolphin map files:
- The Dolphin Updater
In the "Map" menu of the Dolphin product's control panel, the "Update from Internet" option is available. Selecting this item will connect you to the servers where you can either allow your map files to be automatically updated or copied to your folder of choice. Your Dolphin software can also be set to check for map releases and minor version updates through the "Automatic Updates Settings" dialog box. This option is also accessed via the "Map" menu.
- By visiting the Dolphin web site
Available on the Dolphin web site are the latest map files. Visit the "Updates
and Patches" page found in the "Support" section for a link to the latest set
of maps. The download is provided as a self-extracting zip file. Also
available are links to various unofficial (beta) map files.
- By Post
By contacting your local Dolphin Dealer or by contacting Dolphin Computer
Access direct the latest map files can be dispatched to you through the
postal service. (Administration charges may apply).
What are map files?
With an increasingly large choice of programs on the market, not all programs look or behave the same. This can cause problems for screen readers.
A Map file contains information about the design of a particular application. Dolphin access products use this information in order to read the screen correctly with non-standard applications. For example, a button in one application may be completely different in appearance to a button in another application. The Map file will contain a rule telling Supernova or Hal what the button looks like, as well as rules for other objects contained in the application. The result is better screen access to a wider choice of applications.
A Map file can also contain special hotkeys just for your application; for example,. in MS Word, press Left Shift + Num Pad 7 to announce the text alignment. In Outlook Express, the same key will read your email message headers.