Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Windows zoom and low vision (self.Blind)
submitted by picture_a_vacuum
So I just got accepted for a job programming for a .NET application.
This means I will have to use Windows.
I’ve used a Mac for the past several years because the screen zoom feature is so dang good.
I’m wondering what the best screen zoom program for Windows is? The default Magnifier actually isn’t too bad now, that it supports zooming using the mousewheel, which is how macOS handles it.
I’ve considered running Windows in a virtual machine, which would allow for macOS’s screen zoom to still function, however I’m worried about potential performance issues, or compatibility issues.
This means I will have to use Windows.
I’ve used a Mac for the past several years because the screen zoom feature is so dang good.
I’m wondering what the best screen zoom program for Windows is? The default Magnifier actually isn’t too bad now, that it supports zooming using the mousewheel, which is how macOS handles it.
I’ve considered running Windows in a virtual machine, which would allow for macOS’s screen zoom to still function, however I’m worried about potential performance issues, or compatibility issues.
Badassmotherfuckerer 4 points 4y ago
So I found this one trick that helps me a lot for using default windows zoom. Use a mouse that has many reprogram able buttons like a Logitech g502, and reprogram the two buttons on the side next to the left mouse button to the zoom in and zoom out buttons. For me, it was a game changer.
wnolan1992 3 points 4y ago
I think this is the best solution if you don't need the added features of ZoomText.
ZoomText is a great piece of software, but if you solely use magnification, in my opinion it's much better to get comfortable with and master using the standard Windows Magnifier.
I have my gripes with the standard Magnifier (namely that Microsoft STILL hasn't fixed broken shortcut keys relating to colour inversion even though they were reported back in 2016, but thankfully there's a workaround using colour filters), but being able to use the standard software is hugely advantageous in that you can then use any machine in your workplace quickly and easily. If you're only using ZoomText, you're limited to one main machine or having to move a physical USB key around or getting it installed on every machine by your IT department.
ZoomText was very resource heavy when I last used it (version 9.1), whereas the standard Magnifier is very light and responsive, with no bloating features that you'll probably never use if you just want to use zoom.
So yeah, a mouse with macro keys and the standard Windows Magnifier is a great way to go. Also consider a keyboard with some macro keys too so you can zoom in and out and do some other functions without taking your hands off the keyboard. Macros are your friend. :)
ZoomText is a great piece of software, but if you solely use magnification, in my opinion it's much better to get comfortable with and master using the standard Windows Magnifier.
I have my gripes with the standard Magnifier (namely that Microsoft STILL hasn't fixed broken shortcut keys relating to colour inversion even though they were reported back in 2016, but thankfully there's a workaround using colour filters), but being able to use the standard software is hugely advantageous in that you can then use any machine in your workplace quickly and easily. If you're only using ZoomText, you're limited to one main machine or having to move a physical USB key around or getting it installed on every machine by your IT department.
ZoomText was very resource heavy when I last used it (version 9.1), whereas the standard Magnifier is very light and responsive, with no bloating features that you'll probably never use if you just want to use zoom.
So yeah, a mouse with macro keys and the standard Windows Magnifier is a great way to go. Also consider a keyboard with some macro keys too so you can zoom in and out and do some other functions without taking your hands off the keyboard. Macros are your friend. :)
picture_a_vacuum [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Woah that’s a fantastic idea! I have a Logitech mouse with those buttons too. I’ve always hated the clunky windows key + thing.
Badassmotherfuckerer 1 points 4y ago
Yup, I used to do the windows key + command and that was a pain in the ass since you have to take your hand off the mouse every time you want to adjust the zoom level.
EconomyWish 1 points 4y ago
This is great! Glad you gave Windows a shot again (not because I'm a Windows fanboy but because Windows really is everywhere...). And really glad you took the initiative and went out and problem-solved your way into this job. Just keep at it.
I want to throw out one more suggestion: invest in a Windows machine for home use and switch to using it for the next few months. This'll help you get on your feet at work faster.
Your goal should be to look for creative ways to cope with whatever issues you have left. And if you get frustrated, problem-solve! I would even go so far as to give feedback to the $1 so that, in a year or two, the magnifier gets to be as good as it is on the Mac.
I want to throw out one more suggestion: invest in a Windows machine for home use and switch to using it for the next few months. This'll help you get on your feet at work faster.
Your goal should be to look for creative ways to cope with whatever issues you have left. And if you get frustrated, problem-solve! I would even go so far as to give feedback to the $1 so that, in a year or two, the magnifier gets to be as good as it is on the Mac.
Carnegie89 1 points 4y ago
ZoomText is by far the best screen magnifier out there. It's very user-friendly. This does take some computer power. If you have Intel i7 or AMD equivalent with at least 8 GB RAM, ZoomText should work fine with your other programs. If you need further details, contact ZoomText directly. They are quite good at customer service.
Drop9Reddit 3 points 4y ago
Compared to windows 10 built in Zoom I have found the last 4 major ZoomText Releases. Basically everything since 9.1 to be bloated and slow and reduce my productivity. The system requirements have gotten insane for it.
ginsenshi 1 points 4y ago
Here’s a link to a free screen magnifier I don’t know how well it works because I am a Mac user and speech user but here’s the link
https://www.glassbrick.org/
https://www.glassbrick.org/
timbaileyjones 1 points 3y ago
I tried it... I can't seem to get it to start upon boot, and when I do use it, it is JUMPY as fuck. Too distracting! (and I did give a $5 donation)
[deleted] 1 points 4y ago
[deleted]
picture_a_vacuum [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Yep, my local Blind organisation thingy gave me a copy today, but my version of Windows 10 seems to block its installation. I’m going to have to figure out why
Carnegie89 3 points 4y ago
Try downloading the latest trial version from ZoomText $1
Run the installation as Administrator. Also, set the screen resolution to its native setting. That was an issue I faced. My laptop has a 4k display and when I set it to anything below that ZoomText won't work.
Run the installation as Administrator. Also, set the screen resolution to its native setting. That was an issue I faced. My laptop has a 4k display and when I set it to anything below that ZoomText won't work.
picture_a_vacuum [OP] 3 points 4y ago
Ah yes. I ran it on a 5k iMac. That’s probably what freaked it out 😂
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